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Facebook & Messenger Scam Alerts: How to Spot and Avoid Phishing Messages

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🚨 Don’t Fall for Fake Meta Warnings – How to Stay Safe Online

Facebook and Messenger have become prime targets for scammers and cybercriminals who try to trick users into clicking on malicious links, providing sensitive information, or even losing access to their accounts. One of the most common scams circulating right now involves fake warnings claiming your Facebook page is at risk of being deleted. These messages are designed to scare you into clicking on fraudulent links and handing over your login details.

At Alchemy I.T., serving Stony Plain and Spruce Grove, we’ve seen countless cases of businesses and individuals falling victim to these scams. Let’s break down how these phishing scams work and, more importantly, how to protect yourself.

How the Facebook & Messenger Phishing Scam Works

These scam messages often pose as official warnings from Meta (Facebook’s parent company). They use fear tactics to make you believe your Facebook page is about to be permanently deleted due to a violation. The messages usually include a malicious link disguised as a way to “appeal” the decision.

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How to Identify a Facebook Phishing Scam

1. Check the sender

  • If the message is from a random personal profile instead of an official @facebook.com or @meta.com email, it’s a scam.
  • Facebook does not send warnings through Messenger.

2. Look for poor grammar & awkward phrasing

  • Official Meta messages are professionally written and don’t include weird sentence structures or grammar mistakes.
  • Scammers often copy-paste generic text that sounds robotic or unnatural.

3. Be cautious with urgent threats

  • Scammers use fear tactics to make you panic and act fast.
  • Facebook will never immediately delete your account without warnings and proper appeals inside your Facebook settings.

4. Hover over links before clicking

  • If the link doesn’t go to an official Facebook website (facebook.com or meta.com), it’s fake.
  • Scam links often lead to lookalike login pages designed to steal your credentials.

5. Never enter your login information

  • If you mistakenly click a link, DO NOT enter your username and password.
  • If you did, change your Facebook password immediately and enable two-factor authentication.

What You Should Do If You Receive a Scam Message

✅ Ignore & delete the message.
✅ Do not click any links.
✅ Block the sender to prevent further contact.
✅ Report the message as spam on Facebook.
✅ Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your account for extra security.

If you accidentally clicked the link and entered your login info, change your password immediately and run a security checkup inside your Facebook account settings.

 

How Alchemy I.T. Can Help

At Alchemy I.T., we help businesses and individuals stay protected from online scams and cyber threats. If you think your Facebook account or computer has been compromised, we offer:

🔹 Security checkups & virus removal
🔹 Password recovery assistance
🔹 Safe browsing education to prevent future scams
🔹 General tech support & system tune-ups

📞 Call us today at 780-218-5771 or 780-983-6051
📍 Visit us at 203 Silverstone Crescent, Stony Plain

Stay smart, stay safe, and don’t let scammers win! 🚀

#AlchemyIT #FacebookScam #PhishingAwareness #OnlineSafety #TechSupport #StonyPlain #SpruceGrove

Call: 587-257-5595

Don’t just take our word for it

Hear what our clients have to say.

Call: 587-257-5595

After Hours Drop-Off & Pickup By Appointment Only Conveniently Located at 203 Silverstone Crescent, Stony Plain. Call: 780-218-5771 or 780-983-6051

Ty Goodon

Computer Technician · Social Media Manager

Ty Goodon is part of the next generation of technology professionals joining the Alchemy I.T. team. With a strong interest in computers, digital media, and problem-solving, Ty brings both technical curiosity and a practical work ethic to every project he works on. His academic work focuses on modern digital systems, online platforms, and emerging technologies—knowledge that complements the hands-on technical work he performs with clients at Alchemy I.T.

Alongside his technical interests, Ty has built a substantial presence as a digital content creator, developing a YouTube channel with over 168,000 subscribers and more than 47 million views, while also streaming across multiple platforms including Twitch and TikTok. This experience has given him practical expertise in video production, software tools, digital troubleshooting, and the technical environments behind modern content creation. At Alchemy I.T., Ty assists with diagnostics, repairs, and technical support for residential and small-business clients. Known for his positive attitude and willingness to dig into complex problems, he enjoys helping people understand their technology and getting systems running smoothly again.

Ty believes technology should be approachable, practical, and empowering — a philosophy that aligns perfectly with the Alchemy I.T. commitment to making technology easier for everyone.

