Facebook sets up 'hotline' to report phishing scams

Facebook is giving the public a new email address that lets them help it fight phishing, or attempts to acquire personal data like passwords and financial data by spoofing the social networking giant.

 

In a blog post Thursday, Facebook said the public can email it at phish@fb.com to report phishing attempts, especially by those trying to impersonate Facebook.

 

"By providing Facebook with reports, we can investigate and request for browser blacklisting and site takedowns where appropriate. We will then work with our eCrime team to ensure we hold bad actors accountable," it said.

 

"While rare, we hope that you forward us any phishing attempts you encounter. Together we can help keep these sites off the web and hold the bad guys responsible," it added.

 

Also, it said the information may help it identify victims, and secure their accounts.

 

It also said the new email address will compliment internal systems already in place to detect phishing sites trying to steal Facebook user login data.

 

Such internal systems notify Facebook teams "so we can gather information on the attack, take the phishing sites offline, and notify users," it said.

 

"Affected users will be prompted to change their password and provided education to better protect themselves in the future," it said.

 

On the other hand, it said Facebook users can visit www.facebook.com/hacked if they think their account may be compromised.

 

Tips vs phishing

 

Facebook also offered the public tips to avoid being deceived by phishing messages:

 

1. Be suspicious of any email with urgent requests for login or financial information. Unless the email is digitally signed, you can't be sure it wasn't forged or spoofed.

 

2. Don't use the links in an email, instant message, or chat if you suspect the message is not authentic or you don't trust the sender.

— TJD, GMA News