Egidio
Security · Messenger

Messenger scams: how to spot them and stay safe

An "old friend" resurfacing, a familiar voice urgently asking for money: scammers exploit the trust you place in your Messenger contacts. Here's how to avoid the trap.

Protect my messaging apps with Egidio Free for calls and SMS · 100% on your phone

The most common Messenger scams

Classic

The "old friend" found

A contact who's never spoken to you suddenly reconnects to mention a fake grant or prize to claim.

Rising

AI voice cloning

A voice message or call mimics a relative's voice using AI to request an urgent transfer — a technique increasingly accessible to scammers.

Workaround

Platform exit

The conversation is moved off Messenger as soon as possible, to escape reporting and protection tools.

Marketplace

Fake deals in DM

A Marketplace exchange continues in private message with an external payment link or a fraudulent "confirmation" request.

How to spot a scam on Messenger

What to do if you're targeted

  1. Verify through another channel: call the person directly on their real number.
  2. Agree on a family code word to authenticate an urgent request.
  3. Don't click any link and never send money without verification.
  4. Report via the app's built-in button.

How Egidio protects you

Egidio detects scam signals across more than 180 apps — including Messenger — on top of calls and SMS, and warns you before you open the trap.

Where others rely on a list of known numbers, Egidio detects the scam itself — even from a contact it has never seen before.

100% on your phone. Egidio analyzes notifications locally: it doesn't store your conversations and sends nothing to a server. No ads, no account.

Download Egidio Call and SMS blocking are free · messaging protection is Premium

Frequently asked questions

How do I spot a scam on Messenger?

Be wary of an "old friend" who suddenly reconnects, a voice message urgently asking for money, or a Marketplace deal that continues only via private message.

What is AI voice cloning on Messenger?

Scammers mimic a relative's voice using AI to request an urgent transfer. Agreeing on a family code word lets you verify identity when in doubt.

How do I report a scam on Messenger?

Use the built-in "Report" button on the conversation or profile in question.

Does Egidio read my Messenger messages?

No. Egidio analyzes notifications on your phone to detect scam signals. It doesn't store your conversations and sends nothing to a server.

Is Egidio free?

Call and SMS blocking are free, forever. Messaging protection and Family mode are included in the Premium version.