BATON ROUGE – An unfortunate series of events has left Leslie Magee, a local business owner and board member of a local non-profit, locked out of her Facebook page. On the surface, it may seem like a simple problem to have but for Magee, it has come with great consequences.
“It’s not being able to access two of my businesses. It’s not being able to access all of my kids’ school groups and their sports groups and their extracurricular groups and our family group, not to mention 20 years worth of memories,” she said.
Magee explained that the hackers employed a sophisticated tactic, using the identity of one of her friends to deceive her into providing a code, which ultimately granted them access to her account.
“When she asked about the code, I was a little bit apprehensive. But then I got a video call, and it was her, she was talking. Then she said she would text me because it was bad service,” she explained.
Once in control, the hackers exploited her profile to solicit money from her friends and family, using videos of Magee to make the requests appear legitimate.
“When I answered her video call, the hacker videoed and recorded me. So then he started calling my friends and family through messenger, with my face on video, asking for money and asking for eight digit codes,” Magee said.
The implications of this hack are significant for Magee, who relies heavily on her Facebook page for business purposes. With over 20 years of connections and invaluable photos stored in her account, the loss is deeply felt both personally and professionally.
“I have 1,400 contacts, most of those non-profit business people I’ve met at conferences, I probably will never be able to find again,” Magee said. “So not only were they asking my friends for money, they posted a car for sale. They posted a picture of a Honda Accord, 2012 white Honda Accord, great condition, 75,000 miles for $1,500.”
According to recent data, cyber attacks on social media platforms have surged, with Facebook being a prime target. A report from cybersecurity firm Norton, reveals that in the past year, social media-related cyber crimes have increased by 47%. Hackers often exploit personal information to gain trust and manipulate victims into divulging sensitive information.
“I think that the main thing that people need to understand is that unless you specifically request an eight digit code, don’t ever give anyone an eight digit code. Don’t trust it, even video,” she continued. “Everybody needs to do the two-step authentication. If I had two step authentication, then they never would have gotten in.”
In the meantime, Magee remains locked out of her Facebook account. She is exploring options to recover her account and mitigate the damage caused by the hackers. She tells UWK she has reported this to Facebook countless times but feels as though it is nearly impossible to get in touch with them.
“From what I understand, there’s nothing you can do. You can attempt to sue them, but because it’s a free service, it is what it is. There is no live chat option. There’s no anything,” she continued.
Magee’s experience is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities in online security.
“I mean, I deal with cybersecurity. Our company does ongoing training. So it’s like, I’m not an idiot. I’m pretty tech savvy in that portion, but they got me. I mean, if I hadn’t gotten a video call with her face, it would have been different,” she expressed.
Online cybersecurity experts emphasize the importance of proactive measures to prevent hackers from gaining access to personal information and wreaking havoc. Here are some essential steps consumers can take to secure a Facebook account:
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification in addition to your password. This can be a code sent to your phone or generated by an authentication app. To enable 2FA on Facebook, go to Settings & Privacy > Security and Login > Use two-factor authentication.
- Use Strong, Unique Passwords: Create a strong password that combines upper and lower case letters, numbers, and special characters. It can be a hassle, but it will pay off in the long run. Try to stay away from easily guessable information such as birthdays or common words.
- Be Wary of Phishing Attempts: Phishing is a common tactic used by hackers to trick you into providing your login credentials. Be cautious of unsolicited messages, especially those asking for personal information or prompting you to click on suspicious links. You should always verify the sender’s identity before responding.
- Review Login Activity: Regularly check your login activity to ensure there are no unauthorized logins. You can do this by going to Settings & Privacy > Security and Login > Where You’re Logged In. If you notice any unfamiliar devices or locations, log out of them.
- Update Your Privacy Settings: Adjust your privacy settings to control who can see your posts, send you friend requests, and look you up using your email address or phone number. Go to Settings & Privacy > Privacy to customize these options.
- Limit Third-Party App Access: Third-party apps connected to your Facebook account can be a potential security risk. Review and manage these apps by going to Settings & Privacy > Security and Login > Apps and Websites. Also, remove any apps that you no longer use.
- Stay Updated on Security Alerts: Facebook regularly updates its security features to protect users. Keep an eye on security alerts and follow recommended practices to stay ahead of potential threats.
- Educate Yourself and Others: Awareness is a key defense against cyber threats. Educate yourself and your network about common hacking tactics and best practices for online security. Share information on how to spot phishing attempts and the importance of strong passwords.
As cyber threats continue to evolve, individuals and businesses alike should prioritize digital security to protect against the potentially devastating impacts of online hacks.
“I have the hacker’s email. I have his phone number, and I even texted him. I was like, ‘Why did you do this to me?’ and he was just taunting me,” she shared. Magee says she has filed a complaint with the FBI IC3 Cyber Complaint Center. Her next step is to contact the Attorney General’s office.
Facebook also offers a way to back up your social media account. Regularly backing up your Facebook data is a proactive step in protecting your digital footprint. By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your personal information, memories, and connections remain safe.
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Hackers use your family, friends to take over Facebook account
BATON ROUGE – An unfortunate series of e… – BLOGGER – WP1, Account, Facebook, family, Friends, hackers