Got a Fake Facebook Friend Request?
Recently one of my client’s Facebook account seems to have either been hacked or her Facebook profile information “scalped” and then used to send out fake Facebook “Friend” requests.
This can be distressing and commercially painful since in her case, she uses her Facebook account to promote her self-published books.
So if you have ever gotten a fake Friend request or wondered how to spot one then you should read the 7 tips in this article.
Don’t Accept Facebook Friend Requests from Strangers
Okay, sounds like the advice your parents used to give you about taking candy, right? But as tired as it, accepting gifts from people you don’t know is still dangerous.
Hackers and spammer love to get unsuspecting people to accept them as friends – that way they can post all kinds of crap and junk on your timeline – where your equally unsuspecting friends can see (and hopefully click) on it.
Do you know the Person Requesting AND Do You Have Any Friends in Common With Them?
Like the photograph above tells you, hackers and spammer can create all kinds of fake Facebook account and do a lot of damage before the person being intimated notices or informs the Facebook watchdogs (if ever).
So when you get a request, check the restorer’s profile carefully to see if you really do know them and then check to see if you know any of the other friends.
If you know that for a fact that your friend has retired from their job, why should their account list them as still working? Of if they are married, why suddenly is their profile telling you their are single? And if they have never left the country, why are 805 of their friends listed are from foreign countries?
Look Before You Click?
A perfect example of this was when I befriended the wrong Ben!
You see, I used to wrong with two different guys, both named Ben. I really liked one and kept in touch with him through the years after I left that job.
The other Ben I couldn’t stand and for deeply personal reasons never wanted to talk to again – EVER.
But one time after meeting and talking to the good Ben a few days before I get a Friend Request from a Ben.
Glancing at on my smartphone and being in a hurry, I clicked before I looked carefully
Only to discover later on that I had mistakenly accepted the Evil Ben’s friend request. Eeek!
So now I had to go back into Facebook and defriend his butt before I had to hunt him down – offline – for posting on my timeline. OMG!
Note to the wise, wait until you have more time to read BEFORE you click on anyone’s request.
Is the Friend Request From a Hottie?
Let’s face it, most of us NOT that good looking that we attract totally random Friend requests from attractive members of the opposite sex.
So if suddenly your inbox is full of friend requests from sultry beauties with big busts or guys with taut abs and sculptured physiques then put your tongue back in your head and realize you’re are being played.
Double Check ALL Email Friend Requests
Look at the email carefully. Spammers pay big money to replicate the colors, logos and wording found in Facebook and other social media friend requests.
The best way to protect yourself is the mouse over the links embedded in the email (DO NOT CLICK). If the email does not go to Facebook.com (spelled exactly like this) then it’s probably a fake.
Often hackers will use fake emails to capture not only your Facebook info and password but also to download other spyware on your computer.
Don’t Use Your Facebook info to “Sign In” on Unknown Websites
Yes, I know a lot, a lot of websites are now practically forcing you to use your Facebook account to login instead creating a traditional username and password combo.
And people are falling for it! But doing this is bad because…
- The website that wants your Facebook info, is eventually either going to post something they sell to your personal timeline (that you won’t like)
- Use their false friendship to collect personal information about you so that they sell you more stuff
- Will sell or share your Facebook info with their business buddies.
- Be hacked themselves and will do NOTHING when your Facebook username and password are stolen (after all they didn’t promise you, they would protect it now did they)?
Use Security Software to Scan Your Computer for Spyware If You Have Been Scammed
Use whatever security app you have on your phone, computer or tablet to thoroughly scan your devices (all of them) for spyware and suspicious activity.
As I mentioned Friend requests are often loaded down not just with one but with multiple hidden threats. They figure if they can’t fool you one way then they will get ya with another.
So always check your computer for safety sake if you feel that you have been conned with a fake Facebook Friend request.
Hope this helps.
Chancer