Recently, there has been an uptick in fraudulent messages where scammers pose as Facebook support and claim that your business account is at risk of being shut down. Those messages may look something like this:
Regarding scams, there's no such thing as being overly cautious, so we put together a list of red flags to watch out for:
Scammers often create a sense of urgency, claiming your account will be shut down unless you take immediate action. Legitimate platforms typically provide warnings and give users a chance to address issues without rushing.
Be skeptical of unsolicited messages, especially if they claim to be from official support channels. Legitimate platforms usually communicate through official channels or email.
Phishing messages often contain spelling and grammar mistakes. Official communications from reputable companies are typically well-written and free of errors.
Check the links provided in the messages. Hover over them to see the actual URL. Scammers may use deceptive links that appear legitimate at first glance. Security tip: An ‘s’ after http indicates that the website is secured. ‘Https’ = secure, ‘http’ = unsecure.
Be cautious if the message asks for sensitive information such as passwords, credit card details, or other personal data. Legitimate platforms would never request such information through direct messages.
Verify the sender's profile. Official support channels usually have verified badges. If in doubt, contact the company directly through official channels to confirm the legitimacy of the message.
Phishing messages often use generic greetings like "Dear User" instead of addressing you by name. Legitimate companies are more likely to use personalized communication.
Scammers may also send friend requests or follow requests along with the message. Be cautious about accepting requests from unknown or suspicious profiles.
Check the sender's email address. Legitimate messages will come from official company domains. Be wary of email addresses that look unusual or unrelated to the company.
Remember to trust your instincts. We are monitoring Facebook messages and have been reporting any messages that follow this pattern and look suspicious. Do not click on any links or provide any information that might give them access to your personal or business page.
If you have a question, before clicking – call, email or text one of us at Mantooth.
