Beware: New Facebook Scam Uses Friends’ Accounts to Push Fake $150K Grants

Imagine getting a friendly message on Facebook from someone you’ve known for years, only to realize it’s a trap. That’s the harsh reality of a new impersonation scam making the rounds, where scammers hijack accounts to peddle fake grants and swindle unsuspecting victims out of thousands. One man, Jim, nearly lost $2,500 to this cunning ploy, and his story is a wake-up call for all of us in the digital jungle.

The scam started innocently enough—a message from Jim’s longtime friend, Lynda, asking how he was doing. But the chat quickly pivoted to a supposed $150,000 grant from a mysterious group called 'Global Empowerment.' Lynda—or rather, the scammer using her account—claimed to have already cashed in and urged Jim to apply through an agent named David Kelvin. Though intrigued, Jim’s instincts kicked in as red flags started piling up.

The so-called agent dangled vague promises of quick cash, demanding Jim’s personal details and a hefty $2,500 fee for 'approval and shipping.' They even sent a photo of a FedEx box allegedly stuffed with money. But Jim wasn’t buying it. He pressed for details, noticing sloppy grammar and evasive answers. When he stalled, the scammers got antsy, deleting messages to cover their tracks—a dead giveaway.

This isn’t just a one-off. These scams follow a predictable playbook: hack a trusted friend’s account, strike up a casual convo, pitch a too-good-to-be-true offer, demand an upfront payment, and pressure the victim with fake urgency. It’s slick, it’s personal, and it’s dangerous. Jim dodged the bullet, but he’s worried others—especially those less tech-savvy—won’t be so lucky. As he put it, 'The safe days on the internet are over.'

So, how do you protect yourself from becoming the next target? First, if a message feels off, even from a familiar name, verify it directly—call or text your friend outside the platform. Strengthen your defenses with unique, complex passwords and two-factor authentication. Watch for telltale signs like bad grammar or high-pressure tactics. And remember: no legitimate grant or prize will ever ask for money upfront. If you’re targeted, report it to Meta and the FTC immediately.

In a world where even a friend’s face can mask a fraudster, staying sharp is your best weapon. The internet isn’t just a playground—it’s a minefield. Tread carefully.