Beware the StandardMetaHelpBusiness.com Facebook Scam
Written by: Thomas Orsolya
Published on:
The Standardmetahelpbusiness.com scam targets Facebook users by sending them messages claiming their account or Page has violated Facebook’s terms of service. The message states that the account will be deleted or restricted unless the user appeals by clicking a link and providing personal information. However, standardmetahelpbusiness.com is not associated with Facebook at all – it is a scam website designed to steal users’ information and access their accounts.
This article contains:
Overview of the Standardmetahelpbusiness.com Facebook Scam
The Standardmetahelpbusiness.com scam is a method cybercriminals are using to steal Facebook users’ personal information and account access. This scam has become increasingly common, with many users receiving messages out of the blue saying their account has been restricted.
The message claims the recipient’s Facebook account or Page has been limited due to suspicious activity or community standards violations. It states the user must provide personal details such as their name, email address, and phone number via a link to Standardmetahelpbusiness.com in order to appeal the restriction.
However, standardmetahelpbusiness.com has no relation to Facebook at all. It is a fraudulent website impersonating Facebook, using their branding and logos. This is done intentionally to mislead victims into believing the site is legitimate and associated with Facebook.
In reality, standardmetahelpbusiness.com is an elaborate scam operation run by cybercriminals to harvest users’ personal data. The information entered on the site can be used to gain access to Facebook accounts, compromise identities, and perpetrate further fraud.
Unfortunately, many users fall victim to this scam. The messages come out of nowhere, but appear to be from an official Facebook notification system. Victims are worried their account is about to be banned, so they urgently follow the instructions without thinking it through.
The professional branding of standardmetahelpbusiness.com also tricks users into believing the site is operated by Facebook. But in fact, scammers have fabricated the entire site to steal information.
Once personal details are entered, the scammers can gain full access to victims’ Facebook accounts. This gives them an intimate look at private conversations, personal information, connected apps, and more. Victims may have their account hacked, taken over, or deleted altogether.
Scammers can also use the information obtained to steal identities. With names, emails and phone numbers in hand, they can commit identity fraud and other cybercrimes.
How the Standardmetahelpbusiness.com Facebook Scam Works
The Standardmetahelpbusiness.com scam is orchestrated in a strategic step-by-step process designed to mimic Facebook’s account restriction process and trick users into providing their personal information. Here is a breakdown of how the scam operates:
Step 1: Sending Fraudulent Notification Messages
The first step involves sending out scam messages to a wide range of Facebook users stating their account has been restricted. These messages are made to look like official notifications from Facebook support.
The messages claim the recipient’s account has been “limited” due to suspicious activity or community standards violations. They state urgent action is required or the account will be deleted.
Tactics like using Facebook branding, logos, formatting, and language are used to make the messages appear legitimate. But the messages actually come from scammers, not Facebook.
Step 2: Providing a Fake Appeal Link
The message provides a link for users to supposedly appeal the restriction on their account. The link goes to standardmetahelpbusiness.com rather than Facebook.
This step is crucial since the site is made to look like Facebook’s official account appeal portal. The professional branding convinces users the site is real and part of the Facebook account restriction process.
Step 3: Collecting Personal Information
Once on standardmetahelpbusiness.com, users are prompted to enter personal details such as their name, Facebook page name, email addresses, and phone number.
Scammers claim this information is needed to verify identity and investigate the restrictions. In reality, they are harvesting users’ data.
The requested information includes:
Full name
Facebook page name
Business email address
Personal email address
Mobile phone number
Users willingly provide these details believing it will help unlock their account. But in fact, it gives scammers the keys to access their account.
Step 4: Stealing Account Access and Identities
With users’ personal information, scammers can now easily access their Facebook accounts. They use the details obtained to reset passwords and security measures.
Once inside accounts, scammers can post spam links and messages using the victim’s identity. They can view private data, conversations, photos, and connected apps.
Scammers may also use their control of the account to reach out to the user’s connections seeking more information or money. They could even delete the account altogether.
