by Many Facebook users have fallen victim of the Facebook Protect Scam, which happens to be one of the latest tactics used by scammers on Facebook. Did you receive any email threatening to block your account unless your provide your details and you wish to confirm whether it is real? If yes, then you are at the right place.
Unfortunately, we have carried out our investigation and found out that it is a huge scam. Do not click on any of those links in the email. This review uncovers the fraudulent activities of this scammers and offers tips on how to detect scam texts and avoid them. Read till the end.
Phishing (Email scams) and Smishing (Fraud through Text messages) are on the increase these days. Scammers are now coming up with several ways to defraud people on a daily basis. One of the ways they do this is by sending text messages to people prompting them to release vital information or even gaining access to their information without their knowledge. Receivers of such texts are therefore advised to always carry out due diligence before giving out any information about themselves.
An Overview Of Facebook Protect.
Facebook protect is actually a feature introduced by Facebook with the aim of protecting users account from hackers. Facebook usually sends a mail to their user using their official website ([email protected]). Your account may be locked if you fail to enable it within the specified time.
What Is The Facebook Protect Scam All About?
Facebook Protect Scam is a message sent as email by fraudsters mimicking the real email sent by Facebook. The email says that you need to enable Facebook protect. They also attach a link with which to provide relevant information about you. Do not fall for it.
How Does Facebook Protect Scam Work?
In order to appear genuine, Cyber criminals employ like those behind the Facebook Protect Scam employ different strategies. This includes trying to convince people that their account will be locked if they do not enable it. Unfortunately, the email address is they use is facebookmail.com and not Facebook’s official mail. They make it look so real and urgent so that their victims will click on the link attached in the text immediately without giving it a second thought. Once they click on it, their personal details will be collected by these scammers.
It is worth noting that Facebook does not ask for details through links and the option to turn on Facebook protect is not even in the settings menu. It can only be done when Facebook specifically tells you to do so.
What Are The Effects Of Phishing Scams On The Receivers?
The negative effects that Facebook Protect Scam message has had on people who fell victim of their tricks unknowingly is really alarming. People lost huge amount of money because these scammers gained access to their bank details and stole from them. Some even started borrowing to pay back the money hackers stole from their Facebook friends whom they defrauded using the hacked account.
These and may more stories, prompted us to start educating the public about this fast rising phishing scam known as AFacebook Protect Scam as well as other methods used by scammers these days.
How To Detect Facebook Protect Scam Text Or Email.
Below are some of the ways you can identify a scam text by fraudsters.
- They make the text sound urgent and give penalty for those who default. This is to make the receiver do what they said.
- They disguise to be a reputable agency, steal the agency’s official logo and address just to convince people.
- They send links to malicious sites to get your personal information and steal from you.
- There are usually errors in their email address or the content of the mail or text.
- Majority of them only make use of text messages and chats.
6 Ways To Avoid Being Scammed By These Fraudsters.
In order not to be a victim of the Facebook Protect Scam or any other fake agency, follow these instructions:
- Do not click on any link or download attachment from an unknown sender: Do not be in a hurry to click on any link sent in a mail or text message from someone you do not know.
- Check the URL of the links they sent: Is there is an error in the URL or even the content of the text message like misspelling or omission, then know it is a scam.
- Carry out your investigation: Before clicking on any link, do a research to know if they are actually it is actually coming from the said organization. This will save you a lot.
- Do not disclose your personal information anyhow: Avoid login in to your Facebook account through any link sent to you.
- Follow your instinct: Whenever you come across a suspicious text message, it always safe to pay attention to the details in the message to check for any suspicious activities rather than being carried away by their urgent tone.
- Report suspicious email or text messages: As soon as you discover a fraudulent text or email, report to your local enforcement agency so that they will take actions to stop further scam activities. If you have already shared your personal or financial information with these scammers, all you just have to do is to shut down your cards, then report the incident.
- Tell others about the Facebook Protect Scam: Enlighten your friends and family member about the ongoing scam so that they will be aware and not fall victim.
Conclusion
People should be cautious of the information they give out about themselves. There are many scammers out there targeting unsuspecting Facebook users. Sadly, Facebook Protect Scam is one of the viral scams over the internet recently just like the Apple locked ID scam. To stay safe from these fraudsters, you have to adhere to the instructions given above. Click Here to see a list of phishing scams to avoid. Other phishing scams we have reviewed are Winplayers Scam Text and Etsy Verification Scam Text
