Have you received one of these suspicious messages in your inbox recently? If you have a business account with Facebook, chances are you have. We have seen a steady increase in these messages in our clients' inboxes, and we are here to help you decipher whether you need to take action on your account or simply ignore it.

What Are These Messages?

This common type of scam that has been plaguing Facebook business users involves fake messages sent via Messenger and Email. 

Remember, Facebook/Meta will never contact you through Messenger to address account issues. Instead, they will send notifications through your business account if there is a legitimate problem.

These deceptive messages are phishing attempts. If you receive a similar message, directly visit Facebook and log in to verify your account status. Any issues will be displayed within your account; Facebook will never communicate with you via Facebook Messenger or emails regarding such matters.

When you click the link provided in these misleading messages, it takes you to a deceptive website that looks like a Facebook login page. Do not click on the link! Once you enter your login information on this fraudulent page, you give the scammer access to your account, personal information, photos, videos, and contacts. But the danger doesn't end there.

What Do Hackers Do with This Information?

With access to your Facebook business page, scammers can start sharing spam to spread malware and launch further phishing attempts on your behalf. They may also sell your personal information or even ransom you for regaining control of your account. If unauthorized and potentially malicious content floods your account, Facebook could deactivate it. So, it's crucial to take swift action if you fall victim to such phishing attempts. 

So, How Common is This?

As of September 2023, there have been over 4.5 billion breached personal or business records just this year, highlighting the increasing prevalence of cyber threats. With our personal information scattered across the internet through social media, banking, apps, and other online accounts, billions of people are vulnerable to cyberattacks if they don't take necessary safety precautions.

Here are some steps you can take to protect yourself from these scams:

1. Be Skeptical: If you receive an unsolicited message asking for personal information or login credentials, be cautious. Verify the sender's legitimacy through official channels.
2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Use two-factor authentication for your online accounts, including social media platforms like Facebook. This adds an extra layer of security.
3. Regularly Update Passwords: Change your passwords periodically and use strong, unique passwords for each account.
4. Educate Yourself: Stay informed about common phishing tactics and learn to recognize red flags in suspicious messages.
5. Use Reliable Security Software: Employ reputable antivirus and anti-malware software to protect your devices.
6. Report Suspicious Messages: If you encounter a phishing attempt, report it to the platform and warn your contacts.

By taking these precautions and staying vigilant, you can significantly reduce your vulnerability to cyber threats and safeguard your personal and business information from falling into the wrong hands.