08/27/2016
Hello Facebook Friends!
I want to give a word of warning when it comes to friending people on Facebook
First, know that people are now copying other people's profiles and using them to "phish" for conversations, either trying to get money from you, trying to sell you something, or get you involved with a scheme, or simply trying to gather information about you and your family.
Second, There are a ton of fake profiles out there that are trying to do the same thing.
Third, Facebook is doing a pretty good job of cleaning these up, but many still get through.
Here are some things to look for and do:
1. Before you blindly accept a friend make sure they have more than one picture. Most people who are on Facebook have more than one picture that you can see.
2. Make sure they have an extended timeline. If someone wants to friend you, you can look at their timeline. If there is nothing there...well chances are they are not real.
3. Check the "About" section of their profile. Most people fill out quite a bit of information their about section. So check to make sure that they have something that makes sense, and then research it to make sure it real.
4. No background photo is at the very least an "Orange Flag". Most everyone knows by know how to put up a background photo. While I have maybe a handful of "real" friends (out of nearly 3000) who do not have a background photo most everyone does. If you do not see it. It is more than likely a phantom profile.
Okay so what should you do?
1. You can play it completely safe and just not friend anyone you absolutely do not know.
2. If they have mutual friends, then contact those mutual friends and ask them how they know this person. If they cannot tell you they may have been duped too.
3. If you feel adventurous, then send them a message before you friend them. See if there is any dialogue. If you have any doubts, then there is no doubt, they are a fake profile.
4. Ask me to look at the profile. I would be happy to give my profiling opinion.
I know this will help you navigate Facebook safely and have more fun with the right people.
Stay Successful!
Jay Izso, the Internet Doctor