Avoid scams and phishing attempts
What is phishing?
Phishing is when someone tries to get access to your account by sending you a suspicious message or link that asks for your personal information. These messages may also claim that your account will be banned or deleted if you don't follow their directions. If they get into your account, they may use your account to send spam.
Example: You receive an email saying that you need to log in to your Instagram or Facebook account and read an important message. The email links to a strange website asking you to enter your username and password.
What can you do if you think you've been phished
If you accidentally entered your username or password into a strange link, someone else might be able to log in to your account. Here are some things you can do:
- If you are able to log in to your account, secure your account by resetting your password and logging out of any devices that you don't own.
- If you can't get into your account and your username or password don't work, visit the Instagram Help Centre or the Facebook Help Centre for more help.
- Learn how to keep your account secure to prevent it from being hacked again, or recover your account on a Meta platform in the Account recovery and support hub.
Avoid scams and phishing attempts
Look out for suspicious emails or messages
- Don't trust messages demanding money, offering gifts or threatening to delete or ban your account.
- Any correspondence from Facebook or Meta will only come from one of these email domains, or any subdomains of the following (such as support.facebook.com or business.fb.com):
- fb.com
- facebook.com
- facebookmail.com
- instagram.com
- meta.com
- metamail.com
Don't click suspicious links
- If you receive a suspicious email or message claiming to be from Meta, don't click any links or attachments.
Don't respond to these emails
- Don't answer messages asking for your password, social security number or credit card information.
Get alerts
- Turn on two-factor authentication for additional account security.
Security tips
- Learn how to increase your account's security on Instagram security tips or on Facebook security tips.
Scam Prevention Hub
- Learn how we're working to help keep you safer on our technologies.