Facebook ‘cloned account’ hoaxes

What’s the threat?

Messages are spreading through Facebook falsely claiming your account has been “cloned”, which is when scammers steal your name, photos and other details to create a fake profile. This lets them impersonate you, and send abuse and scams to your family and friends.

The message appears to come from one of your friends, and begins: “Hi - I actually got another friend request from you yesterday, which I ignored so you may want to check your account”. It then suggests you forward it to your friends to warn them about the fake account, like the modern equivalent of a chain letter.

While creepy, there’s nothing dangerous about the message - it’s just a crude hoax. Facebook has confirmed there’s no virus attached to it, and has recommended that users delete it. The site added that a surge in this type of message is not related to a rise in impersonation scams.

How can you stay safe?

Although this message is a hoax, it does highlight the more serious threat of account cloning. To see if you’ve been a victim, search your name on Facebook, looking for a duplicate account. If you find one, report it to Facebook at ( www.snipca.com/29451).

The site says there are several signs your account has been cloned, including friend requests being sent to people you don’t know, and your email or password changing without your knowledge. When the email associated with an account is changed, Facebook sends a message to the previous associated email address containing a link to reverse the change.

Also, check which devices are using your account (and where they are), by clicking the top-right arrow on your profile page, Settings, ‘Security and Login’ and checking ‘Where You’re Logged In’ (see screenshot)