Is Your Facebook Really Being Cloned

Are you getting a LOT of messages recently telling you your Facebook account is getting cloned. ME TOO! The message is all over Facebook but it's not true. It's a scam.

First came the 'Heads Up!! Almost every account is being cloned' message. Being cloned is different than being 'hacked.' If you get hacked, someone has access to your account and messages. If you get cloned, someone has created an account pretending to be you.

Then came the 'Hi...I actually got another friend request from you' message. This one I almost fell for, until I read the 'hit forward' part. I'm always leery when asked to forward anything.

Both messages are SCAMS. Facebook tells WSYR, "there's been no known uptick in cloned accounts this week, but the warning being sent around could be going viral out of fear.

If you want to make sure you're not being 'cloned,' search for yourself on Facebook to see if another account with your name and picture appears. If it does and you want to report someone pretending to be you or someone you know, go to the profile of the impersonating account, click on the cover photo and select Report. Follow the instructions for impersonation to file a report.

Spammers clone accounts hoping your friends accept requests. Then they'll send private messages with viruses to hack your account.

If you want to make sure you're not 'hacked,' click on the arrow in the top right corner if you're logged in on a computer, the menu icon if your're on a phone and select Settings. Click on Security and then Where You're Logged In.

A menu will appear with all the devices that are logged in. If you see an unrecognizable location, End Activity  and report it to Facebook.

Your account may be hacked if:

• Your email or password have changed
• Your name or birthday have changed
• Friend requests have been sent to people you don't know
• Messages have been sent that you didn't write
• Posts have been made that you didn't create

If you think you've been hacked, change your password and report it to Facebook.

If you want to make sure something isn't a scam before forwarding it to all your Facebook friends, Google it. If it's a scam, it'll probably pop up in the top of the feed.