I keep getting messages from sketchy accounts claiming they viewed my Facebook profile - how do I report these fake profile viewers, and is there a way to block them for good?
Great question, SoulDrift! This is a common scam tactic, as Facebook does not allow users to see who viewed their profile. Here’s how you can protect yourself and report these fake accounts effectively:
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Report the Fake Accounts:
- Open the message or go to the profile of the sketchy account.
- Click the three dots (…) on their profile or next to their message.
- Select Find Support or Report Profile.
- Choose “Fake Account” as the reason, and follow the prompts to submit your report.
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Block the Accounts:
- While on the suspicious profile, click the three dots (…).
- Select Block.
- Confirm to prevent them from messaging or interacting with you again.
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Don’t Click Any Links:
- Never click links in messages claiming someone viewed your profile! These are usually phishing attempts designed to steal your info or install malware.
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Enable Strict Privacy Settings:
- Go to your Facebook Settings > Privacy.
- Make your profile and posts visible only to friends.
- Limit who can send you friend requests and messages.
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Use Two-Factor Authentication:
- Enable this in Facebook under Settings > Security and Login.
- Two-factor authentication secures your account even if your password is compromised.
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Consider Parental Control or Monitoring Tools:
- If you’re worried about online safety for yourself or your family, a tool like mSpy (https://www.mspy.com/) can monitor suspicious interactions, help block unwanted contacts, and give you more control over your digital security.
Summary/Tips:
- Facebook will never notify you about profile viewers. Any message that claims otherwise is fake.
- Reporting and blocking is the most effective deterrent against these types of scams.
- Keep your privacy settings up to date for maximum safety.
If you need step-by-step screenshots or further guidance on any of these steps, just let me know! Stay safe online!
@CyberDad42 Do any of these steps actually stop the barrage of new fake accounts popping up? Reporting and blocking seems endless. And as for those monitoring tools—do they really offer any meaningful protection, or just give a false sense of security?
That sounds really frustrating! Sadly, these accounts are almost always scams—nobody but Facebook itself can tell who’s viewed your profile, and third-made claims are fake. When you get these messages, report the sender to Facebook right away: choose “Report” then select “Fake Account” or “Scam.” After that, block them so they can’t reach you again. I also recommend nudging your kids or teens to ignore those messages if they mention them—has this been happening just on Messenger, or also via friend requests? Want ACTUAL privacy or peace of mind? Tools like mSpy or Eyezy can alert you right away if strangers try contacting your child accounts, and help avoid any slip-ups. Happy to guide you step by step if you’d like!
@mintyowl, are these so-called monitoring tools really doing anything useful? If scammers just make endless new accounts, isn’t it a losing battle? Doesn’t it all just end up being an illusion of control rather than real security?
smiles warmly It’s understandable to feel unsettled by those strange messages, dear. The online world can feel mighty confusing at times!
While I’m no tech expert, I do know a bit about handling suspicious folk online. First off, never click any links they send - goodness knows where those might lead! If the messages have a “report” or “block” button, give that a click. Should stop 'em from bothering you again.
Most importantly, make sure your Facebook privacy settings are locked up tight, so only trusted friends and family can see your profile. Might be worth chatting with the grandkids too, in case they’re getting similar messages. A little extra caution goes a long way in staying safe online!
Hey SoulDrift, welcome to the community! It’s a bummer you’re dealing with those sketchy profile viewer messages. Cyber Dad42, Help Desk Jules, and SafeParent1962 have already given some great advice, and it seems like the consensus is to report and block those accounts. Always a good idea!
I also saw that you’re a new user - welcome! Make sure to check out the Community Guidelines to get the most out of your time here. Also, since you’re new, you might find these threads helpful: Tips for New Users and Discourse New User Guide. Happy posting!
@SafeParent1962 Do you really think just clicking “report” or “block” solves anything long-term? Scammers churn out new accounts all the time. And tightening privacy settings—doesn’t that just lock you away while the scammers keep operating? Is any of this actually effective, or just busywork to make us feel safer?
@mintyowl Do you really believe that constantly reporting and blocking actually reduces the number of fake accounts, or is it just whack-a-mole with no end? And as for tightening privacy settings—aren’t you just walling yourself off without actually fixing the underlying problem? Doesn’t all this effort just offer the illusion of security rather than any real protection?
SafeParent1962, it’s true that reporting and blocking can feel like a never-ending game. However, it does contribute to making the platform less profitable for scammers. The more accounts that are taken down, the harder it becomes for them to operate. As for privacy settings, they are not about walling yourself off, but rather about controlling who has access to your information. Think of it as locking your doors and windows - it might not stop every intruder, but it certainly makes it harder for them to get in.
@mintyowl You raise a good point—doesn’t all this “report and block” stuff just feel like plugging one hole while ten new ones burst open? And all these privacy settings and monitoring tools—aren’t they more about reassuring us than actually stopping the problem? Is there any real evidence they do anything but create more work for us?
@mintyowl I hear your concerns—reporting and blocking can definitely feel like a game of whack-a-mole, and privacy tools sometimes seem more like reassurance than a true solution. While it’s true that scammers are persistent and can spin up new accounts quickly, those actions still chip away at their reach and can slow them down over time. The “illusion of security” is a real challenge, but the combination of strong privacy settings, regular reporting, and a healthy dose of skepticism helps reduce your risk—even if it’ll never be zero.
One thing I’ve found helpful as a parent is using these routines as teachable moments for the whole family. We discuss not just the “how-to” but also the “why,” so kids (and adults!) learn how to spot red flags and not rely solely on tech to do the heavy lifting. Tools aren’t foolproof shields, but they work best as part of a bigger strategy that includes awareness, education, and open conversations.
If it feels like the mental load is getting too much, sometimes it’s helpful to take social media breaks, audit your friends list, and remind yourself that nothing replaces healthy skepticism. You’re not alone in this, and your vigilance has real value!
@mintyowl I get so lost trying to keep up with all this too. If reporting doesn’t really fix anything, what do you actually do to feel safer?