How to Tell if That Facebook Message Is a Scam

Security & Privacy

Jun 1

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A message pops up on Facebook. It says you’ve won a prize — maybe a $1,000 gift card, a free iPhone, or even a vacation. Sometimes it’s a warning that your account is in trouble. Other times, it claims someone uploaded an embarrassing video of you.

Should you click?

Probably not.

Online scams are everywhere these days, and Facebook is one of the most common places they show up. With over two billion users, it’s a prime target for scammers — and people fall for fake messages every day. But you don’t have to be one of them.

At TechPals, we help people recognize scams, protect their accounts, and feel more confident online. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Facebook scam messages: how to spot them, what to do if you clicked, and how to stay safe moving forward.

What Are Facebook Scam Messages?

A Facebook scam message is any private message, post, comment, or link that tries to trick you into giving away personal information, clicking a harmful link, or sending money. These scams are often designed to look like they’re coming from friends, companies, or even Facebook itself.

Scammers can:

Pretend to be someone you know
Hijack someone else’s account
Create fake company profiles
Use fear or urgency to get you to act quickly

The goal is always the same: to get you to click, share, or give up information.

Why Facebook?

Facebook is a popular scam target because:

It has billions of users, so scammers can cast a wide net
It connects you to friends and family, which scammers can exploit
It allows private messages, where scams can hide
People trust what they see on Facebook more than on random websites

The combination of trust, reach, and communication tools makes it ideal for online trickery.

But don’t worry — spotting these scams is easier than you think.

Red Flag #1: Strange Grammar or Spelling

Many Facebook scams come from people or bots who don’t speak fluent English. So if a message sounds “off,” trust your gut.

Look for:

Words that don’t make sense: “Congratz! You winner big prize now!”
Random capital letters or symbols: “CliCk HEre TO clAim!!!”
Bad punctuation or missing spaces

If the language looks sloppy or robotic, it’s probably a scam.

TechPals tip: Real companies hire professionals to write clearly. Scam messages often feel rushed, weird, or too casual.

Red Flag #2: Urgent Language

Scammers want you to act fast — so they use words that make you panic or feel like you’ll miss out.

Watch for:

“Your account will be deleted in 24 hours!”
“Act now to claim your reward!”
“Don’t wait — limited time offer!”

This tactic is called social engineering — it’s designed to stop you from thinking and get you to click.

Slow down. Real alerts and companies rarely rush you like this, and they never demand instant action through a Facebook message.

Red Flag #3: They Ask for Personal Information

No legitimate person or company will ask for sensitive info through Facebook Messenger. If someone wants:

Your password
Your Social Security Number
Your credit card or bank info
A code sent to your phone

…it’s a scam.

Sometimes scammers pretend to be your friend and say they need help accessing their account. They might ask you to share a “recovery code” — don’t do it! That code could give them access to your own account.

Other Common Signs of Facebook Scams

The profile photo doesn’t match the name
You’re tagged in a strange post or video
A “friend” sends you a link out of the blue
A company is giving away expensive items with no catch
You’re asked to download something or “verify” your account

TechPals tip: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

What to Do If You Get a Scam Message

Don’t panic — but don’t click. Here’s what to do instead.

Step 1: Don’t Respond

Even saying “Is this real?” lets scammers know your account is active. It’s better to ignore or block them.

Step 2: Don’t Click Links

A single click can lead to:

Fake login pages (to steal your password)
Malware downloads (to infect your device)
More scam messages being sent from your account

If you already clicked, see the next section.

Step 3: Report the Message

Facebook wants to stop scams too. Click the three dots on the message or profile and select Report.

Step 4: Block the Sender

If the scam came from a stranger, block them. If it came from a friend, their account may have been hacked — message them outside of Facebook to let them know.

What If You Already Clicked?

First, don’t beat yourself up. Scammers are clever — and they prey on trust and distraction. You’re not alone.

Here’s what to do right away:

Step 1: Change Your Password

Go to Settings > Security and Login and choose a new password. Make it strong and unique.

Step 2: Turn On Two-Factor Authentication

This adds a second layer of protection. You’ll get a code via text or app whenever someone tries to log in.

Find this under Settings > Security > Two-Factor Authentication

Step 3: Scan Your Computer or Phone

Use antivirus software to check for malware, especially if you downloaded anything.

Step 4: Review Your Login History

Under Settings > Security and Login, check Where You’re Logged In. Remove any sessions that look unfamiliar.

Step 5: Warn Your Friends

If your account sent scam messages, let your contacts know so they don’t fall for it too.

How to Keep Your Facebook Account Safe

Staying safe on Facebook doesn’t mean giving it up — just being smart about how you use it.

Here are some ways to prevent future scams:

1. Lock Down Your Privacy Settings

Go to Settings > Privacy and adjust:

Who can see your posts
Who can send you messages
Who can look you up by phone or email

2. Watch Out for Phishing Emails

Scammers also send fake emails that look like they’re from Facebook. Don’t click links in emails unless you’re sure they’re real.

Tip: Check your real notifications at facebook.com/settings

3. Be Cautious with Apps and Quizzes

Those fun “What Dog Are You?” quizzes sometimes harvest your data. Think twice before clicking.

4. Use a Strong, Unique Password

Don’t reuse your Facebook password anywhere else. A password manager can help.

5. Educate Family and Friends

Older adults and teens are often targets. Share what you’ve learned to protect them too.

Real Examples of Facebook Scams

Here are a few scam messages reported by TechPals users recently:

“Someone uploaded a video of you. Click here to see.”
→ This leads to a fake login page that steals your password.

“Congratulations! You’ve won a $500 Amazon gift card!”
→ It asks for personal info and a “small processing fee.”

