Facebook Christmas Bonus Scam Resurfaces and Targets Profiles

• Facebook users have recently been receiving messages about winning a “Christmas bonus.” These messages are scams.
• The messages come from cloned accounts of one of the user’s real Facebook friends.
• If anyone receives a message about a Christmas bonus on Facebook, they should ignore it. If it comes from the Facebook page or someone they know, they should alert them that their Facebook has been hacked or cloned. People should also consider reporting it to Facebook.
• If anyone wants to learn more about the scam or believes they are a victim, they should contact the Identity Theft Resource Center toll-free at 888.400.5530 or by live-chat on the company website.

Facebook users have been targeted by scammers offering a “Christmas bonus” or a “Christmas Benefit.” The Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC) has spotted multiple Facebook Christmas bonus scam posts warning others of the scam.

Who is the Target

Facebook users; social media profiles

What is the Scam

Facebook users receive messages from individuals in their contact lists about winning a “Christmas bonus.” The messages are coming from the cloned accounts of friends, and they state that the individual has won a Facebook Christmas Bonus Giveaway. The targeted victim is then directed to contact a “Facebook Agent,” who will send a message that the winning is a random contest sponsored by Powerball.

The scammers will then ask for personal information to deliver the winnings. They may also ask for a small “transfer fee” to transfer the money into the victim’s account. Once the victim gives them their money or their personal information, the scammers disappear and do not award the “bonus.” The scams can use various tactics from scam to scam. However, they all are after the same thing.

What They Want

Personal information or direct payment

How You Can Avoid Being Scammed

• If you receive a Facebook message stating that you have won something, chances are it is a scam. Do not respond.
• Delete the message and inform your friend that their Facebook account might be hacked or cloned.
• Report the Facebook Christmas bonus scam to Facebook.

If you believe you are a victim of the scam or would like to learn more, contact the ITRC Center toll-free. You can call (888.400.5530) or use the live-chat function on the company website. Just go to www.idtheftcenter.org to get started.

The post was originally published on 12/1/15 and was updated on 12/14/20