Scams targeting Facebook page owners have been popular for a long time. Recently, similar scams featuring phishing links that start with shorten[.]is have been circulating. Keep reading to learn how the scam works and how to stay protected.

Shorten[.]is Meta Scam

Impersonating the support team from Meta, scammers send private messages to fan pages and claim that the pages are scheduled for deletion due to problems like infringement or violation of the community standards. The message instructs page owners to “Request for Review” via the attached link (shorten[.]is) to save the page from being deleted.

Content of Shorten[.]is Meta Scam Message:

• Important Warning From Meta:
  Your Facebook page is scheduled for permanent deletion due to a post that has infringed upon our trademark rights. We have reached this decision after a thorough review and in accordance with our intellectual property protection policies. If you believe this to be a misunderstanding, we kindly request you to file a complaint seeking the reinstatement of your page prior to its removal from Facebook.Request for Review: https://shorten[.]is<URL>We understand that this situation may impact your ongoing business operations. However, please be informed that if we do not receive a complaint from you, our decision will be final. Your cooperation and understanding are greatly appreciated. Should you have any inquiries or apprehensions, please feel free to reach out to us.Sincerely, Facebook Support Team

The shorten[.]is link is a phishing link. It leads to a fake Meta support page that tricks you into submitting your login credentials. With them, scammers can gain control of your Facebook account. They can also take control of your Facebook page, and use it to spread fake news, sell products, or perform other scams.

Shorten[.]is Meta Scam: How to Stay Safe

• Verify the legitimacy of messages. Legitimate ones should come from official sources instead of unsolicited private messages.
• Take a close look at the web address. A legitimate Facebook page should always start with facebook.com.
• Contact the Facebook official Help Center directly for help. Don’t use links others provide you! Search for the Facebook Help Center and go to the site yourself instead.
• Use Trend Micro ScamCheck. When you’re not sure if something’s a scam, check with Trend Micro ScamCheck! Here’s what ScamCheck thinks of the shorten[.]is message:

Scam intent detected by ScamCheck:

• This message is likely a scam attempting to trick you into clicking a dangerous link. Do not click on the provided URL or share any personal information. Official Meta or Facebook communications would not use such urgent language or shortened links.

ScamCheck: Your All-in-One Defense Against Scams

Available for both Android and iOS, ScamCheck offers comprehensive protection from deceptive phishing scams, scam and spam text messages, deepfakes, and more:

• Scam Check: Instantly analyze emails, texts, URLs, screenshots, and phone numbers with our AI-powered scam detection technology.
• SMS Filter & Call Block: Say goodbye to unwanted spam and scam calls and messages. Minimize daily disruptions and reinforce your defenses against phishing.
• Deepfake Scan: Detect deepfakes in real-time during video calls, alerting you if anyone is using AI face-swapping technology to alter their appearance.
• Web Guard: Surf the web safely, protected from malicious websites and annoying ads.

To download Trend Micro ScamCheck or to learn more, click the button below.

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