Facebook scams
Facebook scams span hacked-account 'is this you?' links, Marketplace fraud, fake giveaways, and impersonation of friends and pages.
How scams appear on Facebook
Facebook scams frequently open with an 'is this you in this video?' link from a friend whose account is already compromised, or a page-disabled warning with a tight deadline. The link leads to a copycat login that hands over the account, which is then used for Marketplace fraud, fake giveaways, or messaging your contacts. Impersonating friends and well-known pages lowers suspicion, and the mix of curiosity and urgency does the rest.
Common Facebook scam examples
Sanitised examples - placeholders only, never real links or data.
Example only: Is this you in this video? [fake-link removed]
Example only: Your page will be disabled - verify within 24 hours: [fake-link removed]
Red flags on Facebook
- A 'copyright', 'verify', or 'account disabled' warning with a login link
- A request to forward a verification code
- A 'free' giveaway, badge, or investment offer
- A new follower/DM pushing you off-platform
How to verify safely
- Handle appeals and verification only inside the official app.
- Never share a verification code, even with a 'friend'.
- Check unusual messages by contacting the person another way.
How to report inside Facebook
- Use the 'Find support or report' option on posts/profiles.
- Recover a hacked account via Facebook's official help flow.
- Turn on two-step verification and review active sessions.
How to protect your Facebook account
- Turn on app-based two-step verification.
- Use a unique password; don't reuse it elsewhere.
- Review login activity and connected apps; remove unknown ones.
Related Facebook scam messages you can check
- Is this Instagram copyright violation DM a scam?
- Is this Meta Business Support warning a scam?
- Is this Facebook page disabled scam a scam?
- Is this Social media giveaway prize scam a scam?
- Is this fake blue tick verification message a scam?
- Is this fake Business Manager access request a scam?
Related scam-type hubs
Related red flags
Glossary terms
Got a message like this?
Check it to see the specific red flags and what to do next.
Check a messageSources
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if a Facebook message is a scam?
Check it against the red flags above and verify through the official app or website you open yourself. When in doubt, don't click, pay, or share codes.
How do I report a scam on Facebook?
Use the 'Find support or report' option on posts/profiles.
Last reviewed: 2026-06-15.