A Senior's Guide to Facebook Scams

Facebook is a great way to stay connected with friends and family, but it’s also a space where scammers often target unsuspecting users, especially seniors. These scammers use different tactics to steal your information, money, or generally just cause chaos. The good news is, once you know what to look for, you can protect yourself. Here's an easy-to-understand guide to the most common Facebook scams in 2024 and how to avoid them.

Facebook Marketplace Scams

If you use Facebook Marketplace to buy or sell items, be cautious! Scammers often post fake listings with prices that seem too good to be true. They might ask you to pay outside of Facebook (using services like Zelle or PayPal), which can leave you vulnerable to losing your money.

How to Stay Safe:

• Stick to buying and selling within Facebook's system.

• Be cautious if the seller or buyer wants to communicate or pay through other methods.

• Never pay in advance for something you haven’t seen in person.

  
  

Phishing Links in Messages

Scammers may send messages or leave comments pretending to be Facebook support or even a friend, asking you to click on a link to “fix” a problem with your account. These links can steal your personal information or install malware on your device.

How to Spot It:

• Facebook will never ask for your password or personal information through messages or comments.

• If you receive a suspicious link, ignore it or ask a trusted friend before clicking.

  
  

Quiz Scams and “Superhero Name” Posts

Sometimes, scammers will trick you with fun-looking posts that say something like, “Comment your superhero name! Use the street you grew up on and your pet’s name.” These posts may seem harmless, but they are actually fishing for information commonly used in security questions (like your mother's maiden name, first pet’s name, or childhood street).

What to Watch Out For:

• Avoid quizzes or posts that ask for personal information, especially details that you might also use for security questions.

• Scammers can use this information to hack into your accounts and steal your identity.

  
  

Romance Scams

Be careful if you receive a friend request or message from someone you don’t know, especially if they seem overly friendly or romantic right away. Scammers often create fake profiles and start online relationships with the goal of asking for money later.

How to Protect Yourself:

• If someone you’ve never met in person asks for money, it’s likely a scam.

• Never share personal or financial information with anyone you’ve only met online.

  
  

Account Cloning and 2FA Scams

Scammers sometimes create a clone of someone’s Facebook account, pretending to be someone you know, like a family member or friend. They send a new friend request from the cloned account and, once you accept, they may:

• Ask for personal information, pretending to need help with a problem.

• Leave comments on your posts with malicious links, trying to scare you with messages like, “Is this you in this video?” to get you to click on a harmful link.

• Request money or ask you to share a two-factor authentication (2FA) code.

  
  

How to Avoid It:

• If you get a second friend request from someone you’re already connected with, it’s likely a cloned account. Contact the person directly outside of Facebook to verify.

• Never share your 2FA codes or passwords, even if the request seems to come from someone you trust.

• Be suspicious of sudden friend requests or messages asking for favors, especially if they come with links.

  
  

Fake Giveaways

You may come across posts claiming you’ve won free gift cards, concert tickets, or other prizes. Scammers use these fake giveaways to steal your personal information or get you to click on harmful links.

How to Tell If It’s a Scam:

• If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

• Always check if the page offering the giveaway is verified. Official companies won’t ask for your personal information just to enter a contest.

  
  

Malware Scams

Scammers often spread malware through fake links or downloads. For example, you might receive a message saying, “Look what they’re saying about you!” with a link. Clicking the link could install malware on your device that allows scammers to steal your data.

What to Do:

• Don’t click on links in suspicious messages, even if they appear to come from friends. Confirm with them before clicking.

• Keep your antivirus software up to date to catch harmful files.

  
  

Simple Tips for Staying Safe on Facebook

• Use Strong Passwords: Make sure your Facebook password is unique and difficult to guess. Avoid using personal details like your name or birthdate.

• Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a special code (sent to your phone) in addition to your password.

• Be Skeptical: If something feels off, it probably is. Don’t rush to click on suspicious links or give out personal information.

• Check Privacy Settings: Adjust your Facebook settings so only trusted people can see your posts or send you messages.

  
  

By following these tips and staying aware of common scams, you can use Facebook safely and confidently. If something seems suspicious, don’t hesitate to ask a trusted friend, family member, or caregiver for help!