For many small businesses, Facebook and Instagram aren’t just fun — they’re essential tools for reaching customers, promoting specials, and building community. But with that opportunity comes risk. More and more cybercriminals are targeting small business accounts with scams designed to steal money, information, or access.

Why Social Media Accounts Are a Target

Think about how much information your business page holds: customer reviews, photos, promotions, contact details, and often, payment methods for ads. If a hacker gains control, they can:

• Lock you out of your own account

• Run fake ads using your payment card

• Message your customers with scams

• Damage your business reputation overnight

For many small businesses, losing access even for a day can mean lost sales and broken trust.

Common Social Media Scams to Watch Out For

Here are a few scams we’ve seen pop up again and again:

1. Fake Violation Messages
   You might get a message claiming your page will be “suspended” or “deleted” due to a copyright violation. It looks urgent and official — but it’s fake. The goal is to trick you into clicking a link and entering your login details.

2. Phishing Ads
   Hackers may send you an offer that looks like an ad opportunity from Facebook or Instagram. Once you click, they’ll request sensitive account info.

3. Imposter Accounts
   Some scammers create a fake copy of your page and then message your followers with “special offers” or links.

4. Job or Giveaway Scams
   You’ll see posts or messages about “hiring,” “partnerships,” or “winning a prize.” The catch? You have to click a link or share your info first.

How to Protect Your Business Page

The good news: a few simple habits can go a long way in keeping your accounts safe.

• Turn on Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
  This adds an extra step (like a text code) when logging in. Even if a hacker gets your password, they can’t get in without that code.

• Be Skeptical of Messages
  If something feels urgent or suspicious, pause before clicking. Official platforms rarely threaten to delete your page out of the blue.

• Check Links Carefully
  Look closely at web addresses. A scam link might look like “faceb00k.com” instead of “facebook.com.”

• Assign Roles Wisely
  Only give page access to people you trust, and review who has admin rights regularly.

• Report and Block Imposters
  If someone creates a fake version of your page, report it right away to protect your customers.

Community Matters

Cybercrime doesn’t just happen in big cities — it occurs in smaller cities and towns, too. Protecting your social media accounts means protecting your business, your customers, and your reputation.

At Forge, we’re committed to making cybersecurity approachable and local. We want every small business in our community to feel confident running their business online — without fear of losing everything to a scammer’s tricks.

Final Word

Social media should be a place where your business thrives, not a place where scammers win. Stay alert, follow these simple steps, and don’t hesitate to ask for help if something feels off.

👉 Want help securing your business’s online presence? Reach out to Forge. Together, we can keep Huntington’s businesses safe and strong.