A few months ago, my Facebook account was hacked. Or cloned. Or something. I fell for a scam, responding to a video that appeared to be from a relative in need of my assistance. And in mere seconds my account was being used to lure people into used car scams.
Since then I’ve beaten my head against the wall on a daily basis. How could I have been so stupid?
I managed to get my account back. Sort of. But now at least once a month I get a notification from Facebook saying the account has been suspended for posting inappropriate material. (It’s legitimate. I’ve learned how to tell the difference between FB notifications and a scammer’s notifications. For what it’s worth: Yay, me.)
I jump through the hoops they put forward and then wait patiently until I’m allowed back into the account. At some point I figure my luck will run out and I’ll be permanently locked out. Maybe this time, since I’m currently locked out. And I’m anxious.
The thing is, Facebook is where I advertise. It’s where I’ve formed relationships with a whole bunch of readers. It’s my main conduit for selling my books.
And Facebook/META just doesn’t care. Why should they? I’m small potatoes in the grand scheme of things.
Sigh. Thanks for listening to my rant. How’s your day going?
Peace, people.
Praying for Eyebrowz 
Ugh. When did scamming get to be ‘a thing?’ I received a text from my pharmacy telling me I was overdue for a prescription. No, I’m not. There are no refills on it. Then the kicker: “Lois, type in your date of birth so we can check on this.” Not happening. For once–I was vigilant. Don’t beat yourself up. We have to be on guard. So very much on guard, it is exhausting. I hope FB gets straightened out for you.
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Thank you! The pharmacy thing is rampant!
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I had no idea!
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We’ve gotten several robo calls that we’ve hung up on because they want all sorts of personal information. Mostly from CVS.
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So sorry. So frustrating. I’ve heard this before and have stepped back myself from social media because these things are happening to people I know (IRL and virtually).
I would take the extra minute every time you make a connection and jot down their email address and contact info into a spreadsheet or a notebook or something. That’s the only way you’re guaranteed to keep contact with people you fostered relationships with for business purposes or other things.
And, I’m beginning to see why newsletters are getting more and more popular. Because you have complete control and you’re not reliant on some platform who doesn’t give two hoots about you or your business.
Which reminds me, It’s been a few weeks since I’ve exported my contacts on my platforms…
Good luck! I hope you get your account back.
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Good advice! My newsletter is newish, so hoping I can grow it to a point where I don’t need Facebook.
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oh, no. that must be sooo frustrating. don’t blame yourself, there are so many scammers out there preying on people
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Thank you. I’ve been so proud of myself for not being gullible. But as they say, pride goeth before the fall.
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Welcome back! Best of luck with facebook.😊
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Thanks!!
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There is a whole lot of truth to that. I’d accumulated a decent sized following, though. And now, it’s pretty much gone with the wind.
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I stopped using Facebook. Too much drama
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