The rise of social media platforms has brought numerous benefits to our lives, connecting us with friends, family, and businesses. However, it has also opened the door for cybercriminals to exploit unsuspecting users. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), one in four people who have been a victim of fraud between 2021 and 2023 said that fraud began on social media. And, in that same period, social media scams defrauded Americans out of a whopping $2.7 billion.
Facebook, being one of the most popular social media platforms, attracts scammers who employ various deceptive techniques to defraud users. You’ll have to stay alert and informed to avoid falling for these scams. In this blog, we will explore ten Facebook scams to be aware of in 2024 and provide valuable tips to ensure your online safety.
Jump to…
- The Scope of Facebook Scams
- Top 10 Facebook Scams
- How to Protect Yourself from Facebook Scams
- What to do if you Fall for a Facebook Scam
- How to Use Spokeo to Help Protect Yourself from Facebook Scams
The Staggering Scope of Facebook Scams
With over three billion active users, Facebook provides fraudsters with a vast pool of potential victims, allowing them to target thousands in the hope that a few will succumb to their schemes.
New information from cybersecurity company Lookout shows that around 62% of people on Facebook get scammed every week (a number that reportedly jumps even higher during the holidays). For a bit of context, this data means more people get scammed every week than live in India — the most populated country on the planet.
Seniors are particularly vulnerable to scams on the platform, given their increased susceptibility to fraud compared to other age groups. These numbers are indicative of the scale and severity of the issue, highlighting the importance of being cautious, skeptical, and well-informed about the various scams circulating on Facebook.
It is crucial for users to educate themselves about the different types of Facebook scams and learn how to identify red flags to protect their personal information and finances.
Top 10 Facebook Scams to Lookout for in 2024
Here are some of the Facebook scams you should be aware of in 2024:
1. Gift Card Scams
Scammers entice users with offers of heavily discounted gift cards, claiming limited-time promotions or special deals. Once users make a payment, the scammers never deliver the promised gift cards, leaving victims without the purchased items and facing financial loss.
How to stay safe:
- Be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true.
- Purchase gift cards directly from reputable sources or official retailers.
2. Outside Payment Scams
Scammers attempt to persuade users to make transactions outside the secure environment provided by Facebook Marketplace. By doing so, they make it challenging for victims to dispute fraudulent transactions or seek recourse through official channels, leaving users vulnerable to financial loss and scams.
How to stay safe:
- Complete transactions within Facebook’s secure environment.
- Utilize Facebook’s payment systems for added protection.
- Always pay in cash if you are meeting up in person to complete a Facebook Marketplace transaction.
3. Fake Rental Scams
Scammers create fake rental listings on Facebook, often featuring attractive properties at below-market rates. They request upfront payments or deposits without actually owning or having access to the advertised property. Victims end up paying for a rental that doesn’t exist, losing money in the process.
How to stay safe
- Be cautious with unfamiliar rental listings.
- Verify the legitimacy of the landlord or rental agency.
- Run the address through a reverse address search tool like Spokeo to confirm that the person who claims to be renting the property is the true owner.
4. Overpayment Scams
In overpayment scams, scammers send a payment for a Facebook Marketplace purchase that exceeds the agreed-upon amount and request a refund for the excess. However, the initial payment is often reversed or fraudulent, leaving victims at a financial loss and without the promised product or service.
How to stay safe:
- Avoid transactions where the buyer insists on overpaying.
- Refund excess funds only after the original payment has fully cleared.
5. Google Voice Scams
Scammers may request verification codes sent via Google Voice under the guise of official communication from Facebook (or they may reach out to you initially via Facebook Messenger or an affiliated app posing as a company). Once obtained, these codes can be used to gain unauthorized access to a victim’s account, leading to potential privacy breaches and compromised online security.
How to stay safe:
- Remember that legitimate organizations won’t ask for verification codes via chat, and, for that matter, are unlikely to reach out to you via Facebook Messenger, Instagram, or WhatsApp.
- Verify requests through official channels before clicking links or taking any action.
6. Counterfeit Item Scams
Scammers sell counterfeit or fake items on Facebook, misrepresenting them as genuine products. Unsuspecting buyers may purchase these items, thinking they are getting a good deal, only to receive low-quality or fake goods.
7. Non-Delivery Scams
This type of scam is one to be particularly wary of if you are treating Facebook marketplace like a traditional online retailer. In non-delivery scams, scammers accept payment for goods or services but never fulfill the delivery. Victims are left empty-handed, having paid for items that were never shipped.
How to stay safe:
- Research the seller and their reputation before making purchases. Look for a good rating on Facebook Marketplace, check out their profile to confirm they’re a real person, and, if you have their name, plug it into Spokeo’s people search to confirm that they are who they say they are.
- Know that if a deal seems too good to be true, it likely is.
8. Fake Giveaways/Phishing Scams
Scammers impersonate well-known businesses or organizations, enticing users with fake giveaways or contests. They aim to trick users into revealing personal information, such as passwords or credit card details, or clicking on malicious links that can lead to identity theft or financial loss.
How to stay safe:
- Verify promotions or giveaways directly with the official business or organization.
