With over 2.989 billion monthly active users worldwide, Facebook has become a platform where we connect with friends and family and engage with brands, businesses, and strangers from all corners of the globe.
This widespread popularity has also attracted crooks who are constantly finding new ways to exploit unsuspecting users. Hence, this social media network is rife with fraud.
Unfortunately, not everyone is on the up-and-up when using social media, and Meta is no exception. It’s important to know how to identify and protect yourself from these scams to keep your data and financial assets secure.
To help you out, we’ve put together a list of the tips that will prevent you from getting scammed on Facebook.
1) Beware of Impersonation Scams
Tricksters may create fake accounts and pose as someone you know or trust, such as a friend, family member, or company. These accounts might be used to make requests for cash, solicit private data, or entice you to click on a link.
To avoid falling for impersonation scams, be cautious of unsolicited friend requests, carefully review profiles and messages, and consider reaching out to the person or company directly to confirm the request before taking any action.
2) Look Out for Phishing Attempts
Phishing attempts are another common way criminals try to steal personal information from Facebook users. They do this by sending a message or email that looks like it’s from a trusted source, such as Meta or a friend. However, if you click the link or enter your login details, you’ll unknowingly give the criminals access to your account.
To avoid phishing scams, always check the sender’s email address or profile to ensure it’s legitimate before clicking any links or entering personal information.
3) Be Cautious of Suspicious Links and Attachments
Be cautious if you receive a message with a link or attachment from an unfamiliar sender or one that seems out of character for someone you know. These links and attachments could contain viruses or malware that can steal your personal information or even damage your device.
Be wary of clicking links that take you off the social networking site. Fraudsters frequently use this trick to lead you to a false login page so that they may take your username and password. Always check the URL of the page and ensure it is the legitimate website you intended to visit.
Remember, Facebook will never ask for your login information outside of the official Meta website or app.
4) Think Twice Before Clicking on Advertisements
Advertisements are everywhere online, and it can be tempting to click on them if they seem interesting or offer a great deal. However, many of these advertisements can lead to fraud or phishing attempts.
Before clicking on any advertisement, think twice and ask yourself if it seems too good to be true or if you’ve heard of the company before. If in doubt, it’s best to avoid them.
5) Stay Away from Get-Rich-Quick Schemes
One of the most common types of deceptions on social media platforms is the infamous get-rich-quick scheme. These hoaxes typically promise you fast and easy money for very little effort. However, they are usually too good to be true and can end up costing you a lot of money in the long run.
It’s best to stay away from them altogether. Remember, there’s no substitute for hard work and perseverance when making money. Always be skeptical of any opportunity that is too suspicious.
6) Avoid Fake Charities and Donation Requests
Unfortunately, tricksters often exploit natural disasters and tragedies to prey on people’s desire to help. To avoid falling victim to fake charities or donation requests on Facebook, always research the organization before giving any money.
Check for a valid website, social media presence, and reviews from reputable sources. Additionally, be wary of any urgent requests or emotional appeals for donations, as criminals may try to exploit your generosity.
Donating directly to established charities or relief organizations is always better than responding to unsolicited requests on social media.
7) Don’t Accept Friend Requests from Strangers
Tricksters often create fake profiles to gain access to people’s personal information or spread malware through friend requests. Although it could seem alluring, it’s advisable to err on the side of caution when accepting friend requests from random individuals, even when you have mutual friends.
If you’re unsure about someone, send them a message or ask your mutual friends if they know the person. You can also use PhoneHistory to double-check the identity of someone reaching out to you on Facebook. All you need is their phone number. On PhoneHistory, you’ll find their real name, address, and other important information.
8) Update Your Password Regularly
Changing your password regularly ensures that even if a scammer manages to gain access to your account, they won’t be able to stay logged in for long.
Facebook advises creating a strong, one-of-a-kind password with a mix of characters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using words that are easily guessed, as well as private information like your name or date of birth.
You could dramatically lower your risk of being susceptible to social media fraud by frequently upgrading your password and using strong, unique passwords for all of your accounts.
9) Use the Platform’s Security Features
Facebook has a number of built-in security tools that can help you keep your account secure.
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Enable two-factor authentication.
When logging in to this feature, you must input a code that has been delivered to your phone or email. It’s an extra layer of security that can help against account theft.
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Make use of the privacy settings.
These let you control who can see your posts and information, and you can even restrict certain people or groups from viewing your profile altogether. It’s necessary to regularly review your privacy settings to ensure that you’re comfortable with who can access your data.
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Explore Facebook’s “Trusted contacts” feature.
With this feature, you can name anyone as a trusted contact who, if you ever lose access to your account, can assist you in getting it back. Choose people you trust and let them know you’ve added them as trusted contacts.
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Report any suspicious activity or content to Meta directly.
If you encounter a scam or something that seems fishy, use Facebook’s reporting tools to let them know. They’ll investigate and take appropriate action if necessary.
Final Thoughts
As social media usage increases in our daily lives, it’s essential to stay vigilant against the numerous scams and fraudulent schemes targeting unsuspecting users. Facebook is one of the most popular social media platforms in the world. Many people take the opportunity of this, creating fake pages and scamming users to get access to their data.
Taking the precautions we’ve covered above allows you to enjoy social media’s benefits without risking your security. Stay safe and stay alert!