The personal information harvested also paves the way for full identity theft beyond just Facebook. Email addresses, phone numbers, and names can help scammers steal and exploit users’ identities.
Step 5: Spreading to More Victims
With accessed accounts in hand, scammers can repeat the process by targeting the user’s friends with the same scam message. This helps spread the scam rapidly to more potential victims.
The cycle continues with scammers sending restriction messages, harvesting information, and gaining account access to steal identities.
Step 6: Leveraging Trust
A core element of the scam is leveraging Facebook users’ trust and urgency to trick them. The fear of losing an account spurs users to act quickly.
Their trust in Facebook is turned against them, as scammers exploit Facebook’s brand recognition and authority. Even savvy users can be deceived and hand over personal data out of fear their access will be cut off.
The Standardmetahelpbusiness.com scam demonstrates how even reputable brands can be impersonated if users don’t think twice before providing their information.e in Facebook to collect the information needed to exploit accounts and compromise sensitive data.
What To Do If You Have Fallen For The Standardmetahelpbusiness.com Facebook Scam
If you entered your personal information on the fraudulent Standardmetahelpbusiness.com website, don’t panic. Here are the steps you should take right away to protect yourself and secure your accounts:
1. Change your Facebook password immediately
If scammers have your login info, they can access your account. Go to Facebook and reset your password quickly to lock them out. Make sure you are on the real Facebook.com domain when doing this.
2. Turn on two-factor authentication
Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security, requiring you to enter a code from your phone when logging in. This prevents scammers from accessing your account even if they have your password.
3. Check your Facebook activity log
Review your Facebook activity log to see if any suspicious posts or messages have been sent from your account recently. Delete anything unauthorized.
4. Remove third-party app access
Check your app settings and remove access to any unknown third-party apps the scammers may have connected to your account. This cuts off access points.
5. Monitor your friends list
Scammers may have added other accounts as friends to expand their scam reach. Review your friends and remove any suspicious or unknown accounts.
6. Place a fraud alert and monitor your credit
Since scammers have your personal information, place a fraud alert on your credit and monitor your credit reports for any suspicious activity indicating identity theft.
7. Reset passwords on other accounts
If you reuse passwords across accounts, scammers may gain access to your email, bank accounts or other online services. Reset all your major account passwords.
8. Run antivirus and malware scans
Run thorough scans on your devices to check for any malware, keyloggers or spyware the scammers may have installed through compromised accounts.
9. File a report
File a report about the scam with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov and notify Facebook directly so they can take action.
10. Educate your friends and family
Spread awareness about this scam to help prevent it from victimizing more people. Let your friends know to avoid suspicious Facebook messages asking for personal information.
Taking quick action minimizes the potential damage from providing your information to scammers. Remember to always use caution online and never hand over personal details unless you have fully verified the request. If you have any other concerns after falling for the Standardmetahelpbusiness.com scam, contact Facebook support for help.
Is Your Device Infected? Check for Malware
If your device is running slowly or acting suspicious, it may be infected with malware. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free is a great option for scanning your device and detecting potential malware or viruses. The free version can efficiently check for and remove many common infections.
Malwarebytes can run on Windows, Mac, and Android devices. Depending on which operating system is installed on the device you’re trying to run a Malwarebytes scan, please click on the tab below and follow the displayed steps.
Malwarebytes For WindowsMalwarebytes For MacMalwarebytes For Android
Scan your computer with Malwarebytes for Windows to remove malware
Malwarebytes stands out as one of the leading and widely-used anti-malware solutions for Windows, and for good reason. It effectively eradicates various types of malware that other programs often overlook, all at no cost to you. When it comes to disinfecting an infected device, Malwarebytes has consistently been a free and indispensable tool in the battle against malware. We highly recommend it for maintaining a clean and secure system.
Download Malwarebytes for Windows
You can download Malwarebytes by clicking the link below.
After the download is complete, locate the MBSetup file, typically found in your Downloads folder. Double-click on the MBSetup file to begin the installation of Malwarebytes on your computer. If a User Account Control pop-up appears, click “Yes” to continue the Malwarebytes installation.
