10 Chapter 10: How AI Is Being Used on Facebook to Scam Seniors
Scammers now use AI to:
- Create fake profiles that look real (using AI-generated faces and bios)
- Send messages that are emotionally persuasive or seem urgent
- Mimic real friends or family members who already have a Facebook account
- Write polished posts or comments that look legitimate but contain harmful links
Some even create fake church raffles, senior travel groups, or community fundraisers to lure people into giving money or clicking on dangerous links.
Common Facebook Scams That Use AI
| Scam Type | What It Looks Like | What to Do |
| Fake friend request | You get a request from someone you’re already friends with | Don’t accept it. Report and delete it |
| “Help me” message | Someone says they’re in trouble or needs a favor | Call or text them directly outside Facebook |
| Prize or giveaway | “Click here to win a $500 grocery card!” | Don’t click. It’s likely fake |
| “Click to see who viewed your profile” | Popular bait used in scam apps | Ignore and avoid clicking |
How to Stay Safe While Using Facebook
| Tip | Why It Works |
| Don’t accept duplicate friend requests | If you’re already friends with someone, a second profile is likely fake |
| Limit what strangers can see | Set your privacy to “Friends Only” under Facebook settings |
| Avoid clicking links in messages | Even if they look like they’re from a friend, verify first |
| Check for spelling and grammar oddities | AI sometimes makes mistakes or sounds “too formal” |
| Turn on two-factor authentication | Adds an extra step to secure your account |
Tools and Settings to Help You
| Tool | What It Does | Where to Find It |
| Facebook Privacy Checkup | Walks you through safety and visibility settings | In Facebook Settings → Privacy |
| Two-Factor Authentication | Sends a code to your phone when you log in | Settings → Security |
| Profile Lock | Limits who can see your photos and posts | Available in Facebook’s privacy menu |
| Password Manager (like Bitwarden) | Keeps your login strong and secure | Download from trusted app store or browser |
Hypothetical Scenario: “My Friend Got Hacked — And So Did I”
Dorothy, 79, received a Facebook message from her neighbor asking for help with an online contest. It looked real and felt friendly. She clicked the link.
The next day, her own account started messaging others with the same scam and she had no idea until her granddaughter called.
They sat down together, reset her password, turned on two-factor authentication, and used Facebook’s Privacy Checkup.
Bonus: Facebook Marketplace & Selling Scams
When a “Friend” Posts Something for Sale — But It’s Really a Scammer
AI-powered scammers don’t just send messages. They also post fake items for sale, pretend to be someone you trust, and try to trick you into sending money without ever delivering a product.
What These Scams Look Like:
- A friend (or someone you recognize) posts a used car, concert tickets, appliance, or piece of furniture at a low price
- They say, “Message me if interested!”
- When you reach out, they might respond quickly and ask you to send payment through Venmo, Zelle, PayPal Friends & Family, or gift cards
- After you send money, they disappear
Scammers may hijack real Facebook accounts or create fake profiles using AI-generated photos and names. You might even see mutual friends but it’s not really someone you know.
Red Flags to Watch For:
| Red Flag | Why It’s Suspicious |
| “I’m selling this fast — need cash urgently” | Tries to create urgency so you don’t verify first |
| Payment requested via gift cards or money apps only | No protections or refunds |
| Profile has very few posts or was recently created | May be a fake or hijacked account |
| Doesn’t want to meet in person | Common in scams involving fake items or locations |
| Says “I’m selling for a friend, contact them here…” | Avoids accountability and adds another fake profile |
How to Stay Safe When Buying or Selling on Facebook
- Don’t send money to anyone you don’t know personally
- Meet in person in a public place (some police departments offer safe spots)
- Avoid sending deposits or prepaying for items
- Verify the person’s identity. Call or text your real friend before buying
- Report suspicious posts to Facebook
Proactive Step: If a Facebook “friend” posts something that seems too good to be true, call them or message them on a different platform first. If they don’t know what you’re talking about, it’s likely a scam.
How AI Makes These Scams Worse and Smarter
- AI tools can generate dozens of fake “for sale” listings quickly, each using slightly different images, prices, and item descriptions
- AI can mimic writing styles that feel casual, local, or trustworthy
- Some scammers even use chatbots to auto-respond to questions about the item to seem more legitimate
Add This to Your Scam Awareness Checklist:
- ❌ Don’t buy from a Facebook friend without verifying it’s really them
- ❌ Don’t pay in advance for items you haven’t seen in person
- ✅ Report suspicious listings or profiles to Facebook