New Facebook Disclaimer Scam: What You Need to Know

Beware of the New Facebook Disclaimer Scam Variant: What You Need to Know

In the ever-evolving world of social media, scams and hoaxes continue to plague users, preying on their fears and lack of knowledge. The latest that I’ve seen is a variant of the Facebook Disclaimer Scam. It’s important to stay informed and vigilant, so let’s dive into what this scam is, why it’s dangerous, and how you can protect yourself.

What is the Facebook Disclaimer Scam?

The Facebook Disclaimer Scam is a type of hoax that urges users to copy and paste a specific message on their timelines to protect their privacy or avoid Facebook from charging fees or using their photos and information. The messages typically look something like this:

“Facebook is now a public entity. All members must post a disclaimer to protect their content from being used without permission. To prevent unauthorized use, copy and paste this to your wall…”

This is the latest variant that I’ve noticed. It’s now linked to Meta, the parent company of Facebook and the Metaverse:

“Goodbye Metaverse, it has been a nightmare. Please note that an attorney advised us to post this, and failure to do so may result in legal consequences. As Meta is now a public entity, all members must post a similar statement. If you do not publish a statement at least once, it will be assumed that you are allowing the use of your photos and profile information. I do not give my permission to use any of my personal data or photos. If you are thinking of leaving FB due to excessive sales ads and spam, you can upgrade the system by copying this post and pasting it into your ‘What’s on your mind?’ field.
Goodbye annoying ads, hello new and old friends! IT ACTUALLY WORKED!!! Thanks.”

These messages sound official and urgent, making them seem credible at first glance. However, they are entirely false and serve no real purpose other than to spread misinformation and panic.

Why is it a Scam?

While the Facebook Disclaimer Scam might seem harmless, it can be quite insidious. Here’s why:

False Information: Facebook’s terms of service do not change based on a user’s status update. Posting a disclaimer has no legal standing and does not protect your privacy or content.
Spreading Fear and Confusion: These scams thrive on creating a sense of urgency and fear, leading users to believe they must act quickly to protect themselves. This can cause unnecessary stress and anxiety.
Data Collection: Scammers often use these types of posts to collect data on users. By seeing who engages with the post, they can identify potential targets for future scams, such as phishing attempts or identity theft.
Credibility Damage: Sharing these false messages can damage your credibility. Your friends and followers might lose trust in your posts if you consistently share misinformation.

What Are Scammers Trying to Achieve?

Scammers have several objectives with these copy-and-paste scams:

Phishing: Scammers may follow up with direct messages or friend requests, aiming to collect personal information for phishing schemes.
Data Harvesting: By identifying users who fall for these scams, they can build profiles for targeted attacks.
Spreading Misinformation: The more misinformation spreads, the easier it is to manipulate users into other scams.

How to Protect Yourself

It’s crucial to take proactive steps to safeguard your online presence. Here are some effective ways to protect yourself from falling victim to the Facebook Disclaimer Scam and similar hoaxes:

Educate Yourself: Stay informed about common social media scams. Verify information before sharing it by checking reputable sources or directly visiting the official Facebook Help Center.
Adjust Privacy Settings: Change your Facebook profile settings to ‘Friends Only.’ This limits the visibility of your posts and personal information to people you know and trust. Here’s how:
- Go to your Facebook settings.
- Click on “Privacy.”
- Adjust the settings for “Who can see your future posts?” to “Friends.”
- Review other privacy settings to ensure your information is protected.
Be Skeptical of Copy-Paste Posts: Avoid engaging with posts that urge you to copy and paste messages. Instead, research their claims or ignore them altogether.
Report Suspicious Activity: If you come across a post that seems like a scam, report it to Facebook. This helps prevent the spread of misinformation and protects other users.
Use Strong Passwords and Two-Factor Authentication: Secure your account with a strong, unique password and enable two-factor authentication for an added layer of security.

Staying Safe and Informed on Social Media

Staying safe on social media requires a combination of awareness, skepticism, and proactive measures. By understanding the Facebook Disclaimer Scam and taking steps to protect yourself, you can enjoy a safer online experience. Always remember: if something sounds too good (or too alarming) to be true, it probably is. Stay informed, stay safe, and help spread the word to keep your friends and family protected as well.