RICHMOND, Va (WTVR) -- Social media is a great way to stay connected, but Facebook might not just help you stay in touch with friends it may also be connecting you with scammers. The Better Business Bureau is warning of a scam some continue falling victim to.
Here's how the scam works, you're on Facebook and you see a post in your newsfeed claiming your Facebook account will be shut down by a certain date. The notice goes on to say, if you want to avoid deactivation, you'll have to register your account online--which would require personal information. If you put in that personal info, the online scammer can use it on other websites, including banking sites. Within a short amount of time, the Facebook user may find their finances in jeopardy.
Tom Gallagher with the Better Business Bureau of Central Virginia Inc. said it's important to recognize any red flags, in order to keep yourself and your family safe.
"Anytime I've ever seen in my entire career folks coming after email addresses, folks coming after mailing addresses or your personal information they are coming after money," Gallagher said. "Sooner or later they are going to try and get in and get some money. The secret is don't fall for this, no one is going to disconnect your Facebook account--leave it alone and don't mess with that stuff. If you have a question just go straight back to Facebook itself and don't answer back on that address that they gave you. Don't reply back on these things."
Gallagher added this is a scam that pops up every few months.
Here are things to remember to protect yourself from the Facebook Scam:
Don’t take the bait.
Don’t trust your friends’ taste online.
Verify before you share.
If you feel you have a compromised account--you can stop it by following Facebook’s instructions.
And report spam on Facebook.
For more information click here.
