“Look Who Died in an Accident” Facebook Scam: How It Works and How to Stay Safe

“Look who died in an accident” posts on Facebook are a well-known scam. They use shock and grief to make you click a link. The link usually leads to a fake Facebook login page that steals your password, or to a site that spreads malware.

How the Scam Works

1. You see a post or message saying “Look who died in an accident,” often with a friend’s photo.
2. To see who it is, you have to click a link.
3. The link opens a page that looks like Facebook and asks you to log in.
4. Your login goes to the scammer, who takes over your account and sends the same post to your friends.

Often, the post comes from a friend whose account was already hacked. That’s why it feels real.

Signs It’s a Scam

• The post doesn’t name the person who died.
• You must click a link to find out more.
• The link asks you to log in again.
• The web address isn’t facebook.com.

What to Do If You Clicked

1. Change your password right away by going to Facebook directly, not through the link.
2. Log out of unknown devices in Accounts Center > Password and security > Where you’re logged in.
3. Turn on two-factor authentication.
4. Remove any email or phone number you don’t recognize from your account.
5. Warn your friends by phone or text not to click links from your account.

If you’re locked out, go to facebook.com/hacked or read what to do if your Facebook account is hacked.

How to Report It

Tap the three dots on the post, choose Report post, and select the scam option. If it came from a friend’s account, let them know it may be hacked.

FAQs

Is the “look who died” post real news?

No. Real news and real friends don’t hide a person’s name behind a login link.

Why is my friend posting this?

Their account was probably hacked. Contact them outside Facebook.

Final Thoughts

Never click shocking “look who died” links. Turn on two-factor authentication today so a stolen password alone can’t open your account.