Facebook Account Hijacked!

lilbees · Posted: Sat May 29, 2010 7:29 am Post subject: Facebook Account Hijacked!

Just wanted to let everyone know that my FB account was hijacked yesterday. Emails were sent out using my information to everyone in my address book requesting money since I was "stranded in London".

After going through a lot of hard work changing everything and strengthening security in everything I think I am okay. The Facebook Team took quick action to help me and MSN also worked hard to shut things down.

Ironically, yesterday morning, I was going to work on the new FB security stuff after I finished my emils. Well, during that time is when all this happened and I never got around to doing the FB stuff. Boy! I have taken care of that now.

So take care and check all your stuff to make sure it is really secure. The crooked people out there are getting smarter and smarter.

Thanks for listening.

lilbees

Emmy · V.I.P. Joined: Jul 11, 2007 Posts: 1000 Location: Scotland

Hi Lilbees
This is why I'm really very apprehensive of registering with facebook. Many of my friends have asked me to join as their friend.
One thing that has puzzled me though is when a request is made by a 'genuine' friend inviting me through an email from facebook asking me to register as a friend--contained in these emails are a list of other people who are on Facebook whom they say I know and may like to contact. Now how do they know I know these people unless they have access to my emails in some way --one of the ones listed was my grandson's name ad I know for certain he hasnt requested me to be listed as his 'friend' on Facebook! all the other names mentioned are people I do know and who havent requested me to be their friend on Facebook. Scary to say the least.

But the good side I suppose is that they were quick to help you fix your problem.
But for me I could well do without the worry about something bizzare happening
Thanks for posting this Lilbees it has finally helped me make up my mind about Facebook - I definately wont be registering.
Emmyxx

lilbees · Posted: Sun May 30, 2010 7:36 am Post subject: Re: Facebook Account Hijacked!

Hi Emmy. I was quite relieved when all got fixed. But, yesterday someone attempted to change stuff again. At least I was notified that an attempt was being made and could stop it. I did not reply to the email notice though. I called both Microsoft and MSN. They are under the impression that the email notice I received may be phishing. I did not click on any of the links in the email. I forwarded all emails I received for Microsoft's investigation. I was also told to file a police report with our local department since the individuals were attempting to get money. Quite an illegal scam.

Emmy, the problem is not with FB. I needed to tighten my security stuff which I should have done much earlier. So I take some responsibility for what happened. Believe me, all is fixed now.

I would hate to give up FB because it has been a good site for keeping up with my children and their latest activities and who are scattered across the country. It also has been great in researching my family as well.

lilbees

nuccia · Posted: Sun May 30, 2010 9:54 am Post subject: Re: Facebook Account Hijacked!

I think someone has been using my brother's account as well since i keep getting chat messages from him to buy phones! I reported it to FB but since it's my brother's account I can't do anything.

Lilbees, this is not an uncommon thing. It's quite an old scam except it usually involves a phone call to seniors telling them that their grandchild is stranded in -Canada- and has been arrested. They ask the person to please send money to help bail the person out of jail and go through Western Union.

www.consumeraffairs.co..._scam.html

A friend of mine's grandfather was taking for $2000! Honestly, beware and yes, strengthen security. I privatize ALL my stuff so only REAL friends or family can see it. Much of my other stuff is completely privatized to others.

chanchisfea · V.I.P. Joined: Jul 11, 2007 Posts: 250

Like lilbees pointed out, it isn't FB fault in a case like this...a lot of FB users do not realize they have to manually get the privacy settings they wish to have -AKA- whether or not you want the world to see your page [including pics, messages, personal info, etc] OR do you want only those in your list [and you have to make sure you EXCLUDE "friends OF friends" otherwise strangers are seeing everything you have in your FB page] to see what you have in your page. It is somewhat tedious to go through the settings, but definitely worth it.

Emmy, don't be affraid of FB...it is a wonderful way to find relatives and stay connected with family [grandchildren included Smile

]. Just make sure YOU decide who you want to allow in it and who gets to see what you post. If you do open a FB account and need help navigating the ins and outs of FB world, we [myself and I'm sure a whole lot of us] will sure to help you figure your way around it all Smile

For me, FB has been a great tool to find people [from the genealogy perspective] who are related to my family...my latest connection, which is the biggest thing I've done with FB, has been the JOY of finding my 2 half brothers [whom I never met, but knew of ever since I can remember] from my father's first marriage. I found them about two weeks ago. Since then we, my 3 sisters and them, have enjoyed hours of Skype time and facebook time, LOL Best thing ever!

Liz Cool

nuccia · Posted: Sun May 30, 2010 11:07 am Post subject: Re: Facebook Account Hijacked!

Liz, I totally agree. Thanks to facebook I was able to make contact with several of my cousins - some are the children of my first cousins and who I never met. We also have spent several hours on the phone (thank you skype!). Also, my parents have been able to enjoy pictures of their families and Dad was able to talk to his oldest sister (shes 96) with the webcam. Honestly, if used correctly, it is safe.

And Liz, congrats on finally making that connection! I know how long you having been working on finding them! Good for you! Smile

BillieDeKid · V.I.P. Joined: Oct 26, 2007 Posts: 1221 Location: Illinois

Liz that's so wonderful that you've found your brothers! Enjoy each other and I hope you get to meet them in person soon!

tjbrn · Posted: Mon May 31, 2010 9:31 am Post subject: Re: Facebook Account Hijacked!

Check out this link
www.reclaimprivacy.org/

to help secure your Facebook info. Although I had already adjusted most of my privacy settings on FB there are some that can be a bit arcane the privacy scanner makes things a little easier.