Facebook Account Hacks and Scams: What They Are, How to Prevent Them, and What to Do If You’re a Victim

Facebook is a digital playground, but unfortunately, it's also a prime hunting ground for hackers and scammers. With billions of users scrolling, liking, and posting every day, it’s no wonder fraudsters are constantly trying to take advantage of unsuspecting folks. This guide will walk you through the ins and outs of Facebook account hacks and scams, how to safeguard yourself from them, and what steps to take if you find yourself caught in a scammer’s web.

What Are Facebook Account Hacks and Scams?

Facebook Account Hacks: The Basics

Picture this: you're enjoying a cat video when suddenly your Facebook profile goes haywire—friend requests you didn’t send, messages you didn’t write, and posts that definitely don’t sound like you. What gives? Chances are, your account’s been hacked.

Hackers often gain control of Facebook accounts using various methods:

• Phishing: Scammers send you a sneaky email or message that looks like it’s from Facebook, asking you to click on a link and log in. Instead of going to Facebook, you’re directed to a fake site that steals your credentials.

• Malware: Sometimes, hackers trick you into downloading malware disguised as a legitimate app or software. Once installed, this malware can capture your login details and hand them over to the bad guys.

• Data Breaches: If your email or password has been leaked from another service, hackers might use that information to try and access your Facebook account.

Facebook Scams: What’s the Deal?

Scams on Facebook are as varied as they are creative. Here are a few common ones:

• Fake Giveaways and Contests: You get a message saying you’ve won a prize, but you need to share personal info or pay a fee to claim it. Spoiler: You didn’t win anything.

• Work-from-Home Scams: A “job offer” that sounds too good to be true is usually just a ploy to get your personal details or money upfront.

• Romance Scams: Scammers create fake profiles to lure you into a romantic relationship, only to ask for money when they’ve gained your trust.

• Phony Ads and Marketplace Listings: Ads or listings for products at unbelievably low prices often lead to fake websites that steal your credit card info.

How to Prevent Facebook Account Hacks and Scams

Strengthen Your Passwords

Your password is the first line of defense. Use a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters to make it harder for hackers to guess. Avoid common passwords like “password123” or “123456.”

Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

2FA adds an extra layer of security. After entering your password, you'll need to provide a second piece of information, like a code sent to your phone. Here’s how to set it up:

• Go to Settings & Privacy in Facebook settings.

• Click Settings and go to the Meta Accounts Center. There, press Password and Security.
  
  

• Find Two-Factor Authentication and click Edit.
  
  

  

• Choose your preferred method (text message or authentication app) and follow the instructions.

Update Your Security Settings

• Login Alerts: Turn on login alerts to get notified when your account is accessed from an unrecognized device. To do this, go to Settings & Privacy > Settings > Security and Login > Login Alerts.

• Authorized Devices: Check which devices are currently logged into your account. Go to Settings & Privacy > Settings > Meta Accounts Center > Password and Security > Where You’re Logged In. Log out of any devices you don’t recognize.
  
  

• Trusted Contacts: Set up trusted contacts who can help you regain access to your account if you’re locked out. Go to Settings & Privacy > Settings > Security and Login > Edit next to Trusted Contacts.

Be Wary of Suspicious Links and Messages

• Don’t Click Unknown Links: If you receive an unexpected message with a link, don’t click it. Instead, go directly to Facebook or the relevant site using a trusted method.

• Verify Requests: If you get a friend request or message from someone you know but haven’t interacted with recently, verify their identity through a different communication method.

Use a Secure Network

Avoid logging into Facebook using public Wi-Fi networks, as these can be less secure. If you must use a public network, consider using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to encrypt your connection.

Review App Permissions

Apps connected to your Facebook account can sometimes be a security risk. Regularly review and manage these permissions:

• Go to Settings & Privacy > Settings > Apps and Websites.

• Review the apps listed and remove any that seem suspicious or outdated.

What Should I Do If I Was a Victim of Facebook Account Hacks and Scams?

Regain Control of Your Account

• Change Your Password: Immediately change your Facebook password. 

• Secure Your Account: Follow the steps outlined earlier to update your security settings, enable 2FA, and log out of unrecognized devices.

• Unlock Your Account: If you were locked out of your account use Facebook’s account recovery options -
  • Fix a login probelm
  • Recover an old Facebook account you can't log into
  • Recover your Facebook account if you can't access your account email address or mobile phone number
• Involve Facebook: Nothing helped? Declare your Facebook account was hacked. You can also try and reach out to Facebook through their email support channels - 
  • support@fb.com, for general support.
  • records@fb.com, for law enforcement concerns.
  • disabled@fb.com, to recover disabled or hacked accounts.
  • appeals@fb.com, to apeal any suspended accounts.
  • abuse@fb.com, to report anything on Facebook that goes against the Facebook Community Standards.

Report the Scam or Hack

• Report to Facebook: Use Facebook’s reporting tools to report the scam or hack. Go to the profile or page in question, click on the three dots (•••) next to their name, and select Report.
  
  

• Notify Your Contacts: Let your friends know that your account was compromised so they can be cautious of any suspicious messages or requests they might receive from your account.

Monitor Your Accounts

• Check Financial Accounts: If you suspect that your payment information was compromised, monitor your bank and credit card statements for any unauthorized transactions.

• Monitor Your Credit: Keep an eye on your credit report for any unusual activity. Consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze with the major credit bureaus.

Scan for Malware

• Run Antivirus Software: Perform a thorough scan of your device to check for malware or other security threats.

• Update Software: Ensure that your operating system, apps, and security software are all up to date to protect against known vulnerabilities.

Seek Professional Help

• If you’re feeling overwhelmed, consider reaching out to a cybersecurity professional or using an online safety service for additional support and guidance.