Scammers pose as Facebook accusing users of violating community standards

COLUMBUS, Ohio ( WCMH ) – Social media sites are meant to keep people connected, but they can also make users vulnerable to scams.

The people behind scams may use different tactics to get ahold of users’ credentials or finances, such as using login information from data breaches to take users’ accounts, or tricking their friends into sending them money.

“The other scam I see on Facebook frequently is, ‘Oh my gosh! Gone too soon.’ And it’s a link to a ‘news story.’ It’s actually a malicious website,” said Virtual Chief Information Security Officer Jerod Brennen.

In one of the latest versions, scammers pose as Facebook, or its parent company Meta, and accuse users of violating “community standards.” Users like Better Call 4’s Jennifer Bullock. She got this message from a now-deleted profile:

The NBC4 newsroom even got an email that appears to come from Meta’s Support Team:

Both messages encouraged clicking on the links provided, in order to appeal that decision.

One Better Call 4 viewer said she got a similar message, and contacted Better Call 4 because she believed it. Looking for help, she did a Google search to find a phone number for Facebook, found one, called it, and got an answer. Unfortunately, Brennen said that is also a scam.

“Facebook doesn’t have a customer service center that you can call,” said Brennen.

But the viewer said the “Facebook representative” told her that her account was compromised, and in order to verify her identity, needed her bank account information, access to her phone, and $80 through CashApp. The viewer said her bank denied the transfer, and the more the “rep” pushed for direct access to her bank account, the more suspicious she became, until she finally realized it was a scam, and hung up.

“A lot of this isn’t so much a technology issue,” said Brennen. “A lot of these security things… It’s a behavior issue. It’s about criminals understanding the psychology of people and understanding how they work, and how can they trick them into taking an action.”

The Better Business Bureau suggests taking a closer look at the messages users receive, and who they’re coming from. Users may find typos, or email sender addresses that aren’t related to Facebook. And verify their claims, by hovering over — not clicking on — any links. Users may discover that it won’t even take them to Facebook.

“If you’re watching this, and you’ve learned something, tell your friends and family,” Brennen said. “The best thing you can do is share this knowledge.”

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.