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Nowadays, more and more people fall prey to online scams. Since one of the most popular places where people spend their time online these days is Facebook, it comes as no surprise that scammers take advantage of the popular social media platform to target new victims. Learn more about how Facebook scams look so you can avoid them if you’re being targeted.
Hacking Scams
Hacking is one of the biggest concerns you might have while browsing online, especially when you make payments. However, bank accounts are not the only sensitive information hackers are after. Facebook accounts can easily be hacked and once someone gets hold of your credential, they can use your account for different purposes such as asking for money from your close contacts.
Usually, it all starts with phishing emails. These emails come from unknown contacts or impersonate companies or even institutions. Their purpose is either to make you download an attachment that contains malicious software or make you click on a link. This allows hackers to get access to your computer through malware and steal your credentials, including those you use for your Facebook account. To prevent this, delete suspicious emails that come from unknown senders.
Fake Facebook Profiles
Facebook is all about socializing with people and to do this, you send and get friend requests. However, if you’ve just received a suspicious friend request, don’t feel obliged to accept it. Check out that profile to see who that person is, who their friends are, and most importantly, how old the profile is. If someone is trying to scam you, the account is most likely going to be a new one, with a limited number of posts. Moreover, check the photos by drag and dropping them in Google Images. If the photos are fake and taken from stock websites, for example, you will find them in the results. Don’t rush to accept any new friendship request because it might come from a scammer that wants to start a conversation with you to trick you into buying fake products, investing in fake business opportunities, or do different other things that involve transferring money.
Fake Facebook Ads
Facebook ads are so common these days that you might not even think twice before you click on them to check out the product or service they advertise. However, not all ads are legitimate promotional strategies used by real companies. Fake Facebook ads can direct you to a website where you’re being encouraged to purchase products or services at great discount prices. To do this, naturally, you have to make a bank transfer. You can end up paying for products that never arrive at your door because the company selling them doesn’t exist. You could also put your sensitive bank and personal information in the hands of fraudsters that can use it to apply for a loan or other benefits. You might also download dangerous viruses that can damage your computer or sneak into your files and access sensitive information. The list of potential negative consequences is long and to avoid getting into a Facebook ad scam, there is one golden rule: don’t click on offers that seem too good to be true. If you want to check the validity of those promotions, simply google for the company’s name online and check out its website and customer reviews to make sure it’s legitimate.
Fake Messages from Friends
Just like your Facebook account can get hacked, the same can happen to other people you know who are friends with you on Facebook and in real life. Hackers can use their accounts to ask for money or other favors or to send links that contain malware. To avoid getting scammed because you wanted to help a friend in need or you were curious to see what link or attachment they’ve sent you, be cautious at all times. If a friend of yours is asking for money on Facebook, call them so they can also confirm by phone they need a loan. If they send you an unusual message asking you to check out a link, don’t rush to click on it, especially if the message doesn’t seem to be written by that person. Also, check your feed to see if the message appears several times. If it does, it can be a scam hackers send through automated messages.
Facebook is a great place to chat with friends, see what your acquaintances are doing, or simply keep up to date with what is happening worldwide. However, it can also be dangerous if you’re being targeted by scammers, so be cautious at all times.
Post written by ClearWater Management Korea – Reach out to us anytime and reshape your financial future.
