ByFacebook Confirmation Code Text Spam—Another Facebook Glitch or a Scam?
Facebook scams are not a new thing. The social media platform has been around for well over a decade and its ever-changing interface and innovative security measures did not stop the scammers. They made them creative.
One of the popular Facebook’s safety measures is a two-step verification process. The process allows you to add another security method in addition to your password when logging in from a new browser or device.
The additional method most people choose is a confirmation code text, and this is where the scammers come in. If you didn't try to log in to Facebook but keep getting random spam texts with a confirmation code, you might be a target of a scam.
What Is SMS or Text Spam?
SMS spam can be any unsolicited text message sent to your cellphone. The purpose of such messages varies.
They could be marketing messages aiming to sell you something or info texts coming from various companies. But a text could also be a phishing attempt, which is usually the case with dubious confirmation-code texts from Facebook.
Phishing via SMS, also called SMSishing or Smishing, happens when a scammer is using texts to coax their victims into disclosing private info.
Similar to robocalls, phishing scams use massive-outreach and auto-dialer technology. This type of spam is illegal according to the CAN-SPAM Act texting regulations because it uses internet-to-phone SMS methods.
With Facebook spam text messages scammers may not even use this type of technology in case they are targeting your account specifically.
What Is the Process Behind Spam Text Messages for Facebook Confirmation?
When you have two-factor authentication turned on and try to log into Facebook from a new browser, the first step is entering your password. After that, you'll get a text with your Facebook confirmation code, which you should type in the login window.
Scammers have found a way to take advantage of this process and this is how it usually works:
- You'll get a message from a number containing Facebook confirmation code and a link
- If you click on a link, it will take you to a fake Facebook page asking you to type in the confirmation code to log in. You might be asked to type in your password as well
- The scammer, who already has your phone number, now has access to the confirmation code (and maybe your password) and can access your Facebook account
There are a few variations of the scam, but this is the most common one. Getting access to your Facebook account does not only harm your privacy but can lead to the breach in your other accounts (if you have connected apps, or use the same or similar passwords).
Are All Spam Text Messages With Verification Code From Facebook a Scam?
Not necessarily. There are plenty of reasons why you might be getting these messages:
- You tried to log in from a new browser and forgot you have two-step authentication turned on
- Someone else accidentally typed in your number in their Facebook settings and is trying to log in to their account
- Facebook is glitching and sending you delayed verification messages
- Someone is trying to log into your Facebook account by accident, which happens if you saved your credentials on a device with multiple users
You could also receive a verification code message if a bot is attempting to guess your password or someone is trying to hack your account, in which case you might be dealing with a scam.
How Do I Recognize a Dangerous Facebook Confirmation Code Text Spam Message?
This is a tricky question. Facebook confirmation code texts are usually short, so there is not much room for mistakes and telltale signs.
Here are some points that may help you verify if a text from Facebook is real:
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The Link |
Legitimate verification messages from Facebook don't include links. You will get a code that you have to enter into a login screen that is already open in your browser, so sending links would make no sense |
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The Code | The verification code from Facebook is a six-digit number. There are no hyphens between the numbers and no letters or symbols |
| The Sender |
The standard American telephone number is a ten-digit number. Texts from Facebook will come from a four or five-digit phone number, or the sender will not have a number at all, just a name |
All these factors could be red flags, but a clever scammer will know how to go around them. The main rule to follow is: If you get an unexpected verification code message from Facebook, treat it like a scam and take necessary steps to protect yourself.
How To Block and Report Spam Text Messages for Facebook Confirmation
As long as the sender didn't hide their number, you can report it using one of these methods:
- The Federal Trade Commission's Complaint Center
- 7726 Spam-reporting service—forward the message to the number
- Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, or another carrier company
- Report option on your phone
Another method is to block suspicious numbers using one of the third-party apps. You can also block spam messages on Android or stop spam texts on an iPhone with the help of DoNotPay.
Additional Methods To Protect Yourself From Spam Text Messages With a Verification Code From Facebook
Here are some guidelines you can follow to protect your Facebook account:
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DO |
DON'T |
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Get Revenge on Scammers Behind the Facebook Confirmation Code Text Spam With DoNotPay
If the scam goes too far and scammers try to get money from you, DoNotPay can help. Here are the steps to follow when the criminals ask for your credit card detail:
- Open DoNotPay in your
- Tap Robo Revenge
- Generate a fake virtual credit card
- Give the scammers your free virtual credit card details
The scammers will try to collect the payment, but won't manage to do it because our virtual credit card is not connected to any payment source.
DoNotPay goes a step further. Our app will unmask the scammer's info and provide the details that will serve as admissible evidence in court. You now have solid grounds to file a lawsuit and receive up to $3000 in compensation.
DoNotPay Can Help You With Other Text Scams
Text-message spamming is a booming trend and you will come across it at some point. While some are a mere annoyance, like political spam texts, others could be dangerous.
DoNotPay's Robo Revenge feature can help you with any of these text spam messages:
- Wells Fargo Alert text message scam—Unsolicited text messages to Wells Fargo clients insinuating issues with their account
- Group text spam messages—Phishing texts in which scammers try to persuade members of the group to click on malicious links
- Email to text spam messages—Texts with an email instead of a number in their From field
- Craigslist text spam—Phishing text messages aimed at Craiglist sellers
- Bank of America spam texts—False notification messages sent to gain account info of BoA patrons
- IRL App spam text—Texts with a link to the IRL app. The app is real, but the texts are not coming from people the recipients know
- Marco Polo spam text—Promo spam messages from the Marco Polo app
Complex Tasks Are Effortless With DoNotPay
If you access DoNotPay in your , you will discover that we can help with spam emails, harassing phone calls, cyberstalking, and any other kind of digital inconvenience.
We can also take over tasks like:
- Defending yourself from stalking and harassment
- Getting refunds from various merchants
- Blocking spam mail
- Subscribing for free trials safely
- Dealing with other text spammers
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- Disputing traffic tickets
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- Contesting parking tickets
- Dealing with high bills
- Skipping the phone queue when calling customer service
- Fighting speeding tickets
- Getting revenge on robocalls
- Suing anyone in small claims court