Please be on the lookout for emails or messages via Facebook or Instagram threatening to shut down your account due to copyright infringement or other alleged action.
First, don't trust messages demanding money, offering gifts or threatening to delete or ban your account.
Second, scrutinize the email address closely. Scam emails will look like they are from Facebook or their parent company Meta but the address will NOT be an official Meta email. Alternatively, it could be some variation that includes "meta" or "facebook" but is nonetheless suspicious looking. Emails from Instagram or Facebook about your account will only come from @mail.instagram.com, @facebookmail.com or @account.meta.com.
DO NOT CLICK ON ANYTHING! Links, buttons, and attachments are ways for them to access your account.
Don't respond to the emails and never give anyone your password, social security number, credit card number, or any other personal information.
Next, delete the email or message. Some email programs allow you to label it as spam and block the email address but be aware, they will have any number of new email addresses to use.
If you have entered your Facebook or Instagram user name and password into a strange link, immediately try to log into your account, reset your password, and log out of Facebook and Instagram on all devices (phone, laptop, tablet, etc.)
If you cannot access your account, visit the Instagram or Facebook Help Center. On Facebook, visit Managing Your Account/Fix a Login Problem. On Instagram visit Login and Passwords/I Can't Log In.
We know many small businesses rely on Facebook and Instagram to reach their customers. We are also aware that these social media platforms are not as valuable as they once were and that even boosted posts and advertisements don't always reach the people you need to. We recommend evaluating the response you receive from all social media platforms--just as you would evaluate the response you'd receive from a print ad, a mailing, or a TV ad.
All businesses should make sure their Google Business account is active and up-to-date. We also recommend exploring Pinterest or Reddit as alternative social media platforms that may be better suited for your product or service. A stand alone website--even a simple and afforable one-page website--may help as well. And of course, all Loop businesses and CoMo Cooks clients have an information page on our website TheLoopCoMo.com that helps your business in Google searches. This page includes a description, a photo, a map, and contact information. Take a look at your page and we'll be happy to make changes for you.