Frank Priego

I.T. Technician · Computer Repair Specialist

Francisco “Frank” Priego is a highly skilled I.T. Technician at Alchemy I.T., bringing extensive hands-on experience in computer repair, diagnostics, and technical support for both home users and small businesses. Known for his calm, methodical approach, Frank excels at identifying problems quickly and delivering clear, practical solutions—without unnecessary jargon.

Frank’s expertise spans hardware repair, operating system troubleshooting, software issues, and system optimization. Whether resolving slow performance, repairing failing components, removing malware, or setting up new systems, he approaches every task with precision and care. Clients appreciate his ability to explain technical issues in plain language and his commitment to getting things fixed properly the first time.

At Alchemy I.T., Frank plays a key role in ensuring customers’ technology remains reliable, secure, and easy to use. He works closely with clients to understand their needs, offering honest advice and dependable support tailored to real-world use—not upsells or shortcuts.

Frank’s strong technical foundation is complemented by his background in web and systems technology, giving him a broad understanding of how hardware, software, and networks work together. This holistic perspective allows him to diagnose issues others may overlook and provide solutions that are both effective and long-lasting.

Technical Expertise

  • Computer Repair: Desktop and laptop diagnostics, hardware replacement, upgrades
  • Operating Systems: Windows installation, repair, optimization, and recovery
  • Malware & Security: Virus and malware removal, system cleanup, security hardening
  • Performance Issues: Slow systems, startup errors, crashes, overheating, storage issues
  • Software Support: Application troubleshooting, installs, updates, compatibility issues
  • System Setup: New computer setup, data migration, backups, peripheral configuration
  • General I.T. Support: Ongoing maintenance, troubleshooting, and user assistance

Frank is dedicated to providing friendly, reliable, and transparent I.T. support—helping clients feel confident in their technology and supported when they need it most.

Darythe Hill

Console Specialist · Computer Technician

Kelsey Riddle

Microsoft Certified Network Administrator · Business IT Specialist

As a Microsoft Certified Network Administrator, Kelsey brings advanced skills in network design, security, and infrastructure management.

Kelsey understands the technical demands of both small businesses and residential clients in Stony Plain, Spruce Grove, Acheson, and Carvel. He has hands-on experience setting up secure local networks, implementing remote access solutions, optimizing performance, and ensuring data protection through backup, redundancy, and proactive monitoring.

Kelsey’s mission: to ensure that your business experiences minimal downtime, maximum security, and seamless connectivity — so you can focus on what matters most. With him onboard, Alchemy I.T. continues to support commercial clients with professional, reliable, and future-proof IT infrastructure.

Kelly Eros

CTO · Computer Technician

Kelly has called Stony Plain & Spruce Grove home for over 15 years, bringing deep local roots and global technical expertise to Alchemy I.T. With a combined career spanning more than 38 years in computer hardware, software, graphic design, web development, and digital storytelling, Kelly is passionate about solving problems — from intricate code to compelling visuals.

As a lifelong learner, Kelly holds strong command over tools spanning the Adobe Creative Suite, 3D modeling, web development, and social media management. He not only delivers results — websites, designs, and I.T. solutions — but educates clients, demystifies technology, and ensures smooth, dependable solutions.

Community involvement is central to Kelly’s work ethic. He serves on the Board of Trustees for the Stony Plain Public Library and participates in local events regularly. His mission: to blend technical reliability with creative innovation, keeping Alchemy I.T. a trusted choice for computer repair, managed services, and tech support across Stony Plain, Spruce Grove, Acheson, and Carvel.

Brittany Eros

CEO · Technician · Client Services Lead

Brittany has been part of the Stony Plain & Spruce Grove community for over 20 years. She brings meticulous attention to detail and strong technical skills to her role at Alchemy I.T., managing everything from financial operations to complex hardware repairs and network troubleshooting.

Her experience spans decades in both artistic and technical fields. She is adept at diagnosing computer issues, handling networking setups, and delivering reliable residential and business support. Alongside her technical work, Brittany excels in designing user-friendly client experiences, whether assisting with walk-in repairs or long-term IT maintenance agreements.

When she’s not restoring devices or crunching numbers, Brittany dedicates time to local art, gaming, and animal welfare — a true community builder and creative force. Her goal at Alchemy I.T.: to ensure every client feels heard, every repair is done right, and every service reflects integrity and local pride.