Facebook users should be aware of a worrying trend in which scammers cleverly create and recycle hoaxes to exploit their anxieties. These false claims are designed to exploit users' fears and uncertainties. Despite their lack of veracity, the false information gains traction as they are shared widely among users, tricking many into believing and spreading misinformation. This cycle of deceit not only sows confusion but also undermines efforts to foster a secure and informed online community.

Falling victim to a hoax or scam is a great equalizer. It doesn't matter how old you are, what your political views are, or even what generation you belong to. Scammers are incredibly cunning and have a playbook of tactics to exploit anyone's vulnerabilities. No one is immune. The key is awareness. By understanding how these scams work and the different tactics scammers use, we can all be better prepared to protect ourselves.

Don't believe and never share the recycled Facebook hoax that claims a new rule permits the platform to use your photos and information without restriction. This sort of message has circulated for years and is a hoax. Meta (Facebook's parent company) hasn't introduced such policy changes. Remember, when you signed up for Facebook, you agreed to their Terms of Service (TOS), which explain how your data may be used. Posting a disclaimer on your profile won't magically change these legal terms.

Facebook's TOS supersedes any claim you make on your profile. These terms grant Facebook broad rights to use your data and content, with limited opt-out options. Simply posting a contrary statement on your wall isn't legally binding. These hoaxes thrive on people's valid concerns about online privacy, but instead of sharing the misinformation, take the time to review your Facebook privacy settings and learn how to control better what information you share.

Remember, like most large tech companies, Meta collects and uses information about you to improve ad targeting and personalize your experience. That's part of how they operate, as outlined in their Terms of Service (TOS). You have some control over your privacy settings. You can take steps to limit the information Facebook collects and how it is used. Visit your account settings to explore these options.

Instead of sharing the hoax, spread awareness about protecting your privacy online! 
 

Take control of your online privacy

Protecting personal information online has become necessary with the ever-increasing reliance on digital platforms. Social media users must implement these essential measures to strengthen their online privacy defenses. Firstly, weak, easily guessable passwords must be replaced with complex, unique passwords for each online account. Password management tools can be valuable in generating and storing these credentials securely. Additionally, if you regularly use the internet, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) whenever available. 2FA adds an extra layer of security by requiring a secondary verification code, typically sent via phone or email, to access accounts.

Mindful app usage is also crucial. Review the permissions requested by applications downloaded to your devices, granting access only to functionalities essential for the app's operation. While social media platforms offer valuable tools for connection, oversharing can pose privacy risks. Adjust your privacy settings on social media platforms and restrict access to personal information and posts to a desired audience. Finally, exercise caution when encountering links or attachments in emails, text messages, or social media posts. Phishing scams often lurk within seemingly legitimate content. Verifying the sender's authenticity and avoiding offers that appear too good to be true are essential steps to prevent falling victim to such scams.