How The Linkpop Facebook Scam Works – Red Flags To Watch Out For
Like the widely reported Online Technology Services Scam, the Linkpop Facebook scam is gaining traction lately for same reasons. Scammers disguised as Facebook Team send phishing messages to users with a linkpop.com URL. The aim of these messages is to get access to people’s Facebook accounts via a fraudulent technique known as phishing.
Here’s a breakdown of how the Linkpop Facebook Scam works, warning signs to look out for, how to protect yourself from this scam, and proactive measures to take if you’ve already fallen for the scam.
Overview of The Linkpop Facebook Scam
The Linkpop Facebook scam is orchestrated by scammers pretending to be ‘The Facebook Team’. They send Facebook users frightening messages about page policy violation and compel them to submit an appeal or face Page restrictions.
The scammers spoof the Shopify link tool ‘Linkpop.com’ to create a sense of authenticity. The Linkpop company may not be aware that scammers are hosting Phishing links on their website. The real Linkpop.com has nothing to do with the ongoing scam.
How The Linkpop Facebook Scam Works
The scam starts with a message allegedly from Facebook team, claiming the recipient’s was flagged for going against Facebook page policy. To submit an appeal, recipient are told to click on a link ‘linkpop.com/centerbusinessmetaa‘ However, upon clicking on the link.
You are asked to login to your Facebook account. Once you do so, the scammers would ask for all your personal information; email, name, date of birth. Then require you to take a picture of your ID for verification. If you provide the information, you would not only lose your Facebook account, but also become a victim of identity theft.
Warning Signs of The Linkpop Facebook Scam
1. Not A Communication From Facebook
The first indicator that the message is a scam is that Facebook doesn’t send communications via Messenger. Facebook will only send security and violation notices via email or in-app notification to you.
2. Facebook Does Not Use Linkpop
Linkpop is not affiliated with Facebook. Linkpop is a separate company and platform not owned or operated by Facebook. So any message coming from a Linkpop link isn’t from Facebook/Meta.
3. Typos, incorrect grammar, and awkward language.
The message contains typos and spelling/grammar errors which are a huge red flag that you are being targeted by a scammer. Meanwhile, there’s no such thing as scheduled for deletion” or “suspension” warnings from Facebook. Once they notice a violation, they normally ban or suspend, usually without notice.
4. Urgency.
In addition to incorrect language and conventions, urgency is another red flag. The Scammers create urgency that forces you to make a decision or click on something quickly in hopes that you will act without thinking things through.
5. Links that aren’t quite right.
Facebook will typically use buttons to prompt users to click something as opposed to imbedding links. Scammers often use links that inverse a couple letters or are just slightly off so, at first glance, they look legitimate.
How To Protect Yourself From The Linkpop Facebook Scam
If you receive any message about profile or page violations with a link to Linkpop.com or similar source, don’t attempt to click on the link no matter how legit it looks. Clicking on it takes you to a login page that asks for your login credentials.
Report the business account that sent you the message. You can do so by visiting the ‘Help Center’ on your Facebook Settings. There’s an option for reporting Impersonation and Fake accounts.
What To Do If You’ve A Victim of The Linkpop Facebook Scam
If you are able to log into your account, secure your account by resetting your password and logging out of any devices you don’t own.
Enable two factor authentication
However, if you can’t get into your account and your username or password don’t work, follow the steps below;
- Go to the Find Your Account page at facebook.com/login/identify and follow the instructions. Make sure to use a computer or mobile phone that you have previously used to log into your Facebook account.
- Search for the account you want to recover. You can search for your account by name, email address, or phone number.
- Follow the on-screen steps to reset the password for your account.
Conclusion
The Linkpop Facebook Scam uses frightening messages of Page violation to trick Facebook users into clicking a malicious link that asks for their personal information and login details. Beware! The message is not from Meta, your account was not disabled or reported.
See similar phishing scam; SharpUSPS scam text, Wal Tracking Scam, Delware BPO Scam, Publix 90TH Anniversary, etc.
