Facebook Scams 2023: Tips To Avoid Them
Discover the world’s most popular social media platform – Facebook! Over 2.8 billion users log in every month to catch up with friends, get their news, and even shop. However, such a vast user base also attracts cybercriminals looking to scam unsuspecting victims. Facebook scams cost hundreds of millions of dollars in financial losses every year. Are you at risk? Learn about the most common scams and how to protect yourself from falling victim.
Common Facebook Scams Today
#1 Phishing Scams
Facebook users have long been targeted by scammers using fake emails. These phishing emails on Facebook often contain links that direct you to a fake Facebook website.
They may claim that your account has been compromised and urge you to enter your login information or click on a link to reset your account for security reasons. Don’t fall for these tricks – always verify the authenticity of an email before clicking any links. Stay safe on Facebook by staying informed and vigilant.
Scammers on Facebook have one objective: to steal your confidential information. Falling for this scam puts you at risk of turning your life upside down.
They can take control of your Facebook account, scam your friends and even access your bank account or credit card to make fraudulent purchases. Be on guard, as cybercriminals are also using Facebook Messenger to send these links.
What is the best way to avoid scams? Do not follow external links with write and messages, especially those people you do not trust. Also always check the links and URLs themselves.
#2 Winner scams
We all love winning prizes, but scammers know just how to exploit this feeling. They often impersonate famous people or well-known brands to lure you with an offer you can’t resist. All you need to do to claim your prize is pay a small fee for shipping or processing, or sometimes just scan a QR code.
But be warned: these fraudsters are after your personal and financial information. Once you give it to them, they disappear without a trace, leaving you with a stolen identity or an empty bank account.
How do I make sure I am not being scammed on Facebook? First, consider whether you have entered any contests. If not, then you are 99.9% cheating. The second step is not to transfer any data or money upfront.
#3 Romance scams
Beware of one of the oldest scams – fraudsters posing as love interests on Facebook. These strangers will say anything to gain your trust and play on your emotions. They’ll chat with you for weeks or even months before asking for money.
It’s called a romance scam, and it’s a common form of catfishing online. Watch out for the “Mason” scam that’s been going around lately. Don’t fall for their tricks – they’ll use any excuse to get your money!
How do you outsmart a scammer? The only way is to check the words that the interlocutor said. Did a relative go to the hospital? Find out the number of the hospital, then call there and, introduce yourself as a relative, ask which ward the patient is in and what condition he is in.
You may need to set up Android VPN for this. Transferring money to someone on the other side of the screen is not the best idea, but unforeseen things happen, and it’s better to test your theory. With VPN apk you can install a virtual private network on your phone and unblock any website. VeePN has 2500+ servers worldwide, so you are guaranteed to find your favourite from the list.
#4 Charity scams
Beware of emotional manipulation by scammers when donating to charity. They often create fake charity profiles with photos of people in dire need to generate donations. Before donating, please do your due diligence on the organization to ensure your money goes to those who genuinely need it. While helping those in need is essential, be sure to verify that your money is making a real positive impact.
#5 Shopping scams
Facebook has transformed from a social network app to a thriving e-commerce platform. Businesses of all sizes use sponsored posts to promote their goods and services on their pages. However, cybercriminals take advantage of the popularity of Facebook shopping through scam ads.
They create counterfeit brand accounts and generate “too good to be true” offers to lure unsuspecting shoppers. These fraudulent unknown sellers offer merchandise at incredibly low prices, but they never deliver the items and vanish with the money. Be cautious when shopping on Facebook to avoid becoming a victim of these scams.
#6 Quizzes and games
Beware of Facebook quizzes that ask personal questions – they may seem harmless, but they’re scams designed to steal sensitive information. Cybercriminals often use this information to hack into your account and cause havoc. Protect yourself and your online accounts by avoiding these quizzes and securing passwords. Don’t fall for their tricks – stay vigilant and stay safe.
Conclusion
Facebook scams are becoming increasingly common. To avoid becoming a victim, stay informed and be vigilant when browsing the platform. Don’t fall for phishing emails, don’t give out personal information to strangers, and always do your due diligence before making any payments online. With these tips, you can protect yourself from falling prey to Facebook scammers.