Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Rorey

(8,513 posts)
Tue Nov 29, 2022, 09:12 AM Nov 2022

Heads up about fake FB phishing scam

This morning I got a friend request on FB from a high school classmate of my sister. I'm not active on FB, and only use it to keep up with family and see photos, etc., so I didn't pick up on the fact that I was already "Friends" with this person.

I usually just ignore Friend requests, but I accepted this one thinking that maybe this person was trying to contact my sister, so I accepted it. This morning, very early, I got a message from this fake account. It was still early, and I didn't immediately pick up on the fact that this was a fake account until the person said that got a large payment from the government, and asking if I had been contacted. This was followed by photos of a FedEx envelope and a photo of a lot of cash. By that time the caffeine in my coffee had kicked in and I was alert enough to see this was a fake account. I blocked that account, and will see if there's a way to report it.

Just a heads up to always be wary.

5 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Heads up about fake FB phishing scam (Original Post) Rorey Nov 2022 OP
Its best to deny all friends requests. Tetrachloride Nov 2022 #1
I agree Rorey Nov 2022 #3
Thanks yankee87 Nov 2022 #2
I should have picked up on it right away Rorey Nov 2022 #5
Just today, a friend made a new internet account Tetrachloride Nov 2022 #4

Tetrachloride

(8,447 posts)
1. Its best to deny all friends requests.
Tue Nov 29, 2022, 09:18 AM
Nov 2022

2 friends got sucked in. One lost his FB account.

Update your OS software, phone software, browser and Fb and messenger

Call people before FB friend acceptance.

i removed several people from FB just for privacy and security reasons.

Rorey

(8,513 posts)
3. I agree
Tue Nov 29, 2022, 09:30 AM
Nov 2022

The only "Friends" I have are family members and a couple of friends. 24 in all. I rarely post and my profile is completely locked down.

Rorey

(8,513 posts)
5. I should have picked up on it right away
Tue Nov 29, 2022, 09:49 AM
Nov 2022

I was tempted to keep it going long enough to see what the ultimate goal was. Then I got concerned that someone might spoof my own profile. But considering my very short list of Friends isn't visible, I guess there's no danger of that happening.

Tetrachloride

(8,447 posts)
4. Just today, a friend made a new internet account
Tue Nov 29, 2022, 09:37 AM
Nov 2022

his account is under surveillance by his former country.

He messaged me before sending the add

Latest Discussions»Help & Search»Computer Help and Support»Heads up about fake FB ph...