Follow the On-Screen Prompts to Install Malwarebytes
When the Malwarebytes installation begins, the setup wizard will guide you through the process.
You’ll first be prompted to choose the type of computer you’re installing the program on—select either “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer” as appropriate, then click on Next.
Malwarebytes will now begin the installation process on your device.
When the Malwarebytes installation is complete, the program will automatically open to the “Welcome to Malwarebytes” screen.
On the final screen, simply click on the Open Malwarebytes option to start the program.
Enable “Rootkit scanning”.
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware will now start, and you will see the main screen as shown below. To maximize Malwarebytes’ ability to detect malware and unwanted programs, we need to enable rootkit scanning. Click on the “Settings” gear icon located on the left of the screen to access the general settings section.
In the settings menu, enable the “Scan for rootkits” option by clicking the toggle switch until it turns blue.
Now that you have enabled rootkit scanning, click on the “Dashboard” button in the left pane to get back to the main screen.
Perform a Scan with Malwarebytes.
To start a scan, click the Scan button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its antivirus database and begin scanning your computer for malicious programs.
Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will now scan your computer for browser hijackers and other malicious programs. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
Quarantine detected malware
Once the Malwarebytes scan is complete, it will display a list of detected malware, adware, and potentially unwanted programs. To effectively remove these threats, click the “Quarantine” button.
Malwarebytes will now delete all of the files and registry keys and add them to the program’s quarantine.
Restart your computer.
When removing files, Malwarebytes may require a reboot to fully eliminate some threats. If you see a message indicating that a reboot is needed, please allow it. Once your computer has restarted and you are logged back in, you can continue with the remaining steps.
Your computer should now be free of trojans, adware, browser hijackers, and other malware.
If your current antivirus allowed this malicious program on your computer, you may want to consider purchasing Malwarebytes Premium to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still having problems with your computer after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
Scan your computer with Malwarebytes for Mac to remove malware
Malwarebytes for Mac is an on-demand scanner that can destroy many types of malware that other software tends to miss without costing you absolutely anything. When it comes to cleaning up an infected device, Malwarebytes has always been free, and we recommend it as an essential tool in the fight against malware.
Download Malwarebytes for Mac.
You can download Malwarebytes for Mac by clicking the link below.
When Malwarebytes has finished downloading, double-click on the setup file to install Malwarebytes on your computer. In most cases, downloaded files are saved to the Downloads folder.
Follow the on-screen prompts to install Malwarebytes.
When the Malwarebytes installation begins, you will see the Malwarebytes for Mac Installer which will guide you through the installation process. Click “Continue“, then keep following the prompts to continue with the installation process.
When your Malwarebytes installation completes, the program opens to the Welcome to Malwarebytes screen. Click the “Get started” button.
Select “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer”.
The Malwarebytes Welcome screen will first ask you what type of computer are you installing this program, click either Personal Computer or Work Computer.
Click on “Scan”.
To scan your computer with Malwarebytes, click on the “Scan” button. Malwarebytes for Mac will automatically update the antivirus database and start scanning your computer for malware.
Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will scan your computer for adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious programs. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check on the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
Click on “Quarantine”.
When the scan has been completed, you will be presented with a screen showing the malware infections that Malwarebytes has detected. To remove the malware that Malwarebytes has found, click on the “Quarantine” button.
Restart computer.
Malwarebytes will now remove all the malicious files that it has found. To complete the malware removal process, Malwarebytes may ask you to restart your computer.
Your Mac should now be free of adware, browser hijackers, and other malware.
If your current antivirus allowed a malicious program on your computer, you might want to consider purchasing the full-featured version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still experiencing problems while trying to remove a malicious program from your computer, please ask for help in our Mac Malware Removal Help & Support forum.
Scan your phone with Malwarebytes for Android to remove malware
Malwarebytes for Android automatically detects and removes dangerous threats like malware and ransomware so you don’t have to worry about your most-used device being compromised. Aggressive detection of adware and potentially unwanted programs keeps your Android phone or tablet running smooth.
Download Malwarebytes for Android.
