17 Facebook Scams You Need to Watch Out For

Facebook is a great platform for staying connected, sharing memories, and even discovering new opportunities. However, not everything on social media is as it seems. Scammers have turned Facebook into a playground for fraud, targeting users with clever tricks designed to steal money and personal information. Whether it’s fake giveaways, phishing attacks, or cloned accounts, cybercriminals are finding new ways to deceive users. Here’s a list of the most common Facebook scams and how you can protect yourself.

1. Fake Medical Fundraisers

Scammers exploit emotions by creating false medical fundraisers. They impersonate individuals facing severe health issues and ask for donations through platforms like GoFundMe, Venmo, or CashApp. Once money is transferred, the fraudsters vanish. Always verify the authenticity of such fundraisers before donating.

2. Clickbait Scams

Posts that urge users to "like, comment, and share" often aim to manipulate engagement for fraudulent reasons. Clicking suspicious links may install malware or steal personal information. Always verify sources before interacting with such posts.

3. Giveaway Scams

"Win a free iPad!" sounds tempting, but many giveaways on Facebook are fake. These scams lure users into providing credit card details or downloading malware. Be cautious of contests that ask for excessive personal information.

4. Facebook Quiz Scams

Many online quizzes secretly gather personal information. They may ask for answers to common security questions, like your mother’s maiden name. Cybercriminals use this data to hack into accounts. Avoid participating in random Facebook quizzes.

5. Cloned Accounts

Scammers duplicate Facebook profiles and send friend requests to contacts of the real user. Once connected, they manipulate friends into clicking malicious links or sending money. Always verify unexpected friend requests by reaching out to the person directly.

6. Spoofing Attacks

Hackers gain access to Facebook accounts and send messages pretending to be the original user. They ask for money or personal details, exploiting the trust factor. If a friend requests money online, confirm through a phone call before taking any action.

7. Spam Messages

Messages claiming "I got a second friend request from you" are often hoaxes. Scammers use these tactics to spread spam. Instead of forwarding such messages, check if your account has actually been duplicated.

8. Fake Coupon Codes

Posts advertising unbelievable discounts or promo codes often lead to scam websites. These sites either steal your payment details or collect personal information. Always visit the official store’s website to check for legitimate offers.

9. Facebook Messenger Scams

Fraudsters use Messenger to send fake loan offers, lottery winnings, or requests for urgent financial help. Never transfer money without confirming the request through another communication method.

10. Phony Fundraisers

After disasters or tragedies, scammers pose as charities to collect donations. Before donating, check reputable charity websites like Charity Navigator to verify legitimacy.

11. Malware Attacks

A common trick is tagging users in a video post, leading them to download fake "Flash player updates"—which are actually malware. Avoid clicking suspicious video links.

12. Romance Scams

Strangers pretending to be romantically interested will engage in long conversations to build trust. Eventually, they ask for money for an emergency. If an online acquaintance requests financial help, consider it a red flag.

13. Job Scams

Offers of high-paying, easy work-from-home jobs often turn out to be scams. These fraudulent job listings aim to steal personal information, banking details, or even require upfront payments.

14. Fraudulent Apps

Any app claiming to show "who viewed your profile" is a scam. Facebook does not provide this feature, and these apps are designed to steal your account credentials.

15. Secret Santa Scams

These pyramid-like schemes promise multiple gifts in exchange for sending just one. However, there’s no guarantee you’ll receive anything, and scammers now have access to your personal details.

16. Phishing Attacks

Emails or messages claiming your Facebook account will be deleted unless you take action are often phishing scams. They direct you to fake login pages to steal your credentials. Always log in directly through Facebook’s official site to check for any security alerts.

17. Facebook Marketplace Scams

From fake rental listings to counterfeit products, scammers use Facebook Marketplace to deceive buyers and sellers. Never make payments outside the platform and always verify sellers before making transactions.

How to Stay Safe on Facebook

• Never click on suspicious links.
• Enable two-factor authentication for your Facebook account.
• Avoid sharing personal or financial information on Facebook Messenger.
• Verify friend requests before accepting.
• Check URLs before entering login credentials.
• Use strong passwords and change them regularly.
• Research before donating to fundraisers or charities.
• Report scams directly to Facebook.

Facebook scams are constantly evolving, but staying informed can help you avoid becoming a victim. Always be cautious and skeptical when dealing with unsolicited requests or unbelievable offers online.