As we enter 2024, Facebook remains a popular platform not just for connecting with friends and family but also for scammers looking to exploit unsuspecting users.
Cybercriminals are continually evolving their tactics, making it more important than ever to be aware of the latest scams. This guide will walk you through how to spot and avoid these scams, ensuring you stay safe while using Facebook.
What Are the Biggest Scams Happening on Facebook?
Social media platforms have become a breeding ground for scams and fraud, with Facebook being one of the most targeted platforms by cybercriminals. According to a report by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Americans lost nearly $1.5 billion to scams on social networking sites in 2023 alone. Out of all the social networks, Facebook has the most significant fraud problem, with over 62% of users encountering scams on a weekly basis.
Facebook’s popularity, coupled with its vast user base, makes it an attractive target for scammers. From fake profiles to fraudulent Marketplace listings and phony giveaways, cybercriminals constantly devise new ways to deceive users. Understanding the most common scams and knowing how to spot them is crucial in protecting yourself from becoming a victim.
In this guide, we’ll explore the most prevalent Facebook scams of 2024, how to recognize them, and the steps you can take to safeguard your identity and personal information.
The 15 Latest Facebook Scams To Avoid in 2024
Scammers are becoming more sophisticated, and their methods more convincing. Below are the 15 latest scams you need to be aware of on Facebook in 2024:
1. Fake Prizes and Giveaways
Scammers often lure victims with the promise of winning a prize, gift card, or other free items. These scams typically involve creating fake Facebook pages that resemble those of well-known companies or public figures, such as celebrities or lottery organizations. The scammers then post about a giveaway or send direct messages claiming that you’ve won a prize. However, to claim the prize, they ask for personal information, such as credit card details, or an upfront payment for taxes or fees.
How to Avoid Fake Giveaway Scams:
- Verify the Source: Always check the legitimacy of the page hosting the giveaway. Look for inconsistencies in the page’s content, follower count, and posts.
- Be Cautious of Upfront Fees: Legitimate giveaways do not require payment to claim a prize. If you’re asked to pay, it’s a scam.
- Check with the Official Company: If you’re unsure about a giveaway, contact the company directly through their official website or customer service.
2. Charity Scams and Fraudulent GoFundMe Campaigns
In times of crisis or tragedy, many people turn to Facebook to raise funds for those in need. Unfortunately, scammers exploit this generosity by creating fake charity pages or GoFundMe campaigns. These scams are designed to tug at your heartstrings, convincing you to donate to a cause that doesn’t exist.
How to Avoid Charity Scams:
- Research the Charity: Before donating, verify the legitimacy of the organization on sites like Charity Navigator or the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance.
- Be Wary of Emotional Appeals: Scammers often use overly emotional language to manipulate you into donating. Be cautious of stories that seem exaggerated or overly dramatic.
- Avoid Non-Traditional Payment Methods: Stick to credit cards or official payment gateways when donating. Avoid sending money through gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrencies.
3. “I Can’t Believe He’s Gone” Posts
This scam involves posts that appear to be mourning the loss of a loved one or friend, with messages like “I can’t believe he’s gone” or “I’ll miss him so much.” The post typically includes a video link, which, when clicked, redirects you to a fake Facebook login page designed to steal your credentials.
How to Avoid This Scam:
- Be Skeptical of Emotional Posts: Avoid clicking on links in posts that seem overly emotional or vague, especially if they mention a tragedy but don’t provide details.
- Check the URL: Hover over the link before clicking to see where it leads. If the URL looks suspicious or doesn’t seem to belong to Facebook, don’t click it.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Protect your account by enabling 2FA, which adds an extra layer of security in case your login credentials are compromised.
4. Scammy Marketplace Buyers Requesting Google Voice Codes
Facebook Marketplace is a popular place to buy and sell items, but it’s also a hotbed for scams. One common scam involves a buyer asking you to send a Google Voice code to verify that you’re a real seller. However, this code is used by the scammer to set up a Google Voice number linked to your phone number, which they can then use for fraudulent activities.
How to Avoid This Scam:
- Never Share Verification Codes: Don’t share any codes sent to your phone with buyers or sellers. These codes are meant to secure your account, not theirs.
- Keep Conversations on Facebook: Scammers often try to move conversations to other platforms like WhatsApp or text messaging. Keep all communications on Facebook Messenger for added security.
- Meet in Person: Whenever possible, conduct transactions in person and in a public place. This minimizes the risk of being scammed.
5. Underpriced Luxury or In-Demand Items on Marketplace
Scammers frequently post items on Facebook Marketplace at prices that seem too good to be true, such as luxury goods or high-demand products at a fraction of their actual value. The seller often has a convincing story to explain the low price, but once you pay, the item either doesn’t exist or is never shipped.
How to Avoid This Scam:
- Beware of Deals That Are Too Good to Be True: If the price seems unrealistically low, it probably is. Research the item’s market value before committing to a purchase.
