Have you ever gotten a message on Facebook warning you about copyright violations or threatening to shut down your account? These types of messages are likely scams trying to steal your login details. Read on to learn more about how these Facebook copyright scams work and how to protect yourself.
Scam Overview
Copyright infringement scams on Facebook involve messages warning users that their accounts face suspension due to copyright violations. These messages claim to be from Facebook’s legal department or copyright team.
They state that someone has reported copyright infringement on the user’s Facebook posts, photos, or videos. The messages threaten account suspension within a short timeframe, usually 24-48 hours, if the alleged violations are not resolved.
A link is provided to supposedly appeal the violation allegations. However, the link goes to a fake Facebook login page controlled by scammers. When users try to login, their credentials are stolen.
These scam messages aim to panic recipients into thinking their access to Facebook is at risk. By making the warnings seem time-sensitive, the scammers pressure users to click the link and hand over their login details without proper scrutiny.
Once scammers gain access to an account, they can post dangerous or illegal content, message friends to spread the scam further, access personal information, make purchases with saved payment details, and anything else the legitimate account holder could do.
The scam messages come via Facebook Messenger or email. They contain legal threats and other intimidating language. The scam website URLs also appear legitimate at first glance. But small inconsistencies reveal their fraudulent nature.
This scam exploits people’s fear of legal repercussions and losing their social media presence. Staying calm and identifying red flags can help users recognize and report the scam instead of falling victim. Basic security steps also go a long way in keeping accounts safe.
How the Scam Works
Copyright infringement scams start with an unexpected message claiming Facebook received a complaint about copyright violations on your profile. The initial message states:
From: Facebook Copyright Infringement Team
Subject: Copyright Violation Warning on Facebook Account
Dear [Your Name],
We have received multiple DMCA copyright infringement claims regarding posts and images on your Facebook account.
The DMCA or Digital Millennium Copyright Act is a real law, so mentioning it lends legitimacy. But in reality, no such claims were filed.
The message goes on to specify that certain posts, photos, or videos you shared allegedly violate someone’s copyrights. However, the details remain vague:
The claimant states that you do not have rights or permission to publicly share this copyrighted content on your timeline and across Facebook.
Making it seem like direct allegations were made against your specific posts adds credibility. But the messages remain generic with no exact details.
Next, the message demands urgent action, saying:
As per Facebook’s content and intellectual property policies, we must immediately remove the infringing materials from your account. If no action is taken within 48 hours, we will be forced to permanently disable your account and delete the infringing content.
A short deadline ratchets up urgency and pressure on the recipient. The aim is to panic users into taking hasty action before thoroughly thinking things through.
Finally, a link is provided supposedly to deal with the allegations:
To file a counter-notice or dispute this warning, please visit our Facebook Copyright Portal here:
The professional looking link and domain incorporating Facebook’s name adds perceived legitimacy. However, it goes to a fake login page operated by scammers.
When users click the link, they are taken to a nearly identical copy of Facebook’s real login page. The design, text, images, and URL at a glance look convincingly like Facebook:
If users enter their username and password, the scammers capture their credentials and gain full access to their account. The fake login redirects to Facebook’s genuine homepage to hide the scam.
Once scammers access an account, they can:
- Post Dangerous Content – Share offensive, illegal, or dangerous content in the victim’s name that could get them into trouble.
- Message Friends – Reach out to the victim’s friends list to spread the scam further.
- Access Private Data – View or steal personal info, messages, photos or videos to exploit or sell online.
- Post Scam Ads – Share fake ads for shady investment, romance or other scams, profiting off clicks.
- Make Purchases – Use saved payment methods to make fraudulent purchases on and off Facebook.
These messages play on people’s fear of legal consequences from copyright complaints and losing access to their social media presence. But staying calm and noticing red flags can prevent falling victim.
How to Spot This Scam
While copyright infringement scams may seem real at first glance, there are usually red flags that reveal their fraudulent nature:
- Generic Claims – The messages remain vague with no details about the alleged infringements. Real complaints specify exactly which content violated copyrights.
- Urgent Threats – Scare tactics like short suspension deadlines pressure recipients to act hastily without thinking. Facebook’s real process allows time to resolve issues.
- Spelling/Grammar Errors – Look for mistakes, awkward phrases, or other indicators the message was not written professionally.
