Clicking on a suspicious or unknown link on Facebook can put your account and personal information at risk. Phishing links and scams are unfortunately common on social media platforms like Facebook, and you need to be cautious about what links you click. In this article, we’ll discuss what can happen if you do click on a sketchy Facebook link, how to tell if a link is suspicious, and steps you can take to protect your account after clicking on something you shouldn’t have.
What are some common signs of a suspicious Facebook link?
Here are some red flags that indicate a Facebook link may be malicious or a scam:
The link seems off or abnormal
– The URL contains odd characters or a misspelled domain name (e.g. facebookkk.com instead of facebook.com)
– The post has a shortened URL from a service like bit.ly or tinyurl instead of a proper Facebook URL
– HTTP vs HTTPS: Lack of “https://” at the start indicates it’s not a secure link
Suspicious requests or offers
– Claims you’ve won a contest you didn’t enter or there is a giveaway requiring you to click the link
– Offers a deal “only for you” or that seems too good to be true
– Asks for personal information like your login credentials or credit card number
Scammy content
– Uses excessive punctuation, capital letters, emojis to grab attention
– Message seems obviously fake, silly or uses poor grammar/spelling
– Post claims to be from a friend but seems off compared to their normal content
What happens if you click on a bad link?
Here are some potential risks if you click on a sketchy or scam Facebook link:
Account compromise
– The link could deploy malware that steals your login credentials
– It may trick you into entering your username/password on a phishing site
– Hackers can gain access and take over your account
Personal data theft
– Malware or phishing links can steal personal info like your name, email, contacts
– Financial information like credit card numbers may be harvested
– Valuable account details like passwords can be obtained
Spamming your network
– The spam link gets posted from your account to your friends
– Your contacts profiles could be compromised as well
– Difficult to contain once it starts spreading
Device infection
– Malware is downloaded onto your computer or phone
– Can allow hackers to monitor your activity, steal data, take remote control
– Entire device is compromised and needs to be cleaned
How to tell if you clicked a bad link
If you’re unsure whether a Facebook link you clicked was malicious, here are some signs to watch out for:
Suspicious login activity
– You receive a notice about unrecognized logins to your account
– Password reset emails you didn’t initiate
– Friends tell you they received odd messages from your account
Account lockout
– Facebook blocks you from logging in to your account
– This is done if suspicious activity is noticed to secure the account
– Indicates your account may be compromised
Spam posts appearing
– Your profile starts posting unusual/spammy content or messages
– Friends tell you they’re seeing odd posts from you
– A barrage of spammy posts is a clear red flag
Strange friend requests
– You notice friend requests to strangers sent from your account
– The hacker is trying to spread through your network
– They may impersonate you and message contacts
What to do if you clicked a bad link
If you suspect your Facebook account has been compromised, take these steps to secure it:
1. Reset your password
– Change your password immediately to lock out the hackers
– Use a strong, unique password for Facebook
– Enable 2-factor authentication if available
2. Log out all active sessions
– Facebook has a “Where You’re Logged In” settings page
– Log out all unknown active sessions to kick out the hackers
– Also update passwords on any unknown logged in devices
3. Scan devices for malware
– Run antivirus software to check for any malware or keyloggers
– Hackers may install programs to monitor you or steal your new password
– Deleting suspicious programs can remove malware
4. Review privacy settings
– Check all your Facebook privacy settings after a compromise
– Make sure nothing was changed without your knowledge to expose more info
– Lock down settings as much as possible to tighten security
Protecting yourself going forward
Here are some ways to enhance your protection against suspicious Facebook links:
Use caution with links
– Don’t click on random links from strangers or unfamiliar sites
– Hover over the link to preview the URL before clicking
– Be wary even if shared by a friend whose account may be hacked
Avoid connecting to public WiFi
– Public networks make it easier for hackers to spy on your activity
– Only access Facebook on trusted networks to avoid snooping
– Use a VPN if you need to access public WiFi
Install antivirus software
– Use a reputable antivirus program to detect malware
– Some even offer Facebook-specific protection to block scams
– Update virus definitions regularly for best protection
Turn on login alerts
– Facebook can email or text you whenever a login occurs
– This acts as an early warning system for suspicious logins
– Quickly change your password if you get an alert
Conclusion
Suspicious Facebook links can clearly put users at major risk for account hacking, malware and identity theft. Always exercise caution before clicking links, even from friends, and look for signs of unusual account activity right away if you do happen to click on something sketchy. With proper security precautions like strong passwords, antivirus software and limiting use of public WiFi, you can reduce the chances of having your account compromised by malicious Facebook links and scams. Stay vigilant, and don’t hesitate to lock down your account if you notice any suspicious behavior.
| Type of Suspicious Link | Potential Risks | How to Identify |
|---|---|---|
| Phishing Links | Trick you into entering login info, harvest personal data, infect devices with malware | Odd URL, HTTPS missing, requests sensitive info, impersonates legit brands |
| Scam Giveaways | Steal personal info, spam your friends, ransomware attacks | Too good to be true prizes, requests sensitive info, urgent pressures |
| Shortened URLs | Hide malicious destinations, bypass Facebook link scanning protections | Uses shorteners like bit.ly or tinyurl instead of direct Facebook links |
| Fake Friend Requests | Spreads spam or malware through your friend network | Appears to be from your friend but uses odd wording |