Facebook and Instagram users, beware. A group of fraudsters are extorting money from various Facebook and Instagram account holders using Meta’s ‘Rights Manager’ tool. They threaten to close these accounts unless the demanded amount is paid. As a result, many Facebook and Instagram users feel compelled to pay to keep their accounts active.scams on Facebook and Instagram
Fraudsters exploit a technical flaw in Meta’s ‘Rights Manager’ tool to secretly post infringing photos or videos on certain Facebook and Instagram accounts. They then demand money as a fine, claiming that the pictures or videos violate intellectual property rights.
Detailed features of the email account
According to a Bloomberg report, these fraudsters have already collected money by accusing the Facebook and Instagram accounts of popular individuals and organizations across various Middle Eastern countries of intellectual property violations. To protect other users from this issue, Meta has started working to fix the technical error in the Rights Manager tool.(scams on Facebook and Instagram)
Source: Prothom Alo
types of scams that users should be aware of:
1. Phishing Scams
- Fake Login Pages: Scammers create counterfeit login pages that mimic Facebook or Instagram, tricking users into entering their credentials.
- Urgent Account Notifications: Users receive messages claiming that their account will be suspended unless they verify their information, often leading to phishing sites.
2. Romance Scams
- Scammers create fake profiles to build relationships with unsuspecting individuals, often leading to requests for money. They may invent elaborate stories to solicit funds for emergencies or travel.
3. Investment Scams
- Promises of high returns on investments, often in cryptocurrency or new financial products, are common. Scammers use social media ads or posts to lure users into investing in non-existent ventures.
4. Prize and Giveaway Scams
- Users are tricked into believing they’ve won a prize or gift card but must first provide personal information or pay a fee to claim their reward. These often come from fake accounts pretending to be legitimate brands.
5. Impersonation Scams
- Scammers impersonate friends, family, or well-known figures and ask for money or personal information. They often hack legitimate accounts and use them to reach out to the victim’s contacts.
6. Fake Job Offers
- Posts or messages advertising unrealistic job opportunities often require upfront fees for training materials or equipment. Once the fee is paid, the scammer disappears.
7. Marketplace Scams
- Fraudulent listings for products on Facebook Marketplace or Instagram Shop can lead to users sending money for items that do not exist. Scammers often request payment through unsecured methods, like wire transfers or gift cards.
8. Fake Charity Scams
- Scammers exploit current events or disasters by creating fake charity campaigns, asking users for donations for causes that do not exist or are not legitimate.
9. Subscription and Billing Scams
- Users receive messages claiming their subscription is expiring or that they owe money for services. These messages often contain links to phishing sites.
10. Account Recovery Scams
- Scammers offer assistance with recovering hacked accounts but require personal information or payment upfront. In reality, they may further compromise the account or steal sensitive information.