- False Sender Details – The messages pretend to be from Facebook teams that don’t really exist like “Copyright Infringement Department”.
- Deceptive Links – The scam links incorporate Facebook’s name but lead to unrelated sites. Hover over links to preview destinations.
- Fake Login Pages – Fake pages mimic Facebook precisely but have subtle inconsistencies upon close inspection.
- No Official Notifications – Real copyright notices would also appear as alerts on your Facebook account from verified Pages.
- Money Requests – Scammers sometimes request payment via gift cards to supposedly “resolve” fake violations.
- Repeat Messages – Getting the same message multiple times indicates a bulk scam campaign rather than real complaint.
Staying vigilant for these types of suspicious characteristics helps protect against falling for copyright scams on Facebook or other platforms. When in doubt, reach out to Facebook directly through official channels to verify any warnings.
What to do if you have fallen victim
If you entered your Facebook login details on a scam website and your account is compromised, take these steps immediately:
Reset your password
First, change your Facebook password to log the scammers out. Select a new strong password and enable two-factor authentication for extra security.
Review account activity
Check your recent posts, messages, payments, and ads for any unauthorized changes. Delete any scam/offensive posts made in your name and apologize to friends.
Run antivirus scans
Scan all your devices with Malwarebytes in case malware was installed allowing remote access. Update your antivirus software and restart your device after scanning.
Enable login approvals
Turn on login approvals under Facebook settings, requiring extra confirmation via codes or prompts when logging in from new devices.
Warn your friends
Message your friends explaining your account was compromised in case the scammers reached out to them already. Tell them to ignore suspicious messages.
Report to Facebook
Report the scam message, fake website, and account misuse to Facebook. Provide as many details as possible to aid investigation.
Monitor account activity
Keep a close eye on your account for suspicious posts, messages, and new friend requests in the weeks following the scam. Report any concerns immediately.
Change other passwords
Reset the passwords for your email, bank accounts, and any other websites where you used the same password. Enable two-factor authentication wherever possible.
Run security checks
Scan devices for new malware just in case. Also check for unknown extensions or software that could be spying on your activity and sending info to scammers.
Taking quick, decisive action minimizes the potential damage from credential theft. But ongoing vigilance remains essential in protecting all your online accounts.
Is Your Device Infected? Run a Free Malware Scan
Slow performance, constant pop-ups, or strange behavior? These are classic signs of a malware infection. A quick way to check is to scan your device with Malwarebytes Free, one of the most trusted malware removal tools available. If you only visited a scam page and didn’t download or install anything, this scan is optional.
The free version detects and removes the most common threats, including:
- Adware — the cause of those annoying pop-ups
- Browser hijackers — unwanted redirects and changed homepages
- Trojans and spyware — hidden programs stealing your data
- Potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) — software you never asked for
👉 Select your device below — Windows, Mac, or Android — then follow the simple steps to download Malwarebytes, scan your system, and remove any threats it finds. The scan usually takes 5 to 20 minutes.
Run a Malware Scan with Malwarebytes for Windows
Malwarebytes is one of the most popular and trusted anti-malware tools for Windows — and it’s completely free for removing infections. It catches threats that many antivirus programs miss, including adware, browser hijackers, and trojans. Follow the steps below to scan your PC and remove what Malwarebytes finds.
Download Malwarebytes
Click the button below to download the latest version of Malwarebytes for Windows from the official source. The free version is all you need — it will scan your computer and remove adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious software at no cost.
Download MalwarebytesOfficial installer for Windows 11 and 10. Your download starts right away.Want real-time protection? See Malwarebytes Premium
Malwarebytes Free for WindowsScans and removes malware at no cost-
Install Malwarebytes
When the download finishes, open your Downloads folder and double-click the MBSetup file. If Windows shows a User Account Control pop-up, click “Yes” to allow the installation.
Follow the On-Screen Prompts to Install Malwarebytes
The setup wizard will walk you through a few quick screens:
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Choose where you’re installing the program — “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer” — then click Next.
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Malwarebytes will now install on your device. This usually takes under a minute.
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When installation is complete, the “Welcome to Malwarebytes” screen will open automatically.
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On the final screen, click Open Malwarebytes to launch the program.
