To log in to Facebook, you are often required to enter a security code. Depending on the setting, this code can be delivered via SMS. However, it also happens that users receive this code without having requested it. In such situations, caution is advised and you must react accordingly.

Facebook and the mysterious SMS code – what’s behind it?

Imagine you're chilling on the couch, looking at your smartphone and "pling" - there it is, the unexpected message with a Facebook code. But wait, you didn't ask for this code, did you?

  • Possible error or someone at work?
    The first reaction? Probably a little surprised. It could also be a typo, maybe someone got the number wrong. But what if not?
  • More than just a technical error:
    It may come as a surprise to some, but such reports are usually not the result of a technical glitch. No, there is often something much more insidious behind it - fraudsters who want to steal your data.

Take precautions – keep your data safe

Such reports are easily dismissed as minor malfunctions. But here is the bitter truth: Ignorance does not protect.

  1. Left?
    An absolute no-go! You may know the saying, “Don’t enter every dark room just because the door is open.” The same applies here too. If you are the recipient of such a message, do not click on any links in the message. These often lead to fake sites that only aim to spy on you.
  2. Multiple messages?
    Red alert! One code can be one error, but several? Then it's high time to change your login details. It's also worth checking whether your data has been affected by a data breach in the past.
  3. Variability is key:
    do you use the same password across a range of services? It's like using the same key for your home, car and office. Stolen once and suddenly someone has access to everything. So it's high time to change one thing or another.

Friends or enemies? The scam via messenger

Yes you've read correctly. Sometimes it seems like such requests come from your friends. A cry for help: “Hey, I’m locked out of my account. Can you send me the code?” Sound familiar?

  • The problem?
    It's not your friend asking you this question. It's a scammer pretending to be your friend. It's like someone putting on a mask and trying to get into your house.
  • What to do if you receive a message like this?
    Remain calm and do not forward the message. Contact your friend through another channel and inform them that their account may have been hacked.

Conclusion

Unwanted security codes, especially from platforms like Facebook, can indicate fraudulent activity. It is therefore of the utmost importance to take such incidents seriously and respond appropriately to ensure the protection of one's personal data.

With this in mind: take good care of yourself and your data. The next time your phone “pling” and a mysterious Facebook message comes in, you’ll know exactly what to do!

This might also interest you:

The case of an almost successful Facebook hack
Facebook warning: Beware of fraud in the comments
Revealed: How two innocent women were scammed out of tens of thousands of euros by the dark side of online dating!


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Notes:
1) This content reflects the current state of affairs at the time of publication. The reproduction of individual images, screenshots, embeds or video sequences serves to discuss the topic. 2) Individual contributions were created through the use of machine assistance and were carefully checked by the Mimikama editorial team before publication. ( Reason )