How to know if a notification from Facebook is real or a scam

As a business owner, you’ve likely experienced the worry that comes with receiving alarming notifications from Facebook. Whether it’s a warning about copyright infringement or a threat to shut down your account, these messages can be unsettling. Every week, I hear from clients asking how to determine if these notifications are legitimate. Here’s what you need to know.

Spotting Scam Notifications

Scam notifications can come in various forms: emails, direct messages, comments on posts, or tags on your page. The good news is, 99% of the time, these notifications aren’t real. If Facebook intends to shut down your page, they typically do so without prior warning.

To verify if an email is genuinely from Facebook, log into your account and go to the Accounts Center (make sure you are logged into your personal profile, not your business page). Here, you can view recent emails sent by Facebook to ensure their legitimacy.

Reducing Spam Notifications

One effective way to reduce spam notifications is by blocking certain countries from accessing your Facebook page. Here’s how to set up country restrictions:

1. Switch to your Business Page: When logged into Facebook, click the down arrow on your profile image at the top right of your screen (desktop).
2. Go to Settings: Click on ‘Settings and Privacy’ under your page profile image, then select ‘Settings.’
3. Access Followers and Public Content: In the left-hand menu, click ‘Followers and Public Content.’
4. Edit Country Restrictions: Click edit beside ‘Country Restrictions’ and add the countries you want to restrict.

These are the countries I added

This won’t eliminate spam entirely, but it will help reduce it.

Enhancing Security for Your Facebook Business Page

To further protect your Facebook Business Page, ensure you have the following security measures in place. Some of these are required by Facebook to access Business Manager and run ads:

• Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Adds an extra layer of security by requiring a code in addition to your password.
• Turn on Login Alerts: Notifies you if someone tries to access your account.
• Enable Business Notifications: Keeps you informed of any changes within your Meta Business Manager.
• Verify Your Business Email Address: Ensures communication from Facebook is secure and trusted.

Additionally, having at least one other trusted admin listed in your Meta Business Manager and on your Facebook page is crucial. This backup ensures someone else can access your account to resolve issues if you get locked out.

Proceed with Caution

Always be cautious when clicking on messages or links, whether they’re on Facebook or in an email. Staying vigilant and following these guidelines will help you protect your business and avoid falling victim to scams.

By taking these steps, you can confidently manage your Facebook Business Page without fear of falling for fraudulent notifications. Stay safe and secure online!