Scammers are always getting smarter, and their latest trick involves fake account warnings sent to your Meta business page on Facebook. They claim you’ve violated Meta’s policies, threaten to shut down your page, and provide a link to “fix” the problem. But the only real threat? Clicking that link. In this blog, we’ll break down what these urgent messages really mean, how to spot them, and what to do.
What is a Meta Spam Message?
A Meta spam message is a fraudulent notification designed to trick business owners into clicking malicious links or sharing personal login credentials. These messages often claim you are at risk of being banned and that you must act quickly to save your page. Let’s dive into some key factors regarding these messages.
- Meta will not send these messages. If you truly have violated a policy, you will not receive notification through direct messaging or comments. Meta handles all violations by directly removing or restricting content.
- Profiles: Many of these profiles contain a Meta, Facebook, or chatbot logo. Although it may look convincing, upon clicking on profiles, you will often see a page with 0 followers.
- Links: Whether it is a direct message or a comment, these pages will provide you with a link to “save” your account. Never click or enter personal information into these links, as they will steal your credentials and gain access to your account.
What Actions Can I Take to Prevent Spam Messages?
If these messages are constantly cluttering your inbox and disrupting your daily operations, there are a few measures you can take to avoid these messages. Here are some preventative steps you can take:
- Filter Keywords: Through your Meta settings, you can filter out specific words, phrases, and emojis. Meta will automatically delete any messages that contain this restricted content. Some examples you could filter out are “violation”, “policies”, and “standards.”
- Mark as Spam: When you receive a message, you can automatically mark it as spam. It will be sent to a separate folder, so you will no longer need to worry about that specific user.
- Two-Factor Authentication: If you have mistakenly entered your information or are worried you have compromised your account, you can set up two-factor authentication to secure your account. This will require a code for login that is sent directly to your personal device, and you will be notified of any login attempts.
About the enVisioning Success Podcast
This article is based on topics discussed in enVisioning Success, our weekly podcast hosted by Vision Advertising CEO Laura DiBenedetto and COO Julia Becker Collins. In it, they discuss all things business and marketing, from lead generation to leadership. Find us on PodBean to download from your platform of choice, or subscribe to our mailing list to get new episodes and other news delivered directly to your inbox. Interested in working with Vision Advertising? Learn more about our services and contact us today.
