The Facebook is one of the most popular platforms social networking. But it can also be very dangerous, as cybercriminals can use it to deceive users and steal data or install malicious software software on their devices. These are the so-called Facebook scams (fraud).
If you think you're smart enough to avoid a scam, think again. Anyone can fall victim to a scam on the internet, especially when displayed on a trusted platform.
In this article, we'll look at the most common types of scams you can encounter on Facebook.
1. Facebook Giveaway Scam
One of the most common scams that one can encounter on Facebook and other social media. It is a scam that claims to be you earn something. For example, you may be given a new iPhone, a large sum of money or a free holiday in one of the world's best resorts. In many cases, scammers try to convince you that the gift comes from a large and well-known company. Always keep in mind that if something is too good to be true, it is probably a scam!
2. Friend requests from accounts you already have on your friends list
If you've received a friend request from someone you know is already your Facebook friend, it's probably a scam. Scammers are replicating accounts and pretending to be someone you know to convince you to accept them as a friend. Friends.
You are more likely to accept someone as a friend when you know them. That way, the scammer gets more access to data, while it may send links or content containing viruses to infect your device.
See also: Which scams were most popular in the first months of 2023?
3. Scams in the Facebook Marketplace
If you use Facebook Marketplace for buying and selling, you have to be careful!
Scammers are taking advantage of this part of Facebook as well. They may ask for additional shipping costs, pretend to be legitimate businesses, claim to be selling authentic products, but all of this may be fake.
Make sure you learn how to avoid common scams in the Facebook Marketplace so you can transact with Security on the platform.
4. Scams that claim to have your videos/photos
If a friend sends you a link, claiming to have found a inappropriate video of you, there is a high probability that the account on Facebook. Scammers use this bait to make you panic and open the link without thinking twice. This link includes malware with which it infects your device.
You should always be careful with this kind or similar Messages, especially when they contain links.
5. Scams with job ads on Facebook
Many times, they are published in the social media job advertisements promising ideal working conditions with very high pay.
The purpose of these scams is to theft of personal information. This can include information such as email, home address, ID number and other data that someone discloses to a potential employer.
6. Charity Scams
Many scammers take advantage of a tragic event to convince people to donate. Before you give your credit card details to a good cause, take a look at the internet for reputable charities.
7. Facebook: online shopping scams
Facebook is not only a social networking site, it is also an e-commerce platform. There are scams in the form of advertising where you are offered something at a very good price, when you know it's actually very expensive.
While businesses are using Facebook to promote their products and services, the scammers use it to sell fake products and imitations of popular brands.
See also: Pig butchering crypto scam: Hackers stole $1 million in three months
8. Fake pages posing as official pages of organisations
Fraudsters can create fake pages that mimic the official pages of large organisations in order to deceive people users. The aim is mainly to steal personal and banking data.
For example, there are many fake bank pages that promise loans and can deceive users in need of financial help.
9. Phishing scams on Facebook
In this scam, a link is sent which you have to click on. In many cases, you are taken to a fake page where you are asked to enter the credentials your connection.
The scammer's goal is to steal your Facebook account and pretend to be you for fraudulent purposes. He may send messages to your friends, post content or use the information to get Accessed at in your bank accounts.
10. Catfishing
The catfishing is a form of scam in which the scammer creates a fake profile with another person's details and photos and tries to reach you via messages. The scammer's aim is to gain your trust. In many cases, a very close relationship is created contact, which can last a few weeks or even months. But always avoid communication by video call or face to face. If you happen to fall in love with one of these scammers, at some point, he will ask you for money.
They may ask you to deposit something in their bank account account, pretend he needs the money to come and see you or lie about being in some kind of crisis.
See also: Phishing and scam pages increased significantly in 2022
You must always be very careful!
Even the most experienced digital security expert can fall victim to online fraud. Here we've looked at the most common Facebook scams, but keep in mind that new scams are being spotted every day on other sites as well. social media. The key to avoiding such scams is to stay on top of the scams. Vigilance and be careful with any of your online activity.
Protection from Facebook scams
You can protect yourself from Facebook scams in a number of ways. First, it's important to always check the credibility of sources before clicking on any link or sharing information. Also, be careful when receiving friend requests from strangers or from accounts you already have on your friend list. Avoid sharing sensitive personal or financial information through Facebook and be very wary of ads and offers that seem too good to be true. Finally, always use your personal computer or mobile device to acquire Accessed at in your account and make sure your systems are up to date.
Source : www.makeuseof.com