I get regular calls and Facebook tags from people saying their Facebook account has been hacked. However, when I take a deeper dive into what is going on, sometimes what has happened is the person hasn’t been hacked but is being impersonated by a scammer. This blog teaches you the difference and gives you the steps for each type of scam if you become part of one. Ultimately, being hacked is much more dangerous because we often use Facebook to log into other accounts. This means that hackers can potentially access a lot more of your information. An account impersonation means someone has started a page with your name and profile picture and is trying to fool your friends and family into giving them money. Below is a breakdown of each scam and the steps to take to protect yourself and deal with the situation if|when it arises.
Facebook account hacking:
Facebook account hacking refers to unauthorised access to an individual’s account by a malicious party. These hackers use various methods, such as phishing, malware, or password guessing, to gain control over a user’s account. Once they gain access, they can exploit personal information, private messages, and even manipulate settings to perpetrate further cybercrimes.
Signs of a hacked Facebook account:
- Inability to log in due to a changed password or email address.
- Suspicious activities, including unknown posts, messages, or friend requests sent from your account.
- Notifications indicating changes in privacy settings, email addresses, or linked accounts.
Implications and risks:
- Personal information theft: Hackers can access personal data, compromising your privacy and potentially leading to identity theft.
- Spread of malicious content: Hacked accounts may be used to distribute scams, spam, or malware to friends and contacts.
- Financial loss: Hackers can exploit your compromised account to engage in fraudulent activities, such as soliciting money from friends.
What to do if your account is hacked:
- Change your password immediately and enable two-factor authentication for added security.
- Review and remove unauthorised posts, messages, or applications associated with your account.
- Run a full antivirus scan on your device to detect and remove any malware or keyloggers.
- Report the incident to Facebook’s support team for further investigation.
Tips to prevent Facebook account hacking:
- Use strong passwords: Incorporate letters, numbers, and special characters. Update regularly.
- Enable two-factor authentication: Add an extra verification layer using a code from your phone.
- Avoid phishing: Double-check URLs and avoid suspicious links.
- Update software: Ensure your browser, OS, and antivirus are current.
- Review third-party apps: Limit access to your Facebook account and revoke unnecessary permissions.
- Don’t trust suspicious messages: Even if they appear to be from friends.
- Secure your email: Strengthen your email’s security (since it’s linked to Facebook).
- Use HTTPS and VPN: Browse securely, especially on public networks.
- Stay informed: Know about the latest scams and threats.
- Log out on shared devices: Always log out after use and avoid saving credentials.
Always prioritise online safety to minimise the risk of hacking.
Account impersonation scams:
Account impersonation scams involve another person creating a fake Facebook account that mimics your identity. They may steal your profile picture, personal information and even copy your friends list. Their intention is to deceive your friends and contacts into believing they are interacting with you, which puts them at risk as well as you.
Warning signs of an impersonation scam:
- Friend requests from people you are already connected with.
- Unusual messages requesting personal information or financial assistance from friends who should know better.
- Friends reporting concerning or out-of-character interactions with ‘your’ account.
Potential consequences:
- Financial fraud: Scammers may exploit your friends’ trust to ask for money, claiming it’s for an emergency or investment opportunity.
- Reputation damage: Your friends may be exposed to inappropriate or offensive content, potentially damaging your relationships and credibility.
- Identity theft: Personal information shared with an impersonator can be misused for further identity-related crimes.
How to protect yourself and others:
- Educate your friends and family about the possibility of account impersonation scams.
- Regularly monitor your friends list for duplicate or suspicious accounts and report them to Facebook.
- Set strict privacy settings to limit the visibility of your personal information.
- Encourage friends to verify unusual requests personally or via another platform before taking any action.
Conclusion:
Facebook has revolutionised the way we connect and share, but it’s crucial to remain vigilant and informed about the risks associated with social media. Understanding the differences between Facebook account hacking and account impersonation scams empowers us to proactively protect our online identities. Stay informed, maintain strict security measures, and foster a culture of awareness around cyber safety.