There are a few reasons why you may have received a welcome to Facebook email even if you already have an existing Facebook account:
You opened a new Facebook account
The most obvious reason is that you or someone else opened a new Facebook account using your email address. When a new Facebook account is created, Facebook sends out a welcome email to confirm the email address on the account.
If you did not open this new account yourself, it’s possible that someone else signed up for Facebook using your email address by mistake. Or in some cases, spam bots create fake accounts using random email addresses.
If you received a Facebook welcome email for an account you didn’t create, you can report the account as fake through Facebook’s help pages. This will prevent the account from being used and stop any future emails from being sent to your address.
You added your email to an existing account
Another possibility is that you or someone else added your email address to an existing Facebook account that did not previously have that email linked to it.
For example, if you have two separate Facebook accounts that you manage, you may have added your personal email address as a secondary or recovery email on the second account. This would trigger the system to send you a welcome email even though you already have a main Facebook account with that email.
Someone else who has access to one of your Facebook accounts could also add your email to their own Facebook profile. For instance, a family member may add your email address to their account so that they can recover or reset the password using your email if needed.
You created a new Business Manager account
Facebook Business Manager is a separate platform that allows you to manage business pages, ad accounts, and more for Facebook. If you signed up for a new Business Manager account using your existing personal Facebook login and email, this would also generate a welcome email.
The Business Manager registration process involves connecting your Facebook personal account. So even though you already have a Facebook profile, the creation of a new connected Business Manager account will trigger a confirmation email.
Your account was deactivated and reactivated
If your existing Facebook account was temporarily deactivated or disabled, and then later reactivated, this could also result in a welcome email being sent to your email address on file.
For example, if you deactivated your Facebook profile for a period of time due to inactivity or personal reasons, Facebook may send you a welcome back email if the account is reactivated. This helps confirm your email address is still valid.
You reset your account password or email
Resetting your Facebook password or updating the email address on your account can sometimes generate a new welcome email, even if you’ve had a Facebook account for a long time.
When you go through the password reset flow, Facebook will send a confirmation email to your address on file to confirm the change. And if you change your account’s primary email address, Facebook will send a welcome email to the new email to confirm it.
Your account was hacked
On a more serious note, receiving an unexpected Facebook welcome email could be a sign that your account was compromised or hacked by someone else.
If a hacker gains access to your Facebook account, one of the first things they may do is change the email address on the account to one they control. This allows them to receive password reset emails or account notifications.
So if your email was removed from your Facebook account without your knowledge, and then added back later, the system would send you a welcome email as if it was a new account.
You signed up for Facebook Pay
Facebook Pay is the platform’s payment system that allows you to make purchases and donations across Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Messenger. If you registered for a Facebook Pay account using your existing Facebook login, this may have triggered a welcome email.
Even though you already have a Facebook profile, signing up for the Facebook Pay service authorizes new permissions and links your payment information. This may generate additional confirmation and welcome emails during the setup process.
It was a phishing email
Unfortunately, fake Facebook welcome emails are commonly used in phishing scams that try to steal personal information. The email may look like it comes from Facebook, but it actually originates from scammers.
Phishing emails often include links to fake Facebook login pages that try to capture your username and password. If you receive a suspicious looking welcome email, do not click on any links or provide any personal information.
You can report phishing emails by forwarding them to [email protected]. This helps Facebook block the scammers and stop future fake emails.
How to confirm it’s a legitimate email
To confirm whether a Facebook welcome email is legitimate or not:
- Check that the email comes from an @facebookmail.com or @fb.com address
- Look for green padlock icon and “Facebook” in sender details
- Hover over links to check they go to facebook.com
- Log in directly to Facebook rather than clicking email links
- Check account settings and activity log for signs of unauthorized access
In most cases, these Facebook confirmation and welcome emails are legitimate and sent automatically when accounts are accessed or updated. But it’s always wise to double check for any signs of phishing or account misuse when receiving an unexpected notification.
How to stop Facebook welcome emails
If you keep getting Facebook welcome emails that you want to stop receiving, here are a few things you can try:
- Make sure your email address is not listed on any unknown Facebook accounts
- Strengthen account security with two-factor authentication
- Change your Facebook password in case it was compromised
- Review and limit authorized apps that have access to your account
- Adjust email notification settings in Facebook account settings
- Create a Facebook Page and convert your profile to avoid emails
Blocking the Facebook email address won’t always prevent these automated emails from coming through. The best way is adjusting your notification settings directly in your Facebook account so you have more control over what emails you receive.
Conclusion
Receiving a Facebook welcome email when you already have an account is usually nothing to be too concerned about. In most cases, it is sent automatically when changes are made to your account or new services are linked.
However, it could potentially indicate suspicious activity like hacking or phishing in some situations. So it’s a good idea to periodically check your Facebook email settings, login activity, authorized apps, and security measures to make sure your account has not been compromised.
By following Facebook’s security recommendations, being wary of phishing attempts, and customizing your own notification preferences, you can ensure any Facebook emails you receive are legitimate and intended.