SL-CERT to remove fake Facebook accounts

The Computer Emergency Readiness Team (CERT) has taken steps to remove over 3,000 fake social media accounts that have been active during this year, its Principal Information Security Engineer Roshan Chandragupta said.

According to CERT there have been more than 3,400 complaints on social media, including Facebook, by November 2017 and 80% of those complaints concern the maintenance of fake Facebook accounts.

These fake Facebook accounts have been used for nefarious activities including financial fraud, the official said.

According to the statistics, 2,200 complaints were received about social media outlets in 2016, and this year the number has increased by 1,200.

He said users could complain to Facebook about fake accounts created with false information through the social media site itself but most Sri Lankan users were not aware of this.

“When we receive a complaint about a bogus account we will inform the relevant individuals and explain how to record it through their account because that’s the easiest and quickest procedure.” Roshan Chandragupta explained.

Facebook has taken steps to remove these fraudulent accounts, he added.

The official advised that by sharing photos only among friends and not allowing unknown people to join their Facebook accounts, problems associated with fake Facebook accounts could be avoided.

He said a large number of complaints had requested the removal of fake Facebook accounts maintained under the names of politicians, actors and sports personalities.

In addition, CERT has received a large number of complaints this year of scams where Facebook users claim that they have won prizes.

In comparison to Facebook, fewer complaints have been received from users of other social media sites such as Twitter and Instagram.