- Insist on Meeting in Person: Always meet the seller in a public place to inspect the item before paying. Avoid transactions that require upfront payment or deposits.
- Use Secure Payment Methods: If you can’t meet in person, use secure payment methods that offer buyer protection, such as PayPal.
6. Sending “Deposits” for Items on Marketplace
Another Marketplace scam involves sellers asking for a deposit to hold an item. Once you send the deposit, the seller disappears, leaving you without the item or your money.
How to Avoid This Scam:
- Avoid Deposits: Never send a deposit before meeting the seller and inspecting the item in person.
- Double-Check the Seller’s Profile: Look for red flags, such as a newly created profile or a lack of transaction history.
- Use Escrow Services: If you must pay a deposit, consider using an escrow service that holds the funds until the transaction is complete.
7. Too-Good-to-Be-True Investment Opportunities (Cryptocurrencies, etc.)
Investment scams on Facebook often promise high returns with little to no risk, particularly in the areas of cryptocurrencies and other emerging markets. These scams can involve fake investment platforms, Ponzi schemes, or fraudulent ICOs (Initial Coin Offerings).
How to Avoid Investment Scams:
- Research the Investment: Always research any investment opportunity thoroughly before committing. Look for reviews, regulatory approvals, and transparency in how the investment works.
- Be Wary of Guaranteed Returns: No legitimate investment guarantees returns. High returns with no risk are a major red flag.
- Verify the Company: Check if the company offering the investment is registered with financial authorities and has a legitimate business address and contact information.
8. Romance and Sextortion Scams
Romance scams involve fraudsters building fake relationships with their victims online, often leading to requests for money. Sextortion scams take this a step further by blackmailing victims with intimate photos or videos they’ve been tricked into sharing.
How to Avoid These Scams:
- Be Cautious of Fast-Moving Relationships: Scammers often push for quick progression in online relationships to gain your trust and manipulate you emotionally.
- Limit Personal Information Sharing: Be mindful of the information you share online, particularly in new relationships. Scammers use this information to target you.
- Report Suspicious Profiles: If someone you’ve never met in person starts asking for money or intimate photos, report their profile to Facebook and cease all contact.
9. Hacked or Cloned Friend Accounts Asking for 2FA Codes
In this scam, hackers take control of or clone a friend’s Facebook account and use it to ask you for a 2FA code. They claim they’re locked out of their account and need your help, but in reality, they’re trying to gain dark web access to your account.
How to Avoid This Scam:
- Verify Requests Directly: If you receive such a request, contact your friend through another method, such as a phone call, to verify if it’s legitimate.
- Never Share Your 2FA Codes: These codes are meant to protect your account. Never share them with anyone, even if the request seems to come from a friend.
- Monitor Your Accounts: Regularly check your account activity and security settings to ensure no unauthorized changes have been made.
10. “Is This You?” Video Link Scams
This classic phishing scam involves receiving a message from a friend that says something like, “Is this you?” along with a video link. The link leads to a fake Facebook login page designed to steal your credentials or to a site that downloads malware onto your device.
How to Avoid This Scam:
- Don’t Click Suspicious Links: If you receive an unexpected message with a link, don’t click it. Contact the sender to verify if they actually sent the message.
- Check the URL: Hover over the link to see where it leads. If the URL doesn’t match Facebook’s domain or looks suspicious, don’t click it.
- Update Your Security Software: Ensure your device’s security software is up to date to protect against malware that might be downloaded through these links.
11. Fraudulent Event Invites
Scammers create fake Facebook events to lure users into buying tickets for non-existent concerts, festivals, or other events. They may even use the names of legitimate venues or artists to make the event seem credible.
How to Avoid This Scam:
- Check the Event Details: Look for inconsistencies in the event description, such as vague details or missing information.
- Verify with the Venue: Contact the venue directly to confirm the event’s legitimacy before purchasing tickets.
- Use Official Ticket Vendors: Only buy tickets from reputable sources, such as the venue’s official website or well-known ticket vendors.
12. Fake Job Offers
Scammers often post fake job listings on Facebook that promise high salaries for minimal work. These scams typically ask for upfront payments for training materials or ask for personal information under the guise of a background check.
How to Avoid Job Scams:
- Research the Company: Before applying for a job, research the company to ensure it’s legitimate. Look for reviews, a professional website, and contact information.
- Be Wary of Upfront Fees: Legitimate employers don’t ask for money to apply for a job or for training materials.
- Check the Job Listing: Look for red flags in the job description, such as unrealistic pay, vague job responsibilities, or the use of generic language.
13. Facebook Business Manager Scams
Business owners who use Facebook’s Business Manager may encounter scams where hackers attempt to gain access to their ad accounts. This is often done through phishing emails or messages that look like official communication from Facebook.
