How to Safely Use Facebook Without Getting Scammed

For many seniors, Facebook is a wonderful way to stay in touch with family, see photos of grandchildren, and connect with old friends. But while Facebook makes life more connected, it also attracts scammers.

From fake friend requests to bogus sweepstakes, scammers use Facebook to trick people into sharing personal information or sending money. The good news? With a few simple habits, you can enjoy Facebook safely without worrying about fraud.

Why Scammers Love Facebook

Scammers target Facebook because:

• Millions of seniors use it daily.

• Personal information is often visible (birthdays, family names, locations).

• It’s easy to create fake accounts that look convincing.

But once you know the common tricks, you’ll see them coming a mile away.

Common Facebook Scams Seniors Should Watch Out For

1. Fake Friend Requests

You may receive a request from someone who looks familiar, but it’s actually a copy of a real person’s profile. Once accepted, the scammer might send you strange messages or try to ask for money.

What to do: If you get a request from someone you’re already friends with, don’t accept it. Check with the real person first.

2. “You Won a Prize!” Messages

Scammers send private messages saying you’ve won money, a gift card, or a vacation. To “claim” it, they ask you to click a link or provide personal details.

What to do: Ignore these. Real companies don’t give out prizes through random Facebook messages.

3. Romance Scams

Someone sends friendly messages, builds a relationship over time, and eventually asks for money. These scammers can be very convincing and patient.

What to do: Be cautious about forming relationships with people you don’t know in real life. If anyone asks for money online, it’s almost always a scam.

4. Phishing Links

You might see a post or message with a link that says “Look at these shocking photos of you!” or “Click here to verify your account.” These links lead to fake sites that steal your login details.

What to do: Never log in through links in messages. Always go directly to Facebook.com to sign in.

5. Fake Charities and Fundraisers

Scammers sometimes create emotional stories and ask for donations. While many fundraisers on Facebook are real, some are designed to steal money.

What to do: If you want to donate, research the charity outside of Facebook first.

7 Simple Steps to Stay Safe on Facebook

1. Adjust Your Privacy Settings

• Go to Settings & Privacy > Settings > Privacy.

• Change “Who can see your future posts?” to Friends.

• Limit who can look you up by phone number or email.

This makes it harder for strangers to see your personal details.

2. Be Selective With Friend Requests

Only accept requests from people you know personally. If you’re unsure, check with family before accepting.

3. Think Before You Click

If a post, message, or link feels odd, don’t click. Scammers rely on curiosity to get you to take the bait.

4. Avoid Sharing Too Much

Your birthday, address, or mother’s maiden name may seem harmless, but scammers use this info to guess passwords or answer security questions.

5. Use a Strong Password

Choose a long, unique password for your Facebook account (see our guide here). Don’t reuse the same password from other sites.

6. Turn On Two-Factor Authentication

This adds an extra step when logging in — a code sent to your phone. Even if someone steals your password, they can’t get in without the code.

• Go to Settings > Security and Login > Two-Factor Authentication to turn it on.

7. Log Out on Shared Devices

If you use a public or shared computer, always log out of Facebook when you’re done.

What to Do if You’ve Been Scammed on Facebook

If you think you’ve been tricked:

1. Change your password immediately.

2. Report the scammer’s profile by clicking the three dots (…) on their page and selecting “Report.”

3. Check your account activity under Settings > Security and Login to see if anyone else logged in.

4. Warn your friends so they don’t get tricked by the same scammer.

Don’t feel embarrassed — scammers trick millions of people every year. What matters most is acting quickly.

Final Word

Facebook is a wonderful tool for staying connected, but it’s also a favorite hunting ground for scammers. The key is knowing what to look out for: fake friend requests, prize offers, romance scams, phishing links, and phony fundraisers.

By adjusting your privacy settings, being careful about friend requests, and using strong security habits, you can keep enjoying Facebook safely.

At ShieldWise, our mission is to help seniors and their families feel confident online. A little knowledge goes a long way — and with these tips, you’ll stay connected while keeping scammers out. If you feel like you could use a little bit of help, check out our services here.