Facebook is a powerful platform for connecting with friends, sharing updates, and discovering new products. However, it’s also a favorite place for scammers. Facebook has become a hotspot for scammers targeting unsuspecting users through fake ads, posts, and messages. Falling for these scams can cost you money, compromise your personal information, and leave you feeling betrayed.
Knowing how these scams work and how to avoid them is your best defense. We will go over common Facebook scams, share real stories from Facebook scam victims and provide practical tips to keep you safe. Stay informed, stay cautious, and protect yourself from becoming a victim.
How the Facebook Scams Works: Step 1
The first part of Facebook scams is when you encounter the offer. You will often see a coupon offering a steep discount through a Facebook ad. Unbelievable discounts such as 70-80% off are red flags! Scammers often mimic official logos to make their offers look real, fooling even savvy shoppers.
Step 2: Click the Link
You fall for the coupon offer and click the link. Clicking the link directs you to a legitimate website with professional branding and official logos. Always be careful when you click on any link!
Step 3: Make a Purchase
You place an order using the promo code or coupon, entering your payment and personal details.
Step 4: Wait for the Order
After days or weeks without receiving your package, you might check the “tracking number,” which falsely claims the item was delivered.
Step 5: Discover the Scam
When you try to contact the company, you find the website gone or the customer service team unresponsive. Your money and personal details are also gone.
Stories from Facebook Users
Here is a real story from a Facebook user who reported paying for items that never arrived, and receiving a fake tracking number.
“I saw an ad on Facebook for the company, advertising Christian apparel. A coupon code was offered and it took a lot off my order. I emailed them after 2 weeks of not receiving my order. They emailed back stating the courier reported it as delivered, and gave me a BS tracking number. I was outside my home at the end of my driveway gardening when they reported their courier delivered. I demanded a refund and they said it is being fully refunded. I have yet to receive any money. Just to be safe, I changed my debit card number. I have Filed a dispute with my bank.”
Another Real Story from a Facebook User
“I saw an ad on Facebook for Christmas ornaments. I ordered four ornaments on 12/2. I’ve received one email from the company, that was supposed to provide tracking information. For weeks it said delayed, and on 12/26 the link updated and said my package is on the way. However, the tracking information that was provided seems invalid since I cannot track the pack through UPS, FedEx, or USPS.”
Here is Another Facebook Scam Victim
“Ad appeared on Facebook for Hoka shoes at 81% off/$29.99. Ordered a few pairs and the total was only $49.99. Entered my CC info and placed the order, got a confirmation email with the total $49.99, but $51.49 was charged to my bank account from ROMORYXMSUSD. Have not received a shipping email as of 2 days later. Reported the transaction to my bank and will be getting a new debit card. Not sure if the ad is still active on Facebook, but the website is still up and running. They even have a “spin to win” wheel where you enter your email for a discount. Very legit-looking website.” Check out How to Escape a Sinking Car ASAP
Facebook Scam Victim
“I bought a used snowmobile part on Facebook platform, after sending an electronic funds transfer for the part, the person would not reply to me about shipping. After a day or so, they replied and sent me screenshots of a tracking number that I could use to track my part.
Shortly after they replied that they need a refundable deposit for shipping insurance. That is when the shipping company contacted me via email, and stated they needed a deposit soon as the plane was going to leave soon. The tracking number the company sent and the tracking number the person I bought the part from were different. I became suspicious so I did not reply that night. Throughout the night I received a few more emails and one from a personal email stating a man worked there and was wondering what was going on, as the plane was going to leave soon. This was sent at 2:08 am my time.
After doing a few online searches, I discovered others have had this same approach, and listing that it was all a scam. After calling them out on it, they tried to reassure me it was a legit company. Be careful out there folks. Was scammed out of the money for the part but not the shipping.” Check out The Text Message Scam You Need to Know About (SunPass Users Beware)
Another Example of a Facebook Scam
“Found a toolbox from “wayfair” on Facebook marketplace. Ordered it on a cyber Monday deal and it was supposed to arrive in 3-5 days. It didn’t even arrive in the United until after that. It has went from China, to California, to Illinois, to Florida. It was supposed to ship to SW Missouri. After a month, I checked my Wayfair account to see if the tracking was different then what I was seeing using the tracking number. Wayfair does not show any recent orders. I called and instantly customer services said it was a scam.” Check out Don’t Fall for Subscription Renewal Email Scams (Netflix, SiriusXM scams)
Tips to Avoid Facebook Scams
Be Wary of Deals That Seem Too Good to Be True. If a deal promises massive discounts or free products with minimal effort, it’s likely a scam. Legitimate offers are rarely extreme, so always question suspiciously good deals. Check out 3 Sneaky Ways AI Voice Cloning are Used to Trick People (Don’t Fall for It)
Verify the Source
Always stick to trusted retailers or official company websites for coupons and products. Avoid third-party coupon sites or unknown sellers on Facebook without verification. Check out The 3 Netflix Scams to Watch Out For (Know the Red Flags)
Check Links Before Clicking
When you receive an email or message with a coupon or offer, hover your mouse over the link to check its URL. If the link appears random, shortened, or unrelated to the company, do not click on it. Check out 4 Sneaky Moving Company Red Flags that Will Ruin Your Move
Examine Coupons Carefully
Look for expiration dates, proper grammar, and clear formatting. Suspicious coupons often look unprofessional. Fake coupons and ads often contain telltale signs such as missing expiration dates, spelling or grammar errors, and logos or designs that look pixelated or distorted. Check out 7 Real Estate Scams that Can Drain Your Savings or Leave You Homeless
Don’t Give Out Personal Info for Free Coupons
Real businesses won’t ask for sensitive information in exchange for coupons. Never give out sensitive personal information like credit card details, Social Security numbers, or bank account numbers to redeem a coupon or enter a giveaway. Don’t pay to join coupon services. Check out 5 Online Shopping Mistakes- Don’t Get Scammed
Trust Your Instincts
Trust your gut if something feels off about a post, ad, or message. It’s better to skip an offer than to fall victim to a scam. Check out Beware of Fake ATMs- How to Avoid ATM Skimming Scams