You can download Malwarebytes for Android by clicking the link below.
In the Google Play Store, tap “Install” to install Malwarebytes for Android on your device.
When the installation process has finished, tap “Open” to begin using Malwarebytes for Android. You can also open Malwarebytes by tapping on its icon in your phone menu or home screen.
Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the setup process
When Malwarebytes will open, you will see the Malwarebytes Setup Wizard which will guide you through a series of permissions and other setup options. This is the first of two screens that explain the difference between the Premium and Free versions. Swipe this screen to continue. Tap on “Got it” to proceed to the next step. Malwarebytes for Android will now ask for a set of permissions that are required to scan your device and protect it from malware. Tap on “Give permission” to continue. Tap on “Allow” to permit Malwarebytes to access the files on your phone.
Update database and run a scan with Malwarebytes for Android
You will now be prompted to update the Malwarebytes database and run a full system scan.
Click on “Update database” to update the Malwarebytes for Android definitions to the latest version, then click on “Run full scan” to perform a system scan.
Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will now start scanning your phone for adware and other malicious apps. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check on the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
Click on “Remove Selected”.
When the scan has been completed, you will be presented with a screen showing the malware infections that Malwarebytes for Android has detected. To remove the malicious apps that Malwarebytes has found, tap on the “Remove Selected” button.
Restart your phone.
Malwarebytes for Android will now remove all the malicious apps that it has found. To complete the malware removal process, Malwarebytes may ask you to restart your device.
Your phone should now be free of adware, browser hijackers, and other malware.
If your current antivirus allowed a malicious app on your phone, you may want to consider purchasing the full-featured version of Malwarebytes to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still having problems with your phone after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
Restore your phone to factory settings by going to Settings > General management > Reset > Factory data reset.
If you receive a message about your Facebook account or Page being restricted, do not click any links or provide any personal information. Instead, log into Facebook directly through the official website or app and check your account status.
Here are some tips to avoid falling victim to the standardmetahelpbusiness.com scam:
Don’t click on links or provide information to unsolicited messages. Facebook will never message you out of the blue about your account being restricted.
Verify message is from an official Facebook domain. Scam messages often come from odd email addresses.
Check your Facebook account directly. Login to the Facebook website or app to see if there are any warnings or restrictions on your account.
Use two-factor authentication. This adds an extra layer of security to your Facebook account.
Be wary of any messages requesting personal information. Facebook does not need your email address, full name or phone number to resolve account issues.
Ignore threats about your account being deleted. Facebook will not immediately delete your account without warning, even if you have violated their terms.
Report suspicious messages. Forward scam messages to phish@fb.com so Facebook can investigate and shut them down.
Change your Facebook password. If you did provide information, change your password immediately to protect your account.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Standardmetahelpbusiness.com Facebook Scam
1. What is the Standardmetahelpbusiness.com Facebook scam?
The Standardmetahelpbusiness.com Facebook scam is a phishing scam where users receive fraudulent messages claiming their Facebook account has been restricted. The messages provide a link to standardmetahelpbusiness.com and trick users into entering personal details on the fake site, allowing scammers to steal their information and access their Facebook accounts.
2. How does the Standardmetahelpbusiness.com scam work?
The scam works by sending Facebook users messages that impersonate Facebook. The messages claim their account has been limited and they must enter personal information on standardmetahelpbusiness.com to unlock it. However, standardmetahelpbusiness.com is an elaborate fake site designed to harvest users’ data.
3. What information do scammers ask for?
The scam site requests information like your full name, Facebook page name, email addresses, and phone number. Scammers claim they need this to verify your identity and investigate the restriction.
4. What do scammers do with my information?
Scammers use the personal information provided to access and take over your Facebook account. They can post spam, view private data, and reach out to your friends and followers to perpetrate more scams. They also use it to steal identities.
5. Why do people fall for the Standardmetahelpbusiness.com scam?
People fall for it because the messages come disguised as Facebook notifications and seem urgent. The professional look of standardmetahelpbusiness.com also tricks users. People trust Facebook and provide their info believing it will help unlock their account.
