Information is becoming the most valuable asset out there for scammers. Once they have access to certain information that then unlocks the key to numerous other options. Before we go any further don’t panic or stress about anything here, just learn from and move forward better equipped than before to protect yourself and your identity.
The biggest warning is if you ever get a friend request from someone who is already on your friend’s list. This scam as with most scams is very simple, but also very clever. Basically, they copy people’s details and photographs to impersonate the other person, and then request friendship with one of their friends. If you accept that then strengthens their scam, as now they have more people that will believe their next friend request, and so their spider’s web grows. And as it grows, they get to learn birthdates, friendships, relationships, even when people are away on holiday.
The best advice is, if someone already on your list, asks to friend you, try to contact that friend via alternative means for confirmation purposes. Ensure your security settings are at the highest level. Don’t accept friend requests from people you don’t know.
The Better Business Bureau warned about this scam last year. Here’s how to report a fake account or a suspected scammer to Facebook