Craigslist-Beware | Social Media-Beware
Craigslist-Beware | Social Media-Beware: Stay Safe Online
The Internet offers incredible convenience but comes with risks, especially on platforms like Craigslist and social media. These dangers are more prevalent than ever, from online scams and fraud to data breaches and identity theft. Craigslist-Beware | Social Media-Beware is your essential guide to navigating these platforms safely.
Here, we'll uncover people's common pitfalls while buying, selling, or interacting online. Learn to spot red flags, protect your personal information, and avoid scams. Whether you're an online user or just getting started, our tips and insights will empower you to make safer decisions in the digital world.
Stay informed, stay safe, and remember: it's always better to be cautious than caught off guard.
How To Stay Vigilant Against Scams and Phishing Attempts on Facebook
Facebook is great for staying connected, but it’s also a hotspot for scammers. The good news is you don’t have to be “techy” to protect yourself—just aware. Below are the most common scam tactics and the simple habits that keep your account, your money, and your personal information safer.
If a message pressures you to act fast, click a link, or share a code—stop and verify first. Scammers rely on urgency to bypass your common sense.
1) Learn the Most Common Facebook Scams
- “Is this you?” link scams — a random message with a suspicious video or photo link.
- Fake giveaways & prize scams — “You won!” posts that push you to click or submit info.
- Impersonation accounts — cloned profiles pretending to be friends or family.
- Marketplace payment scams — fake confirmations, overpayment tricks, courier schemes.
- Romance scams — fast emotional bonding that leads to money requests.
2) Don’t Click Random Links
Phishing works because people click first and think later. Before clicking, ask:
- Why did they send this to me?
- Does this message look “off” or out of character?
- Is the link misspelled or from a strange website?
3) Watch for Urgency and Pressure
Scammers try to rush you with “account warnings” and threats. Common pressure lines include:
- “Do this RIGHT NOW”
- “Your account will be deleted”
- “Final warning”
- “Verify immediately”
4) Use a Strong Password (and Don’t Reuse It)
Your Facebook password protects more than a profile—it protects your messages, photos, contacts, and pages. Use a password that is long, unique, and hard to guess.
5) Turn On Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
2FA adds a second layer of security. Even if someone steals your password, they still can’t log in without a second verification step.
6) Enable Login Alerts and Check Devices
Turn on login notifications and review devices regularly. If you see a login from an unknown device or location: log it out and change your password immediately.
7) Never Share Verification Codes
If anyone asks you to send a Facebook security code—even if they claim it was “sent to you by mistake”—do not share it. That code can be used to steal your account.
8) Be Careful With Friend Requests
Fake profiles often start with a friend request. Before accepting:
- Check mutual friends
- Look for real post history
- Watch for brand-new or empty profiles
9) Don’t Trust Screenshots as Proof
Screenshots can be faked. For Marketplace or payments, verify inside your real app or bank account—not through images.
10) What to Do If You Think You Got Scammed
- Change your password immediately
- Turn on (or reset) 2FA
- Log out of all devices
- Report the profile/message/post
- Warn friends if your account sent unusual messages
Stay alert, not afraid. A quick pause and verification step is often the difference between staying safe and getting scammed.
Tip: Bookmark this page and review it monthly—security habits work best when they’re consistent.
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