6. How can I tell if a message is really from Facebook?
Real messages from Facebook only come from an official facebook.com address. Check the sender’s email. Facebook also does not threaten immediate account deletion without warning.
7. I entered my information on standardmetahelpbusiness.com – now what?
If you provided your information, change your Facebook password immediately. Review your security settings. Check your account for suspicious posts or messages. Run antivirus scans to check for malware. Place a fraud alert and monitor your credit.
8. How can I protect myself from the Standardmetahelpbusiness.com scam?
Don’t click unsolicited links. Verify odd messages by logging in directly. Use two-factor authentication. Don’t provide personal info to any third-parties. Be wary of threats about your account being deleted. Report suspicious messages to Facebook.
9. How can I help others avoid this scam?
Share information about this scam to warn others. Report scam messages to Facebook to shut them down. Advise friends and family to use caution with unsolicited messages and verify requests directly with Facebook before providing any personal details.
10. Who can I contact if I have more questions?
If you have any other questions or concerns about the Standardmetahelpbusiness.com Facebook scam, you can contact Facebook directly through their help pages. You can also file a report with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.
The Bottom Line
The standardmetahelpbusiness.com scam is designed to steal Facebook users’ personal information and account access by impersonating Facebook. If you receive a message about your account or Page being restricted, ignore it and log into Facebook directly to verify there is no issue. Don’t provide any information or click links in unsolicited messages. Be vigilant against scams aiming to take advantage of Facebook users.
How to Stay Safe Online
Here are 10 basic security tips to help you avoid malware and protect your device:
Use a good antivirus and keep it up-to-date.
It's essential to use a good quality antivirus and keep it up-to-date to stay ahead of the latest cyber threats. We are huge fans of Malwarebytes Premium and use it on all of our devices, including Windows and Mac computers as well as our mobile devices. Malwarebytes sits beside your traditional antivirus, filling in any gaps in its defenses, and providing extra protection against sneakier security threats.
Keep software and operating systems up-to-date.
Keep your operating system and apps up to date. Whenever an update is released for your device, download and install it right away. These updates often include security fixes, vulnerability patches, and other necessary maintenance.
Be careful when installing programs and apps.
Pay close attention to installation screens and license agreements when installing software. Custom or advanced installation options will often disclose any third-party software that is also being installed. Take great care in every stage of the process and make sure you know what it is you're agreeing to before you click "Next."
Install an ad blocker.
Use a browser-based content blocker, like AdGuard. Content blockers help stop malicious ads, Trojans, phishing, and other undesirable content that an antivirus product alone may not stop.
Be careful what you download.
A top goal of cybercriminals is to trick you into downloading malware—programs or apps that carry malware or try to steal information. This malware can be disguised as an app: anything from a popular game to something that checks traffic or the weather.
Be alert for people trying to trick you.
Whether it's your email, phone, messenger, or other applications, always be alert and on guard for someone trying to trick you into clicking on links or replying to messages. Remember that it's easy to spoof phone numbers, so a familiar name or number doesn't make messages more trustworthy.
Back up your data.
Back up your data frequently and check that your backup data can be restored. You can do this manually on an external HDD/USB stick, or automatically using backup software. This is also the best way to counter ransomware. Never connect the backup drive to a computer if you suspect that the computer is infected with malware.
Choose strong passwords.
Use strong and unique passwords for each of your accounts. Avoid using personal information or easily guessable words in your passwords. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts whenever possible.
Be careful where you click.
Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. These could potentially contain malware or phishing scams.
Don't use pirated software.
Avoid using Peer-to-Peer (P2P) file-sharing programs, keygens, cracks, and other pirated software that can often compromise your data, privacy, or both.
To avoid potential dangers on the internet, it's important to follow these 10 basic safety rules. By doing so, you can protect yourself from many of the unpleasant surprises that can arise when using the web.
Meet Thomas Orsolya
Thomas is an expert at uncovering scams and providing in-depth reporting on cyber threats and online fraud. As an editor, he is dedicated to keeping readers informed on the latest developments in cybersecurity and tech.
