Caroline Donoghue, a Sussex-based dog groomer with nearly 700,000 followers, fell victim to an online scam targeting social media influencers. Pretending to be a booker for a real podcast, the scammer requested access to her Meta Business Suite for a livestream arrangement. On the planned recording day, the booker went silent, leading her to realize the scammer intended to hijack her social media accounts.
Social media consultant Gareth Cairns warns that accessing the Meta Business Suite can severely compromise the original owner’s control. Scammers can hijack pages, change account details, broadcast unsolicited content, or demand ransom for access restoration. Donoghue admits the request seemed legitimate initially, especially as it came through her agent, but acknowledges the risk in hindsight. These accounts are crucial to her livelihood as an influencer.
Previously, Donoghue’s TikTok business account was hacked, resulting in the loss of over 300,000 followers. Although she still accesses her Meta account with no suspicious activity yet, the rogue email address remains a threat. Despite her efforts, she received no response from Meta about her concerns. Tony Neate, CEO of Get Safe Online, emphasizes the need for caution even with seemingly trusted offers.
A Meta spokesperson advises users to create strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and be wary of personal information requests. This advice amplifies the vital importance of security and vigilance to counteract sophisticated online fraud.
In conclusion, this case highlights the widespread issue of social media scams targeting influencers, stressing the importance of robust security measures and continuous vigilance.
