Before AI became a big thing, it was easier to spot spam messages in your inbox. But now, for people who are not tech-savvy or don’t use social media and emails often, it can be tricky to recognize spam messages when they appear.
If you run a Facebook business page, spam messages are even more common compared to personal accounts. This is because business pages are open to the public, meaning anyone can send you a message (unless you have closed your DMs, which some businesses prefer).
This week, we are sharing some easy ways to identify spam messages so you don’t reply to them or, worse, click on harmful links.
How to Spot a Spam Message:
- Check the sender’s profile – If the sender has no profile picture, few or no posts, and very few followers, it could be a spam account.
- Look for strange language – Many spam messages have poor grammar, odd phrasing, or weird links. If a message feels off, it probably is.
- Beware of urgent or too-good-to-be-true offers – Spammers often send messages claiming you’ve won something or that you need to take immediate action. Be careful!
- Facebook will not message you directly – Facebook or Instagram won’t contact you in DMs unless you have authorized them to send messages. If you receive a message claiming to be from Facebook, it’s likely fake.
What to Do If You’re Unsure:
- Ask a social media expert – If you are unsure about a message, check with someone who knows social media well. If you have a social media manager, send them the message first.
- Search on Google – If you’re unsure whether a message is real, Google some keywords from it. Many people report scams, and you may find helpful information.
- Never click on unknown links – If a message contains a suspicious link, do not click it. It may lead to malware or phishing sites.
Cyber threats are a major concern for small businesses, and staying prepared is key to avoiding trouble. To help you navigate these challenges, JBC is hosting an informative webinar, Cyber Resilience: Strategies to Protect Your Business, in collaboration with allCareIT.
Date: Thursday, April 10, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM EDT
There will be time at the end of the webinar for a Q&A session, so you can get your questions answered. We highly recommend registering for this session.
Register now – we hope to see you there!
