Scammers are using Facebook Messenger to promote phony grants, appearing as a friend or relative in a fake profile, according to the Better Business Bureau.
Scammers will hack into a user’s Facebook account, or create a profile that mirrors a real user, stealing photos and personal information.
The scammer will often pose as a friend or family member, the Better Business Bureau warned.
They will send a message claiming that the victim qualities for “free money” from a government organization, but the catch is that the victim has to a processing or delivery fee up front.
Facebook scammers are also trying to trick users into giving up personal information. They often ask victims to fill out an application form for a grant or other offer that requires personal information, such as Social Security numbers or addresses.
The BBB warns Facebook users:
Be wary of your friends' tastes online: Email messages, social posts and Facebook Messenger chats can all be hacked or impersonated.
Report scams to Facebook: Alert Facebook to fake or copied profiles and report spam messages or compromised accounts.
The Better Business Bureau also asks anyone who has fallen for this type of scam to report it at BBB.org/ScamTracker.
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