July 19, 2024 -Springfield- Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni is issuing a warning to residents about a recent Facebook scam where hackers gain control of someone’s account and falsely claim that a loved one has entered a long-term health care facility, prompting them to sell the loved one’s possessions. D.A. Gulluni urges all residents to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to protect themselves from falling victim to this scam.

Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni stated, “My office has recently become aware of this Facebook scam that looks to exploit your emotions and preys upon your relationships and friendships. Don’t be fooled, always verify where you are sending money before hand, and be preventative, make sure you are securing your accounts adequately to deter a security breach. switch your passwords regularly on your high priority accounts in the event your credentials were exposed in a data breach.”  

Description of the Scam: Hackers target Facebook and email accounts to obtain your personal information and take control of them by stealing login credentials. Once in control, they post messages pretending to be the account owner, claiming a loved one has had to enter a long-term health care facility and that their possessions need to be sold urgently. The scammer then asks for money to be sent electronically, often for items that do not exist, preying on the emotions and trust of friends and family.

How to Protect Yourself:

1. Strengthen Your Passwords:
   • Use a unique, strong password for your Facebook account that includes a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters.
   • Avoid using easily guessed passwords such as birthdays, names, or common words.
2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA):
   • Activate 2FA on your Facebook account to add an extra layer of security. This feature requires a second form of verification, such as a code sent to your phone, in addition to your password.
3. Be Cautious with Friend Requests:
   • Do not accept friend requests from people you do not know personally. Scammers often create fake profiles to gain access to your personal information.
4. Monitor Account Activity:
   • Regularly review your account activity and privacy settings. Look out for any unfamiliar logins or changes that you did not make.
5. Educate Yourself and Others:
   • Stay informed about common online scams and share this information with friends and family to prevent them from becoming victims.

How to Avoid Sending Money to Scammers:

1. Verify Claims Independently:
   • If you receive a message from someone claiming to sell possessions due to a loved one’s health situation, contact the person directly through a trusted means (e.g., a phone call) to verify the claim.
2. Be Skeptical of Urgent Requests:
   • Scammers often create a sense of urgency to pressure victims into sending money quickly. Take your time to verify the authenticity of the request.
3. Do Not Share Personal Information:
   • Avoid sharing personal or financial information through social media or messaging apps. Scammers can use this information to further exploit you.
4. Report Suspicious Activity:
   • If you suspect you have been contacted by a scammer, report the message to Facebook and local authorities. Additionally, inform the person whose account has been compromised.

If you find yourself being a victim of hacking be sure to contact your local police department and make a report it to protect yourself.