High riskSocial Media Scams

Facebook Copyright Violation Scam

This scam sends a message or email claiming your Facebook page broke copyright or community rules and will be deleted within 24 hours unless you 'appeal' through a link, which leads to a fake login page built to steal your password.

Quick verdict

Risk level
High risk
Scam type
Account phishing scam
Main red flag
An urgent warning that your page will be deleted unless you appeal through a link.
What to do first
Do not click the link. Check for any genuine notices inside Facebook's official Support or Account Quality area.

What this scam usually looks like

This scam sends a message or email claiming your Facebook page broke copyright or community rules and will be deleted within 24 hours unless you 'appeal' through a link, which leads to a fake login page built to steal your password.

Example message pattern

Example pattern — not a real report
Example pattern: 'Meta: Your page has violated our copyright policy and will be permanently removed within 24 hours. To appeal this decision, verify your account here: [suspicious link]'

This is a fictional, anonymised example used to illustrate the pattern. It is not a verified real message, and any names are used only to show how the scam typically reads.

Red flags to watch for

  • A countdown such as '24 hours' designed to make you act before thinking
  • A link that does not lead to the official facebook.com domain
  • A login page that asks for your password, email and sometimes your phone or date of birth
  • Poor grammar, odd spacing, or a sender name that only looks like Meta or Facebook
  • A message sent by direct message, comment, tag, or email rather than an in-app notification

What to do

  • Do not click the link or enter your login details anywhere it sends you
  • Open Facebook directly and check the official Support Inbox or Account Quality page for real notices
  • Report the message or post to Facebook as a scam or impersonation
  • Make sure two-factor authentication is switched on for your account

If you already clicked or replied

  • Change your Facebook password immediately from the official site or app
  • Turn on two-factor authentication if it was not already active
  • Review active login sessions and log out any devices you do not recognise
  • Change the password on any other account where you reused the same one

What not to do

  • Do not enter your password on a page you reached through the link
  • Do not share any verification codes sent to your phone
  • Do not forward the appeal link to other pages or admins

Similar scams

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Facebook Account Recovery Scam

This scam uses a hacked friend's account to ask you to be a 'recovery contact' or share a code, which actually hands your own account to the scammer.
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Instagram Verification Scam

This scam offers a blue verification badge or warns your account is at risk, then links to a fake login page that steals your password.
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Hacked Friend Help Scam

A message arrives from a friend's account asking for money, a verification code, or to click a link. In reality the friend's account has been taken over, and the scammer is using your trust in them to reach you.

Frequently asked questions

Does Facebook delete pages with 24-hour warnings by direct message?
Genuine policy notices normally appear inside your Support Inbox or Account Quality page, not as urgent direct messages or comments with a short countdown. A 24-hour deletion threat through a link is a common scam pattern.
The message used the Meta logo, so is it real?
Logos and brand names are easy to copy. Treat the link, the sender address, and the demand for your password as the things that matter, and check inside Facebook itself rather than trusting the design.
What if I already entered my password?
Change your Facebook password right away and turn on two-factor authentication. Then review your active sessions and log out any unfamiliar devices to push the scammer out.
How can I report a Facebook copyright scam?
You can report the message or post directly to Facebook as a scam or impersonation, and report phishing to your national anti-fraud centre.

Last reviewed: June 2026

Disclaimer: This page provides educational information only to help you recognise common scam patterns. It is not legal, financial, cybersecurity, or law enforcement advice, and it does not confirm whether any specific message, company, or person is genuine or fraudulent. When in doubt, contact the official organisation directly and report concerns to your local authorities.