Stay Safe Online: How Seniors Can Avoid Facebook Scams

Facebook is a great way to stay connected with family and friends, but unfortunately, it’s also a hotspot for scammers looking to take advantage of unsuspecting users. Seniors, in particular, are often targeted because scammers assume they may be less familiar with online fraud tactics. At Connections to Care, we want to help you recognize and avoid these common scams so you can continue using social media safely.

Common Facebook Scams to Watch Out For

1. Fake Friend Requests

Scammers create fake profiles or impersonate people you may know to send you friend requests. Once you accept, they might ask for money, personal details, or try to send you malicious links.

How to Avoid It:

• Only accept friend requests from people you personally know and can verify.

• If you receive a duplicate request from someone you’re already friends with, contact them outside of Facebook to confirm.

2. Phishing Messages

You may receive messages claiming to be from Facebook, a bank, or another trusted company, asking you to click a link to verify your account or reset a password. These links often lead to fake websites designed to steal your login information.

How to Avoid It:

• Never click on suspicious links. Instead, go directly to the official website by typing the URL into your browser.

• Facebook will never ask for your password via messages.

3. Lottery and Sweepstakes Scams

If you get a message saying you’ve won a big prize, but you need to pay a fee or provide personal information to claim it, it’s a scam.

How to Avoid It:

• If you didn’t enter a contest, you can’t win. Ignore and report these messages.

• Never send money or share personal details to claim a “prize.”

4. Romance Scams

Scammers create fake profiles and build online relationships with seniors, gaining their trust before asking for money, often claiming to have an emergency.

How to Avoid It:

• Be wary of online relationships where the person is reluctant to meet in person or always has excuses.

• Never send money to someone you haven’t met in person.

5. Investment and Job Scams

Some scammers promise high-return investments or work-from-home jobs that require upfront payment or personal financial information.

How to Avoid It:

• If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

• Do your research before investing money or providing personal details.

Tips for Staying Safe on Facebook

• Strengthen Your Privacy Settings: Adjust your settings so only friends can see your information.

• Be Skeptical: If something feels off, trust your instincts.

• Verify Information: If someone claims to be a friend or family member in distress, contact them directly to confirm before taking action.

• Report Scams: Facebook allows you to report suspicious messages, pages, and profiles.

Final Thoughts

Social media should be a safe and enjoyable space, but staying informed is key to protecting yourself. By recognizing these scams and taking precautionary steps, you can continue to connect with loved ones without worry. If you ever have concerns about online safety, don’t hesitate to reach out to a trusted family member or Connections to Care for guidance.