Facebook Phishing Scams

If you've gotten message on your business page via Facebook Messenger, or maybe even an email, regarding copyright infringement or your Page being scheduled for deletion, don't panic.This is a prevalent phishing scam that is running rampant right now. Rest assured that your Page is fine as long as you don't click on any links in the message and you take steps to protect your account.

If you're like most business owners, you've become more active on Facebook and Instagram. Posting more frequently, and maybe even advertising. Scammers take notice when businesses become more active on Facebook and Instagram and they target these businesses with messages intended to steal personal data and gain access to your Facebook account.

This is how the scheme works:

1. You will receive an email or message via Facebook Messenger. These messages may say that your Page has violated Community Standards or is engaging in copyright infringement.
2. The message will contain a link that you are instructed to visit to appeal the violation to prevent your Page from being deleted.
3. The link will take you to an official looking Facebook Help Desk page that asks you to enter personal information like your Facebook login email, phone number, name and the names of any Pages you own.
4. The scammers will use this information to gain access to your Page and Ad Account. 

You can protect yourself from phishing scams like this by not clicking on the links, reporting the profile and deleting the message. Know that Facebook will not send you messages via Facebook Messenger. Legitimate communications from Facebook will be sent to you via email, but check the Sender's email address. Real emails from Facebook will come from an address that ends with @support.facebook.com.

Here's three important steps you can take to safeguard your Facebook and Instagram Business Accounts.

1. DON'T click on links on messages in Messenger or IG DM's
2. Check the from email address on emails supposedly from Meta
3. Set up Two-Factor Authentication.

Protecting your Facebook and Instagram Business Accounts is one of the most important things you can do today to safeguard your business.