Nipping Spam In The Bud – A Guide To Tackling The Recent Surge On Meta

Welcome back to the Poppy Seed Media blog! A space that we share industry updates, marketing favourites, all things PSM, and more!  

As we kick off 2024, we find ourselves diving into a topic that's less exhilarating but increasingly crucial... the surge of spam on Meta.  

You know the ones, where you are warned by an unidentifiable profile that your account is about to be shut down or you have gone against some unheard-of policy and now must pay a certain amount of money to clear your account (in case you haven't caught on, these are the fake accounts we are talking about!). 

We want to address this growing problem and hopefully offer some helpful info on how to identify, automate, and report those frustrating spam messages. Our goal is to not only provide insights into identifying these deceptive tactics but also to share effective methods for automating the process of dealing with spam and reporting it.  

Let's collectively reclaim a clutter-free and secure online space!  

Identifying Spam Like A Pro: 

• Unknown Senders: Be cautious of messages from unfamiliar or suspicious-looking profiles. Legitimate contacts usually have recognisable names and profiles. 
• Phishing Attempts: Watch out for messages containing suspicious links or requests for personal information. Legitimate sources won't ask for sensitive details through private messages. 
• Unsolicited Offers: If a message seems too good to be true, it probably is. Be wary of unsolicited offers, especially those promising quick riches or prizes. 
• Grammatical Errors: Many spam messages contain grammar and spelling mistakes. If a message reads oddly or doesn't sound professional, it might be worth investigating. 

 Automate Your Defence: 

• Set Up Message Filtering: Take control of your inbox by setting up message filters. Meta allows you to automatically categorise messages, sending potential spam directly to your junk folder. 
• Utilise AI Filters: Leverage Meta's advanced artificial intelligence filters. These can learn from your behaviour and identify patterns typical of spam, further refining your inbox management. 
• Customise Privacy Settings: Adjust your privacy settings to control who can send you messages. Restricting messages to friends or connections can significantly reduce the influx of spam. 

Read more about what you can do with your Meta inbox here: https://www.facebook.com/business/learn/lessons/use-inbox-to-communicate-with-customers 

Reporting And Blocking: 

• Reporting to Meta: 

• • Click on the three dots next to the message. 
  • Select "Find Support or Report Message." 
  • Follow the prompts to report the message to Meta.
     

• Blocking the sender: 

• • Open the spam message. 
  • Click on the sender's name. 
  • Select "Block" to prevent future messages from that user. 

A Few Extra Precautions You Can Take To Secure Your Account:  

• Security Audits: Regularly audit your Meta accounts, ensuring privacy settings are secure and account information is up-to-date. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Strengthen account security with 2FA to mitigate the risk of unauthorised access.                             

Find out more about Two-Factor Authentication and Authentication Apps here: https://www.facebook.com/help/358336074294704/?helpref=uf_share 

• Review App Permissions: Periodically review and remove permissions for third-party apps, minimising the risk of data breaches. 

Take Action – Preserve Your Meta Experience: 

As the spam landscape evolves, staying vigilant and proactive is key. By incorporating these simple action items into your Meta routine, you can create a more secure and enjoyable online environment for yourself. 

Maintaining secure and spam-free digital profiles is paramount for safeguarding personal information and ensuring a positive online experience. In an era where digital interactions are integral to daily life, secure profiles protect against unauthorised access, possible identity theft, and potential financial fraud. Beyond individual safety, a spam-free environment enhances the quality of online interactions, fostering trust and genuine communication. In other words, don’t click the link!