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Don’t Fall For It: The New Facebook Scam

Author Aimee Thomas
The Facebook app logo is displayed on an iPad next to a picture of the Facebook logo on an iPhone.

You’re lying in bed scrolling through your phone, and you get an email from [email protected] saying they need to reset your password. This is the new Facebook scam, folks.

You don’t remember requesting a password reset… but hey, maybe you did it in your sleep? You type in the reset code and before you know it, hackers have gained access to your passwords and credit card information. Scary, right?! Unfortunately, this is the reality that many are facing due to a new Facebook scam, according to Facebook’s help section on its website. There are some ways to protect yourself, let’s talk about the importance of cyber security nowadays.

[email protected]

The new Facebook scam starts with an email from [email protected] telling you that there has been a password reset request. This email also includes a password reset code. The email looks super legit, like an official message from Facebook. Once you enter the code, hackers have access to your account and can ask for more personal information like credit card numbers.

So, how can you protect yourself from falling victim to this scam? Number one, always be wary of any password reset emails that come from unfamiliar email addresses. Also, I recommend enabling the two-factor authentication (I just did this the other day) so that even if your password is compromised, hackers cannot easily access your account. An easy one is to make sure your passwords are strong and unique, and you update them regularly. If you get an email that looks like it may be from someone unfamiliar then don’t even open it. If you do happen to open it DO NOT click links inside the email.

There are always new scams that come via social media and or email so make sure you stay on your toes with them to not get scammed out of a lot of time and money.

Aimee Thomas is the morning show co-host of Aimee + Shawn on 102.7 VGS. She has been VGS since the birth of the station in 2022 and has been with Beasley Media Group for nine years doing mornings at various stations in the cluster. Before working in radio Aimee was a bartender at a local restaurant in Las Vegas when a local radio veteran thought she would be perfect in radio because of her crazy stories, knowledge of pop culture, and contagious laugh. Aimee loves writing about new recipes she creates in her kitchen, her favorite artists and actors, and being a mom of two boys.

Scammers Target Vegas Area With Credit Card Scheme, Metro Police Warn

As if there weren’t enough things to worry about. Your credit card information may be stolen by simply using it in local retail stores, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police warns.

Scammers have recently been targeting the Las Vegas area by using EMV (Smart Chip) “skimmers,” according to

**SKIMMER SCAM**
Our Financial Crimes detectives are investigating multiple point of sale EMV (Smart Chip) skimmers targeting retail stores.
- From Feb. 18 to present
- The skimmer style is very sleek and is able to store hundreds, possibly thousands of cards (1/3) pic.twitter.com/Ajg3B10XCT

— LVMPD (@LVMPD) March 14, 2022" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> metro police‘s Twitter.

These “skimmers” are sleek, discrete add-ons to credit card machines that can be easily overlooked. These small devices can collect information from thousands of cards and even steal PIN number information.

The police say when unsuspecting customers insert their cards in a machine, the skimmer will still processes the purchase while simultaneously collecting your card’s data. The customer thinks they made an innocent purchase when in reality, scammers have just collected their credit card information.

Due to the discrete nature of “skimmers,” these devices can stay in place for a long period of time, which makes this a big problem, police said on Twitter. “Skimmers” are commonly found in ATMs, gas station pumps and “unmonitored” pay stations.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, consumers often don’t notice their information was stolen until the bank sends a statement or an overdraft notice.

To avoid being a victim to this scam, here are a few tips to spot these devices so you can protect your financial security.

  • Pull On The PIN Pad, Las Vegas Metro Police Say

    Although “skimmers” are small, these devices are not impossible to find. Las Vegas Metro Police said on Twitter that compromised credit card machines with “skimmers” often stick out and are noticeably different than other PIN pads.

    You can further check to see if there’s a “skimming” device inserted in the machine by pulling on the PIN-pad hood. By pulling on the hood, the skimmer may come loose from the credit card terminal, police said.

  • FBI Says To "Inspect" Before Paying

    https://www.fbi.gov/scams-and-safety/common-scams-and-crimes/skimming#:~:text=Tips%20When%20Using%20an%20ATM%20or%20POS%20Terminal&text=Look%20for%20anything%20loose%2C%20crooked,cameras%20from%20recording%20your%20entry.

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation says consumers should inspect ATMs, point-of-sale (POS) terminals and other card readers before using them. If the machine appears to be crooked, damaged or scratched then you shouldn’t use it.

  • Did you possible find a possible 'skimmer?'

    Las Vegas Metro Police recommends that if you find a “skimming” device, do not tamper with it. Instead, alert a store employee and call “311.”

    And as always, it’s important to contact your financial institution if your credit card information was stolen or comprised. Be vigilant, pay attention to your online banking app and be safe!

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