A CYBER-EXPERT has issued a stark warning to all Facebook Messengers users.
There are several “red flags” that you must be aware of – or risk serious consequences.
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Facebook Messenger is used by billions of people around the world.
That makes its users a prime target for scammers, hackers and other online criminals.
Often these crooks will use Messenger DMs (direct messages) to try to extract money or private info from you.
Speaking to The Sun, cyber-expert Rob Griffin has revealed three messages that you should be especially wary of on Facebook Messenger.
Rob, who is CEO at cybersecurity firm MIRACL, said you should be on high alert when it comes to “any message or post that asks you to provide personal details”.
He added: “Whether that’s your email, password, or anything else that could be used in a scam.”
But that’s not all.
Some messages may be trying to extract information, but others are an attempt to get you to hand over money.
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Often scammers will use pressure tactics to get you to make silly mistakes.
“Be wary of messages or posts that try to rush you into doing anything,” Rob told The Sun.
“Particularly if the suggested consequences of delaying response are negative.”
Scamming is very common on chat apps.
But hackers can also take advantage of you by getting you to click links.
These can take you to dangerous websites – and potentially install malware on your device – in seconds.
“Never click on a link included on a post or message, particularly if it’s something you don’t recognise or looks suspicious,” Rob warned.
“To stay safe, head to the website through your search engine and navigate to the relevant page from there.”
It’s important to always be wary when using apps like Facebook Messenger.
Even though they can be very safe, crooks will use any means to take advantage of you.
If something seems suspicious or too good to be true, it probably is.
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This post first appeared on Thesun.co.uk
