Facebook Fiasco: Banning the Victim, Not the Scammer"

Written by technologynews | Published 2023/11/03
Tech Story Tags: cybersecurity | facebook | scams | user-safety | online-scames | digital-safety | tech-ethics | online-threats

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In the world of social media, we expect a certain level of safety and security. We trust platforms like Facebook to provide a space where we can connect with friends, share our lives, and engage with the online community.

But what happens when the very platform that's meant to protect us ends up doing just the opposite?

Just today, I found myself in a frustrating situation that left me baffled and infuriated. I encountered a scammer on Facebook who was trying to pull off the typical SEO link-building scam, and I took it upon myself to report this individual for their deceptive behavior.

He was attempting to sell me a bunch of PBN links via a Facebook group. After checking them, I found they were all penalized domains on sites with no templates, no SSL certificates, full of spammy casino content & links, and not a single article indexed in the search engines.

This parasite scammer, flogging these off as “Quality PBNs,” was well aware of what he was selling and that the PBN domains were dead. He was fully aware that he was attempting to pull off a link-building scam and knew the product was defective.

Little did I know that this simple act of self-defense would result in Facebook suspending me for seven days while the scammer continued their illicit activities unhindered. Funny that this scummy parasite scam flogs called me dog and son of a bitch. Yet I got banned, and flea lives on.

Let me be clear: reporting a scammer should be a no-brainer. It's something that should be encouraged and supported by all social media platforms, including Facebook.

Users should feel empowered to speak out against those who are trying to deceive, manipulate, or harm them. So, imagine my shock when I found myself penalized for trying to protect myself and others from a scammer.

Not only did I report the scam, but I also had some choice words for the scammer. I called him a "worthless scam beggar" and let them know that their attempts to deceive me were utterly futile.

While I understand that maintaining a respectful tone in our online interactions is crucial, it's essential to recognize the intent behind my message. I was trying to protect myself and others from a potential threat.

The larger issue here is Facebook's responsibility to ensure its users' safety. They need to invest in better moderation systems, clearer guidelines, and a more transparent reporting process to prevent innocent users from getting caught in the crossfire.

It's not about promoting a culture of online negativity but rather about striking a balance between self-defense and community protection.

Scammers and fraudsters are persistent, and it's up to social media platforms to keep up with their evolving tactics. The incident I experienced is just one example of the challenges these platforms face when handling scams and fraudulent activities effectively.

Facebook, like all social media giants, should continually improve its reporting and enforcement systems to better protect its users and create a safer online environment for everyone.

In the end, it's a reminder for all of us to stay vigilant and cautious in the digital world. Trust your instincts and report suspicious activity, but always be mindful of your tone when dealing with potential scammers. (Facebook will always Favour the scammer in this case - tired and proven countless times)

Because of Facebook’s deplorable actions, I personally hope for a future where Facebook becomes a mere relic of the past, overrun by scammers who can't afford their own internet connections, leeching off their neighbors' Wi-Fi.

It's a vision where a newer, fresher, and more socially acceptable platform takes over, one that genuinely cares about protecting its users from scams and fraudulent activities.

Perhaps then, and I hope Facebook will become a digital wasteland, and they would more than deserve that fate, especially given their history with me.

Let's hope that Facebook and other social media platforms learn from incidents like these so they can provide the safety and security their users deserve.

In my own personal opinion. Facebook is a disgrace and a poor example of current-day social acceptance and online behavior. It protects scammers over potential victims. The platform makes me sick. Long live TikTok & LinkedIn (Where the real people go these days)


Written by technologynews | Australian technology news journalist. Matt, 20 years of IT systems & networking engineering + security turned Journo.
Published by HackerNoon on 2023/11/03