How does this Facebook scam work?

A friend asking for help

The scam usually starts with a message from someone on your friend list. It could look like they need help recovering their Facebook account or logging in on a new device. They tell you that Facebook will send a verification code to their friends, and they need you to share that code with them.

READ MORE: Time to Review Your Facebook Settings Again

The message comes from someone you know, and they’re asking for help. It seems harmless, maybe even urgent, and who wouldn’t want to help out a friend in need?

The real danger behind the code

The big problem is that the requested code isn’t meant for their account. It’s the code to access your Facebook account. When Facebook sees someone trying to log in from an unfamiliar location or device, it sends a code to the account owner to confirm that it’s really them trying to log in. This code could be sent via text or email, as part of Facebook’s two-factor authentication process.

The scammer posing as your friend is actually trying to get into your Facebook account by tricking you into giving them this code.

Where it gets even trickier

This scam can feel especially convincing for a couple of reasons. First, the person reaching out might be using a fake account that looks exactly like your friend’s, with the same name and profile picture. However, in many cases, the scammer might actually be using your real friend’s account. They managed to compromise your friend’s account first, and now they are using it to trick more people – like you. It’s a chain reaction, where each hacked account leads to more and more victims.

How to protect yourself from this scam

Verify before you act

If a friend messages you asking for a code to help them recover their account, take a moment to verify things first. Don’t feel rushed. Scammers often rely on creating a sense of urgency. Call your friend directly or message them on another platform to confirm that it’s really them.

Never share login codes

Remember, any code that Facebook sends to you is meant to protect your account. It should never be shared with anyone, not even friends. If someone asks for a code sent to you, it’s a red flag.

READ MORE: 10 Ways to Protect Yourself from the Facebook Cloning Scam

Look out for cloned accounts

If you receive an unusual request from a friend, check their profile. Look at their recent posts, photos, or activity. If anything feels off or incomplete, it could be a fake account designed to look like your friend.

What to do if you fall victim to the scam

If you’ve already shared a code and suspect someone might have accessed your Facebook account, here are the steps you should take immediately:

Change your password. Update your Facebook password as soon as possible. Make it something unique and hard to guess.
Enable two-factor authentication. This adds another layer of security to your account. You can set it up so that login attempts require a code from your phone.
Report the incident. Inform Facebook that your account may have been compromised. They can help secure your account and investigate further.

We’re here to help keep you safe online

Navigating the internet can be tricky, and scams like this are getting more sophisticated every day. If you need help securing your devices, give Hopedale Technologies a call. We’re here to look after you and make sure your online experience stays as trouble-free as possible.

Stay alert, stay safe

Remember, a little bit of caution can go a long way towards keeping your accounts and personal information safe. If you’re ever in doubt about a message or request, it’s always better to double-check. Scammers count on us to act quickly without thinking things through. Let’s not give them the chance.

It seems like a harmless collection of random facts from your past. These quizzes might ask for details such as:

• What was your first job?
• What was the name of your first-grade teacher?
• What car did you learn to drive in?
• What was your first concert?

These popular quizzes promise to tell your “rock star” name or your “silent film villain” name. You know it’s as reliable as the Magic Eightball, but you play along anyway. We all need a laugh, right?

Except that the people really laughing are hackers. Many of the questions posed are also security prompts used to verify your identity online.

Cybersecurity experts agree: don’t take these quizzes. It’s not as if there is any real value in filling out the social questionnaire. You’re simply taking the bait and risking having your personal data stolen.

Avoiding Social Media Scams

Here are some tips to help keep you safe from social media hackers:

• Don’t get hooked by clicking on that post that seems too good to be true, especially shocking or scandalous.
• Be wary of any quiz that asks for information that could be relevant to your online password.
• If you must quiz, fill out questionnaires on reputable websites only.
• Avoid quizzes that ask you to provide your email address.
• Contact companies through trusted channels only.
• Ensure that you are dealing with the proper entity’s real website and not a look-alike site created by a scammer.

Also, think twice about apps that change your face into a cartoon character or a painting. Facial recognition is a more common security tool. Be cautious about letting unknown apps collect your photos and facial details.

What to Do If Your Online Accounts Are Hacked

Cry. Curse. Panic. Any of these may seem like a reasonable response at the moment. Still, there are better things to do for long-term recovery.

#1 Have your devices inspected by trusted IT experts. This is one more area to be wary of. Scam artists will set up sites that appear to be affiliated to the manufacturer or phone numbers that appear to go to technical support specialists. It’s best to take your devices to a physical repair shop with a real human doing the work like Hopedale Technologies.

#2 Change your passwords. When your account is hacked, you’ll want to change that password immediately. Plus, as annoying as it is, change passwords for all accounts accessed on the compromised device. The hackers may have installed malware that tracked all data transmitted on the device.

#3 Set up credit monitoring. Notify any financial institutions or credit card companies if those accounts are hacked. You’ll likely need to have them issue you new cards with fresh account numbers. You can also ask them to monitor your accounts for fraudulent transactions. You might also set up credit monitoring with one of the credit reporting agencies.

Keep in mind that criminals can be patient and may not use your information right away. So, don’t think you’re in the clear because nothing happens in the first month.