Understanding Common Facebook Scams and Protecting Yourself

Facebook has become one of the most popular social media platforms where users can connect and share with friends and family. However, as with any online platform, there are risks of scams, fraud and deception. In this post, we’ll explore some common Facebook scams to watch out for and provide tips to help protect your identity, privacy and finances.

Job Offer Scams

One type of scam making the rounds involves fake job offers being messaged to unsuspecting Facebook users. Scammers will often create fake profiles pretending to be individuals like Allison Strickland Ricketts and message people promising well-paying work from home jobs. However, these jobs don’t actually exist and the goal is to steal personal information.

Some warning signs of these scams include:

• Receiving unsolicited messages from strangers about a job opportunity
• Being asked to share sensitive details like your Social Security number or bank account information for “hiring paperwork”
• Requests to deposit fraudulent checks and send money through wire services
• Jobs that seem too good to be true with high pay for little or no work

Reputable employers will never ask for private financial details upfront before officially hiring someone. To avoid falling victim, be wary of any unsolicited messages about work. Do your research and only apply for jobs through official means like a company career website.

Marketplace Scams

Facebook Marketplace has become a popular way for users to buy and sell locally. However, scammers also use it to target victims. Common scams involve selling an item at a very low price that doesn’t exist or doesn’t match the description. Others involve accepting payment, like PayPal or wiring money, then never delivering the product.

Tips to avoid Marketplace scams include:

• Only pay for items after inspecting and receiving them in-person
• Avoid wiring money or using services where funds can be instantly withdrawn
• Research sellers by looking at their public Facebook profile and reviews
• Trust your gut and don’t buy if something seems suspicious
• Use consumer protection when paying so you can dispute charges if scammed

If you do become a victim, report the transaction details to Facebook, file a police report for identity theft if applicable, and contact your bank right away.

Romance Scams

Another sad scam involves fake romantic relationships being built solely for financial gain. Scammers will create a charming profile and flatter their victim for weeks or months before asking for money for imagined emergencies or expenses. Then they will disappear without a trace, shattering the feelings of their victims.

Warning signs of a romance scam include:

• The person refuses to video chat or meet in person
• They profess strong feelings very quickly without truly knowing you
• Financial requests are made before a real relationship is established
• Details about their personal life don’t add up or can’t be verified

To protect yourself, go slowly and really get to know someone online before sharing personal details or sending money. Be especially wary of communicating mostly through private Facebook messages rather than looking for an in-person connection.

Staying Safe on Facebook with Privacy Controls

While some safety precautions involve being wary of potential scams, you should also take steps to lock down your Facebook privacy settings and limit what information is publicly available that scammers could use against you.

Lock Down Profile Privacy

Take a few minutes to review your privacy settings. The default is for your full profile to be visible to “friends of friends” which shares a lot of your information. Consider locking this down to just “friends” for increased protection. You can also choose who can see specific details like your phone number, email address, birthdate and other identifying information. Limit what is publicly visible to reduce risks.

Stay Secure with Login Security

Ensure your Facebook account has a strong, unique password that isn’t used on any other sites where data breaches could expose it. Enable two-factor authentication for an extra layer of security when someone tries logging into your account from a new device or browser. This sends a special verification code to help prevent unauthorized access.

Review App Permissions

Check what permissions you’ve granted Facebook games or external apps in the past. Revoke access for any apps you no longer use to minimize associated risks. Only grant permissions to trusted brands and read the fine print of what data an app can access from your account.

Watch for Phishing Attempts

Be wary of messages, notifications or login requests that seem suspicious, even if they appear to come from Facebook. The company will never ask for private passwords or financial information over messages. If something seems off, don’t open links or respond. Instead, visit Facebook through your normal browser in case someone is trying to “phishing” scam you.

Facebook can be a fun way to connect with others online when used safely. By following basic privacy practices, using caution with messages from strangers, and educating yourself on common scams, you can help minimize risks while still enjoying the platform. Staying mindful of security will help protect your identity and finances in the digital age.

Additional Resources on Facebook Safety

For more tips and support on using Facebook safely, here are some additional resources to check out:

Facebook’s Security Information Center

The official Security Center page from Facebook provides advice on settings, passwords, login verification and how to report issues if your account is compromised:
https://www.facebook.com/security

Facebook Community Standards

Learn how to report scam content, fake profiles, and other fraudulent activity directly to Facebook through their reporting tools:
https://www.facebook.com/communitystandards

Federal Trade Commission Consumer Protection

The FTC site warns consumers about common tech, shopping and romance scams. They have tips on dealing with identity theft and fraud along with how to file complaints:
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/scam-alerts

SocialCatfish.com

This independent site is dedicated to detecting fake Facebook profiles and catfishing scams. You can search profiles and read about people who have been deceived online:
https://www.socialcatfish.com/

Local Police Cybercrime Resources

Most local police departments have online safety units dedicated to digital crimes like hacking, stalking, fraud and more. Check your local police website for cybercrime reporting forms and identity theft support.

Staying informed is key to protecting yourself from online threats. I hope these additional pointers and trustworthy resources help provide more context on Facebook safety best practices. Let me know if you have any other questions!