Beware of Facebook Scams

September 26, 2024

Seniors are increasingly vulnerable to scams on Facebook, where scammers exploit their trust and limited digital knowledge. Here are some of the most dangerous scams:

Impersonation Scams: Scammers often pose as military personnel, claiming to be deployed overseas and in need of financial assistance. They build a rapport before asking for money for various fake emergencies [2][6].
Fake Friend Requests: Scammers create false profiles to connect with seniors, gaining their trust to solicit money or personal information.
Lottery and Prize Scams: Victims receive messages claiming they've won a lottery or prize but must pay fees to claim their winnings, which do not exist [5].
Romance Scams: These involve scammers forming romantic relationships with seniors online, eventually requesting financial help for supposed crises.
Telemarketing Scams: Often targeting older adults, these scams involve fake telemarketing calls promising incredible deals or prizes [1].

Educating seniors about these scams and encouraging them to verify information before acting is crucial for their protection [3].
🌐 Sources