How to Spot a Scam

Have you ever gotten an email claiming your Facebook Business Page is about to be disabled unless you "verify your identity immediately"? Or maybe a message promising 10x more leads if you just hand over your page access?

Unfortunately, scams like these are becoming more common—and more convincing.

In fact, one of our own team members recently received an email from someone impersonating our company president, Todd Riley. The message looked official and asked for sensitive personal information. Thankfully, she paused and verified the request before responding otherwise, it could have ended very differently.

As a small business, your online presence is essential, and scammers know it. That's why they're increasingly targeting small businesses and dealers, hoping to catch you off guard.

Here's what to look for, how to stay safe, and what to do if something seems suspicious.

The Red Flags: What Scams Usually Look Like

In Emails and Direct Messages:

• Urgency + Threats Messages that say things like:

"Your page is in violation. Confirm your identity within 24 hours or it will be removed."
→ These are designed to scare you into acting fast without thinking.

• Weird Email Addresses

Real companies don't use emails like facebook-security@gmail.com. Always check the full sender address.

• Spelling and Grammar Mistakes:

Scammers often move quickly and don't proofread. Legit businesses do.

• Generic Greetings:

"Dear user" instead of your name or business name? That's not how real customer support communicates.

• Suspicious Links or Attachments:

If you weren't expecting a file or link, don't click it. Always hover first to see where it leads.

Common Facebook Scams Targeting Dealers

Your dealership's Facebook page is a key piece of your marketing strategy, which makes it a prime target. Here's how scammers try to exploit that:

• Fake Policy Violation Notices

These claim your page has violated Meta's rules and that you'll lose access unless you "verify" or "appeal."

• Red flag:

Real alerts from Facebook show up in your Facebook Business Manager—not random DMs or sketchy emails.

• Phony Ad Account Warnings

You might get a message saying your ad account is restricted or at risk. Scammers often send these via email or fake Facebook support pages.

• Too-Good-to-Be-True Marketing Offers

Messages promising to "guarantee thousands of leads" or "triple your page reach overnight" often come with strings attached—like payment or admin access.

Cloned or Impersonated Accounts
Some scammers will copy real vendors, partners, or even your own dealership's page. Be cautious with new messages, even if they look familiar.

How to Double-Check Before You Click

• Look Up the Sender

Does the email come from an official domain (like @facebookmail.com) or a sketchy Gmail? On Facebook, is it from a verified profile?

• Google the Message or Subject Line

Often, you'll find others have reported similar scams.

• Check the Link – Without Clicking

Hover over it and make sure it leads to a real Meta URL like facebook.com or business.facebook.com.

• Visit the Platform Directly

If someone says your ad account is at risk, don't click the message link. Go straight to Facebook Business Manager to check for alerts.

• Ask Someone You Trust

If you're unsure, take a screenshot and share it with a colleague, agency, or your marketing provider.

What To Do If You Think It's a Scam

• Don't Click Anything. Don't Respond.

The less engagement, the better.

• Take a Screenshot

Save a record in case you need to report it later.

• Use a Tool to Check the Site or Email
  Sites

ScamAdviser or Have I Been Pwned can help you verify whether a site or email has been flagged before.

• Report It

On Facebook, use the "Report" feature on suspicious pages or messages. In Gmail or Outlook, mark phishing emails as spam.

• Update Passwords

If you clicked anything suspicious better safe than sorry, especially for your email or social media logins.

Final Thought

Scams are getting more advanced. Fake Facebook pages, convincing emails, and even fake Zoom calls have all been reported. But your best defense is simple: stay cautious, pause before you click, and trust your instincts.

Your digital tools are valuable, protect them like you would your inventory.

If something feels off, it probably is.