How to Avoid This Scam:
- Verify Official Communication: Be cautious of emails or messages that ask for sensitive information or that urge you to click on links. Check the sender’s email address or contact Facebook support directly.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Use 2FA on your Facebook Business Manager account to add an extra layer of security.
- Monitor Account Activity: Regularly review your account activity and ad spending to spot any unauthorized transactions.
14. Fake Coupon Codes and Gift Card Offers
Scammers often create fake Facebook posts or pages offering discount codes or gift cards from well-known retailers. These offers usually require you to click on a link, fill out a survey, or share the post to receive the offer. However, the codes and gift cards don’t exist, and your personal information may be harvested or your device infected with malware.
How to Avoid This Scam:
- Check the Source: Verify the offer by checking the retailer’s official website or contacting their customer service.
- Avoid Sharing Personal Information: Don’t provide personal information, such as your name, address, or credit card number, to claim a coupon or gift card.
- Be Skeptical of Sharing Requests: Scams often require you to share the post or tag friends. Legitimate offers usually don’t have such requirements.
15. Fake Influencer Endorsements
Some scammers create fake Facebook pages or posts that appear to be endorsed by popular influencers. These endorsements typically promote counterfeit products, unproven health supplements, or fake investment opportunities.
How to Avoid This Scam:
- Research the Endorsement: Verify the influencer’s endorsement by checking their official social media accounts or website.
- Be Skeptical of Outlandish Claims: If the product or service being promoted makes exaggerated claims, such as guaranteed results or “miracle” benefits, it’s likely a scam.
- Check for Authentic Reviews: Look for genuine user reviews and testimonials before making a purchase or investment.
How To Protect Your Facebook Account
Protecting your Facebook account is essential in preventing scams and securing your personal information. Here are some steps you can take to safeguard your account:
1. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Two-Factor Authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification in addition to your password. This makes it more difficult for scammers to gain access to your account, even if they have your login credentials.
How to Enable 2FA:
- Go to your Facebook settings.
- Click on “Security and Login.”
- Scroll down to “Two-Factor Authentication” and click “Edit.”
- Follow the prompts to set up 2FA using your preferred method, such as a text message or an authentication app.
2. Regularly Update Your Password
Using a strong, unique password for your Facebook account can significantly reduce the risk of being hacked. Avoid using easily guessable passwords, such as your name or birthdate, and consider using a passphrase or a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols.
How to Update Your Password:
- Go to your Facebook settings.
- Click on “Security and Login.”
- Under “Login,” click “Change password.”
- Enter your current password and your new password, then click “Save Changes.”
3. Review and Update Your Privacy Settings
Regularly reviewing and updating your privacy settings can help control who can see your posts, send you friend requests, and access your personal information.
How to Update Privacy Settings:
- Go to your Facebook settings.
- Click on “Privacy.”
- Review each section and adjust the settings to your preference, such as who can see your future posts, who can look you up using your email address, and more.
4. Monitor Account Activity
Facebook allows you to view where and when your account has been accessed. Regularly checking this activity can help you spot any unauthorized access.
How to Monitor Account Activity:
- Go to your Facebook settings.
- Click on “Security and Login.”
- Under “Where You’re Logged In,” you’ll see a list of devices and locations where your account is currently active. If you see anything suspicious, log out of those sessions.
5. Be Cautious of Friend Requests
Scammers often create fake profiles to send friend requests, particularly to people they can target with scams. Be selective about who you accept as a friend on Facebook, and always verify the authenticity of profiles you don’t recognize.
What To Do If You’ve Been Scammed on Facebook
If you suspect you’ve been scammed on Facebook, it’s important to act quickly to minimize the damage. Here are the steps you should take:
Report the Scam to Facebook:
- Go to the scammer’s profile or page.
- Click on the three dots (…) in the top right corner.
- Select “Find Support or Report Profile/Page” and follow the prompts.
Secure Your Account:
- Change your password immediately.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication.
- Review and log out of any suspicious active sessions.
Monitor Your Financial Accounts:
- If you’ve shared financial information, monitor your bank and credit card statements for any unauthorized transactions.
- Consider placing a fraud alert on your credit report.
Notify Your Contacts:
- If your account has been compromised, inform your friends and family so they can be cautious of any suspicious messages or posts from your account.
Report the Scam to Authorities:
- If you’ve lost money or your personal information has been compromised, report the scam to your local law enforcement agency or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
Final Thoughts: Stay Vigilant Against Facebook Scams
As scammers become increasingly sophisticated, it’s more important than ever to stay vigilant when using Facebook. By familiarizing yourself with the latest scams and taking proactive steps to protect your account, you can reduce the risk of falling victim to these schemes.
Remember, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Always verify the authenticity of offers, profiles, and messages before taking any action. Stay safe and protect yourself online.
References:
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0304387823001025
- https://www.aura.com/learn/facebook-scams
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4669957/
- https://nordvpn.com/blog/facebook-scams/
- https://lifelock.norton.com/learn/fraud/facebook-marketplace-scams