Read about Facebook scams, and you’ll understand that not all things are as good as they appear. Over a billion individuals now routinely use Facebook, which is a staggering number of users. With such a vast population, scammers are naturally drawn to it. The majority of cybercriminals are creative. They are constantly thinking of innovative ways to steal from trusting social media users. Most frequently, fraudsters aim to obtain your account login information, personally identifiable information, or bank and credit card details. Here are some common scams they attempt to perpetrate each day of the year.
You’ll see a lot of advertisements and posts from charities promising to assist the victims, especially after a significant catastrophe.
Although some of those fundraisers benefit those in need, others can just be scammers taking advantage of your charitable nature.
Charity scams
One possibility is that clicking a link from those scammers can infect the computer with malware. Worse? Your contributions will instead end up in the hands of a thief, not the tragedy’s victims.
Do a Google search for the website rather than clicking the link in the Facebook post to protect your money. Instead of giving to the first charity you see advertised, look for one that is reputable.
Coupon code scams
You’re lucky if a post has a coupon that works! You just made a financial gain. However, be wary if you have to register or provide personal information to access the benefits.
A website may pose as a real store in some Facebook scams while really phishing for information. To check whether the coupon code exists or not. “Open a new browser tab and Google it.” “Go to the source and find out what is happening.” You may be sure that the official website of the stores will inform you whether there is a legitimate promotion.
Friend request scams
Do not immediately believe a message from a person that you cannot see in person, even if you have not yet received a fresh request. A person’s password can be used by hackers to access their account, message their friends, and then exit. The person may urge you to send money after telling you they lost their wallet in Europe. Even though it may seem evident at this point that it’s a hoax, those messages may cause you to lose your composure due to anxiety.
Romance scams
Consider your decision carefully before accepting friend requests from strangers; doing so could lead you to fall for a romance scam. You start to feel like “genuine” friends rather quickly, and there’s even a hint of romance. It is one of the strategies scammers employ to gain your trust before defrauding you. You are often eager to assist this close buddy when they ask for money or other things from you. However, the other party has been lying tall all along to win your trust.
Malware attacks
Your first inclination could be to click the link if a buddy tags you along with a few other friends in a Facebook post, even if the video seems dubious. The person who tagged you might not have been your buddy; a hacker may have gained access to their account. The hacker’s URL will probably take you to a page that requests that you download the most recent version of Flash player. You click the link, and as soon as it does, the malware begins to download to your system.
How to protect yourself from Facebook scams?
- Avoid clicking on any dubious links. Most of the posts with short links or dramatic videos are scams.
- If you receive a warning that your account may have been hacked or terminated, log in directly through your browser instead of using the link provided in the message or email.
- Set up two-factor authentication on your account and create a strong password. Never share your login code with anyone.
How to get money back from scammers?
If you realize that you are a victim of one of these scams or any other Facebook scams, then please contact the Scam Helpers website. We provide a complaint form, fill it and you will get a free consultation with our expert.
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