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Optional: Check for rootkits with a Custom Scan
You don’t need to change any settings for a normal scan. The standard Threat Scan in the next step is enough for most problems, so you can go straight to it.
If you also want to check for rootkits, use a Custom Scan. In current versions of Malwarebytes, rootkit scanning is only available there:
- On the Scanner tile, click the three-dot menu and select Advanced Scan.
- Choose Custom Scan. In its options, check Scan for rootkits.
- Select your system drive (usually C:\) as the location to scan, then start the scan. It takes longer than a Threat Scan.
- When it finishes, review and quarantine the results as described in the steps below.
Rootkit scanning isn’t available on Windows devices with ARM processors.
Start the Scan
Click the blue Scan button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its virus database and start checking your computer for malware.
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Wait for the Scan to Finish
The scan checks your entire system for browser hijackers and other malicious programs, so it can take 5 to 20 minutes depending on your computer. Feel free to do something else — just check back occasionally to see the progress.
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Quarantine the Detected Threats
When the scan is done, you’ll see a list of everything Malwarebytes found — malware, adware, and potentially unwanted programs. Click the “Quarantine” button to remove all of them at once.
Malwarebytes will now remove the malicious files and registry entries and move them safely into quarantine.
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Restart Your Computer
Some threats can only be fully removed after a reboot. If Malwarebytes asks you to restart, click Yes. Once you’re logged back in, Malwarebytes has finished removing the threats it found.
When the scan is done, check whether the problems you noticed have stopped. If they continue, see the options below.
If you are still having problems with your computer after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
- Run a computer scan with ESET Online Scanner
- Ask for help in our Windows Malware Removal Help & Support forum.
Run a Malware Scan with Malwarebytes for Mac
Malwarebytes for Mac is a free on-demand scanner that removes the malware other security software tends to miss — adware, browser hijackers, and unwanted programs included. Cleaning an infected Mac with Malwarebytes has always been completely free, and it’s our go-to recommendation. Follow the steps below to scan your Mac and remove what Malwarebytes finds.
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Download Malwarebytes for Mac
Click the button below to download the latest version of Malwarebytes for Mac.
Download MalwarebytesOfficial installer for macOS. Your download starts right away.Want real-time protection? See Malwarebytes PremiumMalwarebytes Free for MacScans and removes malware at no cost -
Open the Malwarebytes setup file
When the download finishes, open your Downloads folder and double-click the setup file to begin the installation.
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Follow the On-Screen Prompts to Install Malwarebytes
The Malwarebytes for Mac Installer will guide you through a few quick screens. Click “Continue” and keep following the prompts until the installation completes.
When the installation is complete, Malwarebytes opens to the Welcome to Malwarebytes screen. Click “Get started“.
Malwarebytes needs Full Disk Access to check your whole Mac. When it asks, open System Settings > Privacy & Security > Full Disk Access, turn on Malwarebytes (it may be listed as Malwarebytes Protection), and confirm with your password or Touch ID. Then return to Malwarebytes. On macOS Monterey and earlier, this setting is in System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Privacy.
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Select “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer”
Malwarebytes will ask what type of computer you’re installing it on. Click either Personal Computer or Work Computer, whichever applies.
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Start the Scan
Click the “Scan” button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its detection database and begin checking your Mac for malware.
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Wait for the Scan to Finish
Malwarebytes will scan your Mac for adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious programs. This can take a few minutes, so feel free to do something else — just check back occasionally to see the progress.
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Quarantine the Detected Threats
When the scan is done, you’ll see a list of everything Malwarebytes found. Click the “Quarantine” button to remove all the threats at once.
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Restart Your Mac
Malwarebytes will now remove all the malicious files it found. Some threats can only be fully removed after a reboot — if Malwarebytes asks you to restart, allow it. Once you’re logged back in, check whether the problems you noticed have stopped. If they come back, save the scan report and ask for help in our forum.
If the problems you noticed continue after the scan, see the options below.
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.
Run a Malware Scan with Malwarebytes for Android
Malwarebytes for Android scans your phone or tablet for malware, adware, and potentially unwanted apps. The free version scans only when you start a scan. Real-time protection, which checks apps automatically, is part of the paid Premium version.
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Download Malwarebytes for Android.
