Facebook fraud thrives because users fall for tricks that seem harmless—until it’s too late. Cybercriminals exploit psychological weaknesses, using familiar tactics to steal information or money without suspicion. Cybersecurity professionals dissect these schemes, exposing exactly how fraudsters operate. If you want to avoid those traps, here are 20 Facebook scams to watch for.
Donation Scams
Fraudsters craft emotional stories, often using stolen photos to deceive well-meaning donors. Some impersonate legitimate charities, making it harder to detect the scam. To combat this, experts recommend verifying fundraisers by searching for official websites, analyzing inconsistencies in shared stories, and scrutinizing payment requests, especially those demanding gift cards.
Clickbait Scams
“BREAKING NEWS: You won’t believe what happened!” Scammers use misleading headlines to tempt users into clicking dangerous links. While curiosity may drive engagement, such links usually lead to phishing sites or malware downloads. Cybersecurity professionals advise inspecting URLs, recognizing exaggerated language, and avoiding posts that pressure immediate action.
Giveaway Scams
Fraudsters exploit excitement by creating fake contests that ask for personal details or engagement. Though tempting, legitimate giveaways never demand upfront payments or excessive personal information. Experts emphasize examining the sender’s credibility before participating. Nearly 45% of online giveaway scams involve fake brand promotions targeting social media users.
Cloned Accounts
Cybercriminals duplicate real profiles to impersonate users and trick their friends into sending money or personal information. Detecting these clones requires checking account creation dates and questioning unexpected friend requests. If a friend’s duplicate profile suddenly adds you, verify directly through a known contact method before engaging.
Fake Prizes And Sweepstakes
Receiving a sudden message claiming you’ve won a contest may feel exciting, but scams often hide behind such announcements. Fraudsters manipulate users by requesting payments or personal data to “claim” prizes. You should know that no legitimate sweepstakes requires winners to pay fees before receiving rewards.
Fake Job Offers
Scammers pose as recruiters offering high salaries with minimal qualifications, tricking applicants into sharing sensitive information or paying upfront fees. Cyber experts flag job postings that lack company websites, present unclear job descriptions, or request personal details before interviews. If a job promises large earnings with minimal effort, it’s likely fraudulent.
Fake Medical Fundraisers
Emotionally charged fundraising appeals often emerge on Facebook, but not all are genuine. Fraudsters fabricate medical emergencies, exploiting sympathy to steal money from concerned users. To avoid falling for these scams, experts recommend scrutinizing shared images and verifying fundraisers through legitimate platforms.
Quiz Scams
While quizzes seem harmless, many are designed to collect personal data for identity theft or targeted scams. Cybersecurity professionals examine quiz sources and question why certain games demand excessive access to users’ Facebook accounts. Avoid quizzes that request Facebook logins or unnecessary personal details.
Spoofing Attacks
Over 90% of cyberattacks begin with phishing attempts disguised as trusted sources. Scammers mimic trusted brands to trick users into revealing credentials. Fake emails, fraudulent login pages, and deceptive messages make these attacks alarmingly effective. Experts analyze domain inconsistencies and generic greetings to identify fraud.
Fake Coupon Codes
Enticing deals such as “Get 80% off your next purchase—claim now!” often lead unsuspecting users to phishing sites. The offer may seem appealing, but experts recommend verifying discounts directly with official retailers. If a deal seems unusually generous and isn’t listed on the brand’s website, assume it’s fake.
Fake Business Pages
Before trusting a deal or clicking an ad, experts recommend checking how long the page has been active, reading through comments, and looking for a verified badge. Many scam pages use stolen logos and copied content to pose as real businesses. These fake pages often lead to phishing sites through misleading posts or ads.
“Help Me Recover My Account” Trick
A scammer pretends their Facebook account was hacked and asks you to help recover it by sharing a code sent to your phone. In reality, they’re trying to hack your account. Experts urge never to share security codes or reset links, even if the request appears to come from a friend.
Romance Scams
Never send money to someone you’ve met exclusively online, no matter how convincing their story may be. Fraudsters prey on emotions by building trust through online relationships, often fabricating heartbreaking stories before requesting money. Experts urge users to remain skeptical of anyone who asks for financial assistance early in an online relationship.
Puppy Scams
Social media advertisements that offer adorable pets for sale frequently turn out to be fraudulent. Buyers either receive no pet at all or end up with unhealthy animals from unethical sources. To spot a scam, specialists suggest requesting live video proof and insisting on in-person transactions.
Ticket Scams
Discounted event tickets may seem like a great deal, but many scammers sell fake or nonexistent passes. They capitalize on high-demand events and fool buyers into sending payments before verifying authenticity. It is advisable to get tickets directly from official sources and be wary of sellers with recently created accounts.
Broken Item Sale Scams
Fake sellers on Facebook Marketplace regularly list defective items while hiding flaws in product photos. Buyers only realized the issue after completing the transaction, but by then, the scammer had disappeared. To avoid this trap, experts recommend carefully reviewing listings, requesting additional photos, and meeting sellers in public spaces for inspection.
Rental Scams
Scammers post fraudulent property listings, collect deposits from eager renters, and then disappear without any trace. They typically refuse in-person viewings or lack official documentation. Renters are urged by specialists to verify listings through legitimate agencies before making any financial commitments.
PayPal And Cash App Scams
Users are tricked by scammers into sending money through payment apps under false pretenses, failing to deliver promised goods or services. To prevent fraud, professionals advise sticking to trusted payment systems and avoiding transactions with unverifiable sellers. If a seller pressures you into using a “friends & family” transfer method, they may be avoiding fraud detection.
“Is This You In This Video?” Link Scams
A message claiming, “Did you see this video of you?” sparks immediate concern and leads many users to click the link. However, the link redirects them to a phishing site that steals login credentials instead of a video. Cybersecurity professionals emphasize the importance of verifying such messages directly with friends before clicking any links.
Investment Scams
Guaranteed profits and pressure to “act fast” are red flags experts warn about in online investment scams. These cons usually revolve around crypto or forex trading, and scammers usually build trust in private chats or Facebook groups before asking for money. Real investments involve risk—anything claiming otherwise is likely fake.
