Social media, designed to be the realm of connection and creativity, has unfortunately become a playground for cybercriminals. In recent months, our vigilant eyes at Creative Desk have noticed a surge in Facebook phishing scams targeting unsuspecting users, and several of our client Facebook accounts. These scammers set out to dupe individuals by masquerading as legitimate Facebook messages warning about account deletion.

Here’s how this Facebook scam works and also what you need to know to stay safe.

Understanding the Scam:

The scam begins innocently enough. Users receive a message stating that their Facebook page has been scheduled for deletion due to a supposed violation of Community Standards. The message prompts them to click a link to cancel the deletion. The catch? The link is a well-disguised trap designed to steal personal information.

How to Recognise the Scam:

Sender Profile: The sender profile will seem a little off. Like in the example below, the scammers will attempt to use an official-sounding name and profile picture to make you think it is a legitimate message from Facebook. However, once you investigate the profile further, it becomes evident that it is a made-up account set up for the purpose of the scam.

Verify the Web Address: Always check the web address. Legitimate Facebook pages start with “facebook.com/.” Avoid any links with unusual addresses. There are also website security scanners that will check any links or URLs for malware, viruses, blacklist status, or malicious code. Use these to check the safety of any links you receive.

Grammar and Spelling: As well as the spelling and grammar often being incorrect, the message always contains the same basic info and “warning” as seen in the two examples below. You will also notice that in these screenshots, the profile is now displaying as “Facebook user”. This could indicate that they deactivated or deleted their account, Facebook banned or removed their account, or the user blocked our account.

What Action To Take:

• Delete the message or move it to your spam folder.
• Report the profile to Facebook and block it to prevent any further correspondence.
• DO NOT click any links contained in the message.
• If you are still unsure about the status of your account, contact Facebook by visiting the official Facebook Help Center directly. This ensures you’re communicating with genuine Facebook representatives.
• Guard your personal information, and always be cautious about sharing any personal or login information online, especially through unfamiliar links.

At Creative Desk, we’re not just virtual marketing assistants; we’re social media superheroes. We’re on social media platforms day in and day out, which hones our ability to spot scams from a mile away. Our expertise protects you from inadvertently falling into these traps.

To our clients, if you ever suspect a message might be a scam, reach out to us. Our team is here not just for crafting engaging posts but also for ensuring your online safety. Your peace of mind matters.

Don’t let the sly tactics of cybercriminals ruin your social media experience. Stay alert, trust your instincts, and remember, reach out to us anytime you need help with your social media – we’ve got your back.

If you want to talk about your social media strategy and how we can help you, BOOK A CALL.