You can download Malwarebytes for Android by clicking the link below.
Get Malwarebytes for AndroidOpens Google Play in a new tab.Want real-time protection? See Malwarebytes Premium for AndroidMalwarebytes for AndroidScans your phone and removes malware at no cost -
Install Malwarebytes for Android on your phone.
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.
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Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the setup process
When Malwarebytes opens, it walks you through a short setup. Tap Get started and follow the prompts. If you see an offer for a trial or a paid plan, read it before you accept. You can skip it and keep using the free scanner.
Malwarebytes will ask for permission to access the files on your phone so it can scan them. Tap Allow, or turn on the permission in the Android screen that opens, then return to Malwarebytes.
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Run a scan with Malwarebytes for Android
On the main screen, tap Scan now. In some versions, you open the menu, tap Scanner, and then tap Run a scan.
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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.
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Remove the detected apps.
When the scan has been completed, you will see a list of the threats that Malwarebytes for Android has detected. Next to each detected item, tap the menu icon (three dots), then choose to uninstall the app or delete the file. Android then asks you to confirm. Tap OK or Uninstall to remove the app.
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Restart your phone.
When the detected apps are removed, restart your phone if Malwarebytes asks you to. Then check whether the problems you noticed have stopped.
If the problems you noticed continue after the scan, see the options below.
If you are still having problems with your phone after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
- Ask for help in our Mobile Malware Removal Help & Support forum.
- Only as a last resort, reset your phone to factory settings. Read the warning below first.
- Back up your photos, videos, files, and messages, for example to your Google account or a computer.
- Make sure you know your Google account email and password. The phone asks for them after the reset. If you changed the password recently, Google recommends waiting 24 hours before you reset.
- On a Samsung phone, also make sure you know your Samsung account password.
- If you use an authenticator app for two-step verification, move your accounts to another device or save your backup codes first.
Stay Protected: Block Ads and Malicious Sites
No scan can prove a device is completely clean, so it helps to block threats before they reach you. Most infections start with a malicious ad or a fake download button — so blocking them at the source is your best defense.
We recommend AdGuard, which blocks malicious ads, phishing pages, and dangerous redirects before they can reach you.
👉 Download AdGuard and browse safely
Copyright Scam on Facebook FAQs
How do the scam messages reach me?
The messages come via Facebook Messenger or email. They may seem to be from Facebook support, legal, or copyright teams but are not legitimate.
Do I have to click the link to be at risk?
No, the main risk comes if you enter your Facebook login credentials on the scam website. Avoid clicking the links altogether.
What happens if I login on the fake page?
The scammers capture your username and password and gain full access to your Facebook account and data.
Can the scammers post on my profile?
Yes, scammers can make posts in your name once logged into your account, potentially containing dangerous or illegal content.
What private data can the scammers access?
Scammers can view all your posts, photos, personal info, messages, and linked payment methods if you save them to Facebook.
Should I pay any requested fines?
No, any requests for payment via gift card or money transfer are always a sign of a scam. Legitimate Facebook notices would never demand direct payment.
How do I get my account back from scammers?
If you still have access, change your password. If locked out, report to Facebook to potentially recover your account by proving ownership.
How can I stay safe from this scam?
Never login or share your password when prompted on an external website. Enable login approvals and use unique passwords for all accounts.
What should I do if I fell for the scam?
Reset your password immediately and review your account activity for unauthorized changes. Report the scam to Facebook. Warn your friends not to open suspicious messages.
Conclusion
Copyright infringement scams on Facebook threaten users’ security and privacy. While the messages appear worrisome, closer inspection reveals inconsistencies that expose their fraudulent nature.
When facing suspicious copyright violation warnings, remain calm. Do not click any links or provide personal information. Report the messages to Facebook for removal.
With proper awareness and vigilance, Facebook users can keep their accounts safe from compromise. Never enter your Facebook password into an external website or provide it upon an unsolicited request.
If you got tricked and your account was misused, take immediate steps to lock out scammers and undo unauthorized changes. Warn your friends, reset passwords, enable enhanced login security, and monitor things closely in the weeks ahead.
By implementing strong passwords, two-factor authentication, antivirus software and other basic security measures, social media users can protect their online presence from being exploited by scammers for financial gain or illegal activity.
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