If you’ve been on Facebook lately, you’ve probably seen the ads for a “cheap phone” offering. On the surface, it can seem like a great deal—a brand-new smartphone for a fraction of the cost. But don’t be fooled—this is nothing but a scam.
In this blog post, we will look at how to spot this scam and why it is important to avoid falling for it. We will also review some other common scams circulating on Facebook and how to stay safe when using social media. Read on to learn more about these scams and what to look out for.
Don’t fall for this viral Facebook scam
We’ve all seen those too-good-to-be-true Facebook ads. You know, the ones that promise an iPhone for $100 or a Samsung Galaxy for $50. Well, there’s a new scam going around that’s trying to get people to buy a “cheap phone.”
Here’s how it works: The scammer creates a fake online store and uses Facebook ads to promote it. They make the ad look like it’s from a legitimate retailer, and they use images of popular phones to make it seem legit.
When people click on the ad, they’re taken to the fake store where they’re asked to input their credit card information. But of course, there is no phone – only a hefty charge on your credit card statement.
So how can you avoid falling for this scam? First, be wary of any online store that you’re not familiar with. If you see an ad for a super cheap phone, do some research before you click on it. See if you can find reviews of the store or any red flags that would indicate it’s not legitimate.
And second, never input your credit card information into a website unless you’re 100% sure it’s safe. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. So don’t let yourself be scammed by these fake phone offers – just ignore them and move on!
Facebook scam
How to avoid falling victim
If you’re on Facebook, chances are you’ve seen posts or ads promising ridiculously cheap smartphones. These offers seem too good to be true, and that’s because they are. Don’t fall for these scams!
There are a few things to look out for that can help you spot a fake phone offer:
1. Unrealistically low prices. If the price of the phone is significantly lower than what it would normally sell for, it’s probably a scam.
2. Lack of information. A legitimate phone offer will include detailed information about the product, such as specs, features, and photos. If an offer has very little information, it’s likely a scam.
3. Suspicious contact information. Be wary of offers that include only an email address or a PO box for contact information. A legitimate business should have a physical address and phone number that you can use to reach them if there’s a problem with your purchase.
4. Pressure to buy now. Scammers will often create a sense of urgency by saying the offer is only available for a limited time or while supplies last. Don’t let yourself be pressured into making a purchase you’re not comfortable with!
If you see an unbelievable phone deal on Facebook, just ignore it and move on. There’s no such thing as a free lunch, and if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is!
Read More: Protect Your Privacy, Your Cell Phone Number, And Email Address
Keep your guard up
When it comes to online scams, it’s important to always keep your guard up. This is especially true when it comes to Facebook scams, as scammers are constantly coming up with new ways to trick people into giving them their personal information or money.
One of the latest Facebook scams is a fake ad for a “cheap phone” that redirects users to a phishing website. The website looks identical to the real Facebook website, but the URL is slightly different. Once on the site, users are asked to enter their personal information, credit card number, and other sensitive data.
This scam is just one of many that are circulating on Facebook. So, how can you protect yourself? The best way to avoid being scammed on Facebook (or anywhere else online) is to be aware of what scams are out there and how they work. If you see an ad or post that looks too good to be true, it probably is. Don’t click on any links or enter your personal information unless you’re absolutely sure that the website is legitimate.
If you think you may have been the victim of a scam, report it to Facebook immediately so they can take action against the offender and help protect other users. You should also change your password and keep an eye on your credit card statements for any unauthorized charges.
Facebook scam
Safeguard your information
In the wake of the Cambridge Analytica scandal, Facebook users are understandably concerned about their privacy. So when a scammer tries to take advantage of that fear by promising a “cheap phone” that will keep your information safe, it’s important to be aware of the tricks they’re using.
The scammer starts by creating a fake Facebook profile, often using a stolen or real person’s photo. They then send friend requests to people they know are likely to accept them, since the scammer appears to be someone they know.
Once the friend request is accepted, the scammer sends a message claiming to be selling a new type of phone that is “unhackable” and perfect for people who are worried about their privacy. The scammer includes a link to an online store where the phone can be purchased, often for a very low price.
If you receive one of these messages, do not click on the link! This is a phishing scam designed to steal your personal information, such as your credit card number. If you enter your payment information on the fake website, the scammers will have access to it and could use it to make unauthorized charges.
If you’re concerned about your privacy on Facebook, there are steps you can take to safeguard your information. You can read our guide on how to do this here: [LINK].
Always use 2FA
If you’re not using two-factor authentication (2FA), also known as two-step verification, to protect your online accounts, you’re putting yourself at risk. 2FA is an extra layer of security that requires you to enter a code from your mobile phone in addition to your password when logging into an account.
If you receive a message or email claiming that you can get a “cheap phone” by clicking on a link, don’t fall for it! This is a scam that’s been making the rounds on Facebook, and it’s designed to trick you into giving up your personal information.
When setting up 2FA for your accounts, make sure to use a strong password and never reuse passwords across different accounts. Also, be sure to keep your recovery codes in a safe place in case you lose access to your phone.
Avoid links and attachments
When you receive a message from someone you don’t know claiming to have a great deal on a new phone, it’s likely a scam. These types of messages often include links or attachments that can infect your computer with malware or lead you to phishing websites. It’s best to avoid clicking any links or opening any attachments in these messages. If you’re interested in the deal, do some research to see if it’s legitimate before taking any action.
Use strong, unique passwords
When it comes to passwords, always err on the side of caution. Use strong, unique passwords for all of your online accounts. Avoid using easily guessed words like your name or birthdate. Instead, opt for a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters.
And don’t reuse passwords across different sites. If one account is compromised, all of your accounts could be at risk.
Antivirus is vital
Protect yourself against malware and other online threats with an antivirus program. Make sure your antivirus is up-to-date and installed on all of your devices. And be sure to keep your computer security settings up-to-date,