The Rise of Facebook Scams
Social media has made it easier than ever to stay connected with friends, family, and communities—but it’s also made it easier for scammers to blend in. Facebook, with its billions of active users, is a frequent target for fraud.
According to the Federal Trade Commission, one in four people who reported losing money to fraud said it started on social media. These scams are growing more common, more convincing, and more personalized.
Why Facebook Scams Work
Scammers rely on more than fake offers or stolen photos. What makes these schemes effective is how they exploit trust. They often pose as people you know, groups you follow, or brands you’ve interacted with before.
They use emotional triggers to manipulate users—whether it’s urgency, excitement, or fear. Social engineering tactics like impersonation, flattery, or warnings that “your account will be deleted” are designed to pressure quick decisions. That’s what makes scams so dangerous: they look familiar, feel urgent, and seem harmless.
Common Facebook Scams and How They Work
Fake Giveaways and Sweepstakes
Scams promising free RVs, phones, or gift cards often ask users to like, comment, or share a post in order to “claim” a prize. In some cases, victims are directed to a website that requests personal information or even a small payment to cover shipping. These setups often mimic legitimate promotions, but they’re designed to extract personal data or create viral exposure for a fraudulent page.
Watch for vague language, poor grammar, and unusually high-value items. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is—especially when the prize requires you to act immediately or pay upfront.
Phishing Links in Messenger
Messages like “Is this you in this video?” or “You’re in this photo!” often contain links that look like Facebook login screens. Clicking through can lead to stolen credentials and account takeovers.
Once your profile is compromised, scammers can message your friends or join groups using your identity, spreading the scam further. Always hover over links, and never log in through pop-up windows or unfamiliar URLs.
Fake Job Offers
Some scammers create fake Facebook pages or ads promoting easy, high-paying remote jobs. These posts may ask for your Social Security number, banking details, or a copy of your ID as part of the “application” process.
If the opportunity feels suspiciously easy or urgent, it’s worth pausing. Legitimate employers won’t ask for sensitive information through Facebook Messenger.
Marketplace and Buy/Sell Group Scams
Facebook Marketplace is a popular tool for local buying and selling, but it’s also a common target for fraud. One widespread scheme involves buyers who “overpay” using a counterfeit check, then ask for a refund of the extra amount. The check may clear initially, but once it bounces days later, the full amount is withdrawn from your account, leaving you with a loss and no item to show for it.
Sellers are at risk too. In recent months, there have been multiple reports of fake buyers offering to purchase used vehicles or RVs, often requesting that the item be shipped to them. Victims who fall for the scam lose both the money they received and the cost of shipping—often thousands of dollars.
Whether you’re buying or selling, never accept overpayments, avoid third-party shipping arrangements, and always meet in a secure, public location when possible.
Ticket Scams for Concerts and Sporting Events
Scammers often take advantage of sold-out shows or high-demand events by posting fake tickets in Facebook Marketplace or local groups. These listings usually offer tickets at a discount and pressure buyers to act fast. Some even use screenshots or barcodes stolen from legitimate sellers.
Once payment is sent, often via peer-to-peer apps like Venmo, Cash App, or Zelle, the seller disappears, and the tickets turn out to be invalid or never arrive.
To avoid ticket fraud:
- Only buy from verified resellers or the event venue’s official page
- Be wary of steep discounts or sellers unwilling to meet in person
- Ask for proof of purchase and confirm that the name on the ticket matches the seller
- Avoid payment methods that don’t offer buyer protection
Ticket-related fraud is just one example of how online scams adapt quickly to trends and public demand. Whether it’s concert seats or playoff games, the sense of urgency makes it easier for scammers to succeed.
How to Protect Yourself
Taking a few proactive steps can significantly reduce your chances of falling victim to a Facebook scam:
- Be cautious of messages from unfamiliar accounts or offers that sound too good to be true
- Verify URLs and look out for small misspellings or subtle variations in company names
- Don’t give out personal or financial details unless you’ve confirmed the request is legitimate
- Turn on two-factor authentication for your accounts
- Review your privacy settings to control who can see your posts and send you messages.
What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed
If you’ve already clicked, shared, or sent information to a scammer, take these steps:
- Report the post or profile to Facebook using the platform’s built-in tools
- Change your Facebook password and review your login activity
- Monitor your credit reports or place a freeze if you shared financial data
- Report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission
Stay Safe, Stay Informed
Facebook scams are constantly evolving, but they often follow the same patterns. Staying alert, questioning anything that feels suspicious, and knowing how to respond can help you avoid becoming a target.
Explore more targeted scam prevention strategies at the Central Bank Learning Center.
