What is Ghost-Hacking?

In our ever-interconnected world, we leave behind digital footprints every day. These footprints can be restaurant reviews, social media profiles, or old forgotten email addresses. Ghost-Hacking involves exploiting footprints of the deceased for fraudulent purposes. Let’s take a look at what we can do to protect ourselves and our loved ones.

What Is Ghost-Hacking?

Ghost-hacking, also known as “ghosting,” doesn’t involve breaking into your account. Instead, scammers use the accounts of your deceased relatives or friends. Here’s why they do it:

Spam and Scams: Hackers may access your loved one’s Facebook account to send spam, scam messages, or malicious content to their contacts.

Identity Theft: They might steal personal or financial information associated with the deceased.

Nefarious Purposes: Cybercriminals can misuse the account for various illicit activities.

Steps to Protect Your Deceased Relative’s Facebook Account

Memorialize the Account

Facebook offers a feature to memorialize a deceased loved one’s profile. Follow these steps:

1. Log in to Facebook.

2. Click your profile photo (top right on desktop, bottom right on mobile).

3. Select “Help & Support.”

4. Navigate to the Help Center.

5. Search for “memorialize request.”

Memorializing the account ensures that it remains an online tribute to your loved one without being misused.

2. Request Account Deletion

If you prefer to remove the account entirely, follow these steps:

1. Gather proof of death (death certificate, obituary, or memorial card).

2. Collect proof of authority (power of attorney, birth certificate, or will).

 3. Use this link to request deletion.

4. Facebook will review the request and delete the account if it meets their criteria.

Additional Measures to Safeguard Against Ghost-Hackers

1. Antivirus Software: Install effective antivirus software to protect against scams and malicious links.

2. Strong Passwords: Use unique and robust passwords for all accounts.

3. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Enable 2FA wherever possible.

4. Spot Phishing Scams: Educate yourself and your family about recognizing phishing attempts.

5. Safe Browsing Tools: Utilize safe browsing features to avoid clicking on suspicious links.

 

As always if you need help with anything streaming or smart home related you can contact us at 309-778-8611 or by emailing us at OneSource@midcentury.com