Meta Security Team “Your Page Has Been Disabled” Scam Explained
Written by: Stelian Pilici
Published on:
The Meta Security Team “Your Page Has Been Disabled” scam message is a phishing scam designed to trick Facebook users into giving up their login credentials or personal information. This fraudulent message claims that the recipient’s Facebook page has been disabled due to policy violations, and provides a link to “verify” the account. However, the link actually leads to a fake website controlled by scammers.
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Scam Overview
This scam message is made to look like it comes from the real “Meta Security Team”. The message uses Meta’s branding and logos in an attempt to appear legitimate. It claims that a company named “ILN.C. International Concepts” has reported policy violations on the recipient’s Facebook page, such as using a fake name/photo or sharing misleading content.
The message states that the recipient’s page will be permanently disabled if they do not confirm their account within 24 hours by clicking on the provided link. This creates a sense of urgency to trick users into acting without thinking.
In reality, Meta would never disable your account without warning, and they certainly wouldn’t demand that you click on a link to confirm your identity. This scam takes advantage of people’s fear of losing access to their Facebook accounts.
How the Scam Works
The scammers behind this scam send out fraudulent messages via email or direct Facebook messenger to thousands of potential victims. They disguise the message as if it comes directly from Meta’s Security Team in order to appear trustworthy.
If you click on the “Account Confirmation” link in the message, you are taken to a fake website that impersonates the real Facebook login page. However, this malicious site is completely controlled by the scammers.
Once you enter your username and password on the fake page, the scammers capture your login credentials. They can then access your real Facebook account and personal information.
In some cases, the fake confirmation page may:
Ask for additional personal or financial information that can be used for identity theft.
Download malware onto your device when you click the link. This gives the scammers access to sensitive files on your computer.
Redirect you to sketchy websites that attempt to install viruses or steal your data.
Essentially, the link serves as a phishing trap designed to trick you into surrendering the keys to your Facebook account. The scammers can then take over the account to send more scam messages to your friends list, post malicious links, or access private information.
What to do if you have fallen victim
If you clicked on the link and entered your Facebook login information, your account is now compromised. Here are the steps you should take immediately:
Change your Facebook password – Log into Facebook directly through the real website (not any link provided in the message) and update your password. Make sure it is long and complex. This prevents the scammers from accessing your account.
Turn on login approvals – Enable two-factor authentication if you have not already. This adds an extra layer of security when logging in from new devices. You will need to enter a code sent to your phone when logging in.
Check account settings – Look for any unauthorized changes made to your profile information, ads, page roles, etc. Revert any suspicious changes.
Remove suspicious apps – Check the apps connected to your Facebook account and remove any you don’t recognize. This prevents scammers from accessing more of your data.
Alert your friends – Let your Facebook friends know that your account was compromised by a scam. Tell them not to click on any suspicious links you may have been tricked into sharing while your account was hijacked.
Scan your device – Run a scan for malware on your computer or mobile device. The phishing link may have downloaded viruses that are now spying on your activity.
Monitor your accounts – Keep an eye out for any other unauthorized access to your email, financial accounts, or other online profiles. Scammers sometimes use compromised Facebook accounts to hack into other linked accounts. Update passwords as needed.
Report scam message – Forward the phishing email to phish@fb.com. This helps Facebook identify and shut down scam accounts sending fraudulent messages. You can also report compromised Facebook accounts here.
Taking these steps quickly after falling for the scam can minimize the potential damage and secure your accounts. In the future, remember that Meta will never disable your account without first sending you a warning, and they will not demand that you click on any links to confirm your identity.
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.
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about the Meta Security Team phishing scam:
Is this message really from Meta/Facebook?
No. This scam message is not associated with Meta or sent by the real Meta Security Team. It is a fraudulent message sent by scammers to trick people.
Can my Facebook page really get disabled if I don’t click the link?
No, your Facebook page cannot be disabled simply for not clicking a link. This threat is a manipulation tactic used by scammers. Meta always sends warnings first before disabling accounts for policy violations.
Is ILN.C. International Concepts a real company?
No. The company name used in the scam message is completely made up by the scammers. There is no record of any actual company called ILN.C. International Concepts.
What happens if I enter my login information on the fake page?
The scammers capture your Facebook username and password. They gain full access to your Facebook account and can take it over to send more phishing messages, post malicious links, view your private data and steal your identity.
Can this scam infect my device with malware?
Yes, it’s possible. The phishing link may contain malware that gets downloaded onto your device when clicked. This malware could spy on your activity, steal files, or gain access to other accounts linked to that device.
What are some indicators that a message is an attempted scam?
Watch for poor grammar, threatening language demanding immediate action, fake company names, illogical reasons for account deactivation, links to sketchy websites, and requests for login information or personal data.
How can I report this scam?
Forward the phishing message to Meta at phish@fb.com. You can also report compromised Facebook accounts here. Reporting the scam helps shut down the fraudulent accounts sending these messages.
How can I protect myself from phishing scams in the future?
Always verify messages before clicking on any links or providing personal information. Log into Facebook directly through the official app or website to check account notifications. Enable two-factor authentication for an extra layer of security. Watch for phishing warning signs like threats and fake company names.
Conclusion
The Meta Security Team “Your Page Has Been Disabled” phishing scam is designed to steal Facebook users’ login credentials and personal information by tricking them into clicking on a fake “Account Confirmation” link. This malicious link sends any information entered to scammers who can then hijack your Facebook account.
If you have fallen for this scam, take immediate steps like changing your password, removing unauthorized account changes, and scanning your device for malware. In the future, remember that Meta will never disable your account without warning or make you click on links to confirm your identity. Learning to recognize the warning signs of phishing links can help you avoid surrendering your account to scammers.
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 Stelian Pilici
Stelian leverages over a decade of cybersecurity expertise to lead malware analysis and removal, uncover scams, and educate people. His experience provides insightful analysis and valuable perspective.
