Major Warning Signs

🚩 Major Warning Signs a Profile Might Be Fake:

1. Profile Was Recently Created

Check when they joined Facebook.

If it says "Joined Facebook" very recently (past few weeks or months), that's suspicious — especially if they seem overly interested in you immediately.

2. Very Few Photos, or All Photos Look "Too Perfect"

Only one or two profile pictures? Big red flag.

All photos are glamour shots or look like model stock photos? Possible scammer.

3. Few Friends (or Weird Friend List)

Less than 100 friends is not automatic proof, but if they have only 5-20 friends, be cautious.

If you can see their friends and it’s a strange mix (all people from different countries, or only women/only men), it’s likely fake.

4. Generic or Over-the-Top Bio Information

Bios like “God fearing man who loves his family” or “Lonely widower seeking happiness” are common scammer setups.

Profiles with very little real detail (no work, no school, no town, no meaningful posts) are suspicious.

5. Quickly Gets Personal or Romantic

If a new contact quickly starts saying things like “I feel a connection” or "God must have sent you to me," be very cautious.

Scammers often move fast to emotional conversations to lower your guard.

6. Strange Grammar and Odd Language

Many scam accounts are run by non-native English speakers.

Watch for odd phrases, poor grammar, or overly formal speech (“I am reaching out to make your acquaintance, dear.”)

7. Only Private Messages — Nothing Public

If all their interaction is only in private messages (Messenger) and they never comment publicly, it’s suspicious.

8. They Avoid Video Chats or Phone Calls

Scammers usually avoid live video because they are not who they say they are.

If you ask to video chat and they have excuses ("camera broken," "bad connection," "busy at work"), red flag.

9. They Ask for Money or Gifts

If someone asks for money, gift cards, crypto, or even help "cash a check" — it is 100% a scam.

10. Reverse Image Search Their Profile Picture

Right-click their profile photo, and do a Google Reverse Image Search.

If it shows up under different names elsewhere, it’s stolen — meaning the account is fake.

✅ Extra Steps You Can Take to Protect Yourself:

Set your profile privacy tighter (Friends Only posts, etc.).

Don’t accept friend requests from people you don’t know personally.

Report and block suspicious profiles — it helps stop scams from spreading.

Never send money, personal info, or banking details to someone you haven’t met in real life.