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 General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Rorey

(8,445 posts)
Tue Nov 29, 2022, 10:12 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

(7,940 posts)
1. Its best to deny all friends requests.
Tue Nov 29, 2022, 10:18 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

(8,445 posts)
3. I agree
Tue Nov 29, 2022, 10:30 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

(8,445 posts)
5. I should have picked up on it right away
Tue Nov 29, 2022, 10:49 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

(7,940 posts)
4. Just today, a friend made a new internet account
Tue Nov 29, 2022, 10:37 AM
Nov 2022

his account is under surveillance by his former country.

He messaged me before sending the add

Kick in to the DU tip jar?

This week we're running a special pop-up mini fund drive. From Monday through Friday we're going ad-free for all registered members, and we're asking you to kick in to the DU tip jar to support the site and keep us financially healthy.

As a bonus, making a contribution will allow you to leave kudos for another DU member, and at the end of the week we'll recognize the DUers who you think make this community great.

Tell me more...

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