- If a Facebook friend is posting about a giveaway or an unbelievable deal, know that their account has likely been hacked (this is one of the oldest tricks in the book for hackers when it comes to Facebook scams).
9. Romance Scams
In this particularly devious form of catfishing, scammers create fake profiles on social media platforms, including Facebook, to establish romantic relationships with unsuspecting individuals. Once trust is built, they exploit victims emotionally and financially by requesting money for various reasons, such as emergencies or travel expenses.
How to stay safe:
- Exercise caution when engaging with individuals you don’t know personally online.
- Be skeptical of requests for money or personal information.
- Check out our full guide to how to outsmart a romance scammer for more tips.
10. Facebook Messenger Scams
Scammers use Facebook Messenger to send unsolicited urgent messages, often posing as friends or acquaintances. These messages typically request immediate financial assistance or private personal information Users who respond may fall victim to identity theft, financial scams, or other fraudulent activities.
How to stay safe:
- Be cautious with unsolicited messages and urgent requests.
- Avoid sharing sensitive information without verifying the source.
How to Protect Yourself from Facebook Scams
Facebook’s Help Center is resourceful in understanding how to save yourself from scams and they also have a page on what to do if you have been phished on Facebook. In addition to the specific ways to combat scams we discussed above, there are a few best practices you can employ to protect yourself from scams on the platform in 2024:
Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Messages and Friend Requests
The first step to safeguarding yourself from scams is to maintain a healthy skepticism. If you receive a friend request or a message from someone you do not know, it is best to ignore it. Scammers often create fake profiles and send unsolicited friend requests to gain access to your private personal information.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication
Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your account by requiring you to provide two forms of identification. This usually involves something you know (your password) and something you have (a code sent to your mobile device). It provides an additional hurdle for scammers and can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access to your account.
Adjust Privacy Settings
Facebook allows you to customize who can see your posts, who can send you friend requests, and who can look you up using your email address or phone number. By tightening your privacy settings, you can control who has access to your information and make it harder for scammers to target you.
Be Cautious with Links and Attachments
Scammers often use links and attachments to trick users into revealing their personal information or downloading malicious software. Always be wary of unexpected links and attachments, even if they appear to come from a friend. It’s possible that their account has been compromised.
Report Suspicious Activity
If you encounter anything suspicious on Facebook, report it. This includes messages, posts, or profiles that seem out of the ordinary. By reporting suspicious activity, you help Facebook identify and take action against potential scammers.
What to do if You Fall for a Facebook Scam
If you believe you’ve fallen for a scam, take immediate action
- Contact Facebook: Report the scam to Facebook through their reporting feature. This helps Facebook take appropriate action against the scammer and can help protect other users.
- Change Your Passwords: Change your password for Facebook and other accounts linked to it. This can help protect your information from being accessed by the scammer.
- Contact Your Bank: If you provided any financial information or made payments to the scammer, contact your bank immediately. They can guide you on the next steps to secure your accounts.
- Report to the Police: If you’ve lost money or private personal information has been stolen, report it to your local law enforcement.
- Consult a Professional: If malware has been installed on your device, consult a professional to remove it and secure your device.
Using Spokeo to Verify Information
When you meet people online on platforms like Facebook, verifying details is crucial to safeguard against scams and fraud. Whether you’re engaging in online transactions, reconnecting with old friends, or investigating unknown contacts, Spokeo provides a comprehensive solution.
Secure Online Transactions
Ensure the legitimacy of online sellers and buyers by confirming their identity before making transactions. Verify contact information through reverse phone lookup to make informed decisions and avoid scams.
Reconnect with Confidence
When reconnecting with long-lost friends or acquaintances, use Spokeo to verify their details for a secure reunion. Confirm addresses through reverse address lookup, contact information, and background details to ensure the person you’re reaching out to is genuine.
Investigate Unknown Contacts
Before responding to unknown calls, texts, or emails, use Spokeo to identify the source and verify the person’s identity. Access reports about the sender, phone number, or email in question, including contact details, criminal records (if available and subject to additional fees), and associated social media accounts to make informed decisions.
Conclusion
As we keep using social media for entertainment, it’s crucial to remain cautious and skeptical to protect ourselves from Facebook scams. The scams mentioned above are just a few examples of how people and cybercriminals try to steal from you.
Stay informed, follow the tips provided, and always prioritize your online security. Remember, authentic businesses and organizations will have established channels for communication and transactions. By staying vigilant and verifying authenticity, we can safeguard ourselves against the ever-evolving threats of online fraud.
Osheen Jain is a seasoned writer with almost a decade of experience in the fields of technology, science, and business. Her expertise encompasses a diverse range of topics, including B2B SaaS, eCommerce, Data Science, and DevOps.
Sources:
- Facebook – Avoiding Scams on Facebook
- Facebook – What to do if You’ve Been Phished on Facebook
- Lookout – Lookout Study Identifies an Ongoing Consumer Scam Surge
- Statista – Number of monthly active Facebook users worldwide as of 3rd quarter 2023
- FBI – FBI Los Angeles Raises Public Awareness About Elder Fraud, Announces Arrests Made This Week of Men Who Allegedly Targeted Elderly Victims in Timeshare Scheme
- FTC – Social media: a golden goose for scammers