“We’ve noticed unusual activity on your account. Please verify.”
→ Fake Facebook security message leading to a scam site.

If you’re ever unsure, don’t guess. Visit techpals.org — we’ll take a look with you.

TechPals Can Help

Scams can happen to anyone. You don’t have to be “bad at tech” to get tricked — you just have to be human. That’s why TechPals exists.

We help you:

Recognize scam messages and avoid clicks
Review your privacy settings
Recover your account if it’s been compromised
Stay safe online without the stress

Visit techpals.org for friendly, clear help that actually makes sense.

Helping someone else? Share this article or send them our way. Whether they search for “TechPals” or “Tech Pals,” we’re here to help them feel more confident — and less anxious — online.

The internet is full of scams. But with the right info, it doesn’t have to be scary.

You’ve got this — and TechPals has your back.

Moving Forward: Building Scam Smarts into Your Everyday Facebook Use

Now that you know how to spot scam messages, what should you do next? At TechPals, we believe that staying safe online isn’t just about avoiding bad links — it’s about building habits that keep you protected every day, without stress or paranoia. This final section gives you tools to stay alert, help others, and take charge of your own digital safety in a way that feels manageable and empowering.

Keep Your Guard Up — Without Getting Overwhelmed

You don’t need to be suspicious of every message that comes your way, but it’s smart to develop a healthy dose of caution. Think of it like locking your front door — not because you’re scared of the neighborhood, but because it’s a simple habit that keeps you safe.

Here’s what that looks like on Facebook:

Pause before clicking. Ask yourself, “Does this make sense? Would this person normally send me this?”
Trust your instincts. If something feels off — even slightly — it’s worth double-checking.
Use Facebook’s built-in tools. Reporting and blocking aren’t just for bullies or spam; they help Facebook clean up scams, too.

These tiny moments of awareness add up to big protection.

Teach Others What You’ve Learned

One of the best ways to protect yourself online is to help the people around you get smarter about scams, too. After all, scammers often rely on hijacking friends’ accounts to spread their messages — so the more educated your circle is, the safer you are.

Talk about it. Bring up online safety the next time you're chatting with a family member or friend. You can say:

“I read a great post about Facebook scams. Have you ever gotten a weird message like that?”

You’d be surprised how many people say yes — and how grateful they’ll be to learn simple red flags.

Send them to TechPals. We’re not just here for you — we’re here for your whole family. Forward this article or visit techpals.org together.

Start small. Share just one tip, like “Did you know urgent language is a scam warning sign?” That one nugget might help someone avoid trouble down the road.

Set a Scam Check-Up Reminder

A little regular maintenance can keep your account in top shape.

Once a month, or even once a season, take 5–10 minutes to check:

Who has access to your account? (Check login activity)
Is your contact info up to date? (So you can recover your account)
Are your privacy settings still the way you want them?
Has Facebook added any new safety features you should know about?

You can even put a recurring note in your calendar — something like “Facebook security tune-up” — just like you’d schedule a doctor’s appointment or oil change.

Practice Safe Facebook Sharing

Scammers often gather personal information from public Facebook profiles to make their messages more convincing. So while there’s nothing wrong with sharing your life online, it’s good to be intentional.

Here are a few best practices:

Avoid posting your full birth date — scammers love using this for identity theft.
Think twice before sharing travel plans, especially in real time.
Don’t accept friend requests from strangers — especially people with no mutual friends, no posts, or oddly generic profiles.
Be cautious when joining public buy/sell groups, contests, or giveaways.

The more you control what’s visible on your profile, the less material scammers have to use.

When in Doubt, Ask TechPals

Seriously — that’s why we’re here. If you ever get a message and aren’t sure if it’s a scam, you don’t have to play detective alone. TechPals can look at it with you.

We’ll help you:

Spot suspicious patterns
Check links without risking your account
Block and report confidently
Change your password if needed
Set up privacy features to reduce future risk

You don’t have to wait until something goes wrong. We’re happy to do a quick check-in any time. Visit techpals.org to get started — no tech skills required.

Why Scam Protection Matters More Than Ever

Online scams are not just annoying. They can cost people money, damage relationships, and create long-lasting stress. And the worst part? Most scams could have been prevented with just a few small steps — like the ones in this guide.

At TechPals, we talk to people every day who:

Clicked a link from someone they trusted
Gave out a code because they didn’t know better
Lost access to their accounts for days — or even weeks
Felt embarrassed, alone, or ashamed afterward

We’re here to say: you don’t have to feel that way. You’re not dumb, and you’re not alone. The scammers are the problem — not you.

Getting smarter about scams is just part of being online in 2025. And the more you know, the more confident and empowered you become.

You’ve Got This — and TechPals Has You Covered

We hope this guide helped you feel more equipped to spot Facebook scam messages and protect your account. Whether you’re helping yourself or someone else, here’s a quick recap of what to keep in mind:

Scam messages often use weird language, fake urgency, or requests for personal info.
If you clicked, don’t panic. Change your password and turn on two-factor authentication.
Stay safe by reviewing privacy settings, blocking fake accounts, and thinking before you click.
Share what you’ve learned — one conversation could save someone a lot of trouble.
TechPals is always here if you need us — just visit techpals.org.

You don’t have to be an expert. You just need a little help — and a good “tech pal.”

Whether you call us TechPals or Tech Pals, we’re here to help real people stay safe, one click at a time.

Let us know how we can support you, your loved ones, or your community. Until then, keep your eyes open, your passwords strong, and your friends close — but maybe not too close on Facebook.

Facebookscamsmessagingsafety

Jesse Kaplan