Facebook suspicious activity was detected on your account

by: Jason Clough

Posted: Jan 19, 2017 / 10:28 AM EST

Updated: Jan 19, 2017 / 10:28 AM EST

MENLO PARK, Calif. (WFLA) – A number of Facebook users are reporting they received a notice about ‘suspicious activity’ on their accounts.

The scam notifications attempt to scare the user into believing that suspicious activity on their Facebook account has resulted in their accounts being locked.

Users are told it’s a ‘safety precaution,’ before attempting to be baited into clicking a link to a Google Sites page.RELATED: New, highly effective phishing technique targeting Gmail users

The notice, posted by a number of users on the social networking site, says “If within 6 hours after you receive this information from us and you do not confirm, your account will automatically be disabled permanently.”

The notification is signed “Facebook Ads Team.”

A number of users posted the notification to alert others about it, urging folks not to click the links.

The scam is the latest attempt to exploit user’s information, passwords and other personal information.

Users are reminded to protect their passwords and never give it out to anyone. Facebook reminds that their messages to users will never ask for your password, social security number or credit card number and PIN. When in doubt, you can report the suspicious message to facebook.H/T: WTEN


Here’s how to find out if someone has logged into your Facebook account

  • Go to Settings > Security > Click edit on Where You’re Logged In
  • If you see suspicious activity on your account you can “end activity” to prevent access to your account.
  • In the same section, you can also sign up for login alerts that will let you know when someone accesses your Facebook account.

Is your Facebook account temporarily locked?

Are you receiving a “Your Account is Temporarily Locked” error when you try logging in to your Facebook account?

Here is the full error message, “We’ve detected suspicious activity on your Facebook account and have temporarily locked it as a security measure”.

The error message then continues to say that your account has been phished.

In most cases, you might have received the error by mistake.

The worst part is, even if you’ve followed the on-screen instructions, you might not receive the security code.

Until you resolve this, you won’t be able to unlock your Facebook account.

In this guide, you’ll learn why is your Facebook account temporarily locked, how to fix the “Your Account is Temporarily Locked” error on Facebook, and more.

  • Why is my Facebook account temporarily locked?
  • How to Fix “Your Account is Temporarily Locked” on Facebook
  • How long is Facebook temporarily locked?

Your Facebook account is temporarily locked because Facebook has detected suspicious activity in your account.

You may have either entered your password on a website that looks like Facebook or on a third-party tool.

When Facebook detects suspicious activity in your account, they’ll lock your account as a security precaution.

In some cases, your account may have been locked by mistake.

Many users have reported that their Facebook accounts were locked by mistake as they did not use any third-party apps or tools.

However, they were unable to unlock their accounts even after following the on-screen instructions as the security code was not sending.

If you’re not receiving the security code, or if the on-screen instructions aren’t working, read on to find out how to unlock your Facebook account.

How to Fix “Your Account is Temporarily Locked” on Facebook

To fix “Your Account is Temporarily Locked” on Facebook, you need to either submit the “Report a login issue” form.

Alternatively, you can submit the “Security checks preventing login” and the “Confirm your identity with Facebook” form.

These forms allow you to contact Facebook directly to restore your account.

After you’ve submitted a form, Facebook will contact you via the email address that you’ve provided.

You’ll typically receive a response from them in 1 to 5 business days.

At times, you need to wait for a longer time for their response.

This is because Facebook receives an excessive number of reports daily, so they might take a while to get to yours.

Below are the three forms that you can use to contact Facebook for assistance in unlocking your account.

1. Report a login issue

Facebook suspicious activity was detected on your account

Report a Login Issue link: https://www.facebook.com/help/contact/357439354283890.

The first form that you can use is the “Report a Login Issue” form.

This form is meant for users who are unable to log in to their Facebook accounts.

Since you’re locked out of your Facebook account, you can use this form to contact Facebook.

To begin with, go to the “Report a Login Issue” form.

Once you’re on the form, enter your email address.

Make sure to use a working email address for this as Facebook will contact you from it.

Next, you’re required to provide a description of the issue that you’re facing.

On the “Description of issue” field, describe that you’re locked out of your Facebook account by mistake and that you’re not being phished.

Here’s an example of a description, “Hi Facebook, I’ve been locked out of my account by mistake. I need assistance in unlocking it”.

Then, upload a screenshot of the error (optional).

Lastly, tap on “Send” and wait for a few days for Facebook’s reply.

Depending on the number of submissions, Facebook might take anywhere between 1 to 5 business days.

2. Security checks preventing login

Facebook suspicious activity was detected on your account

Security checks preventing login link: https://www.facebook.com/help/contact/179049432194862.

The second form that you can use is the “Security checks preventing login” form.

This form is for users who are unable to log in to their Facebook accounts due to security checks.

For example, if you’re not receiving a security code to unlock your account, you can use this form to contact Facebook for assistance.

Firstly, go to the “Security checks preventing login” form.

Once you’re on the form, enter your email address.

Facebook will contact you via the email address that you’ve provided.

Then, enter the description of your issue.

In this case, you need to explain that the security code is not sending.

Here is an example of a description, “Hi Facebook, my account has been locked by mistake and I’m not receiving a security code to unlock it. I need assistance in unlocking it”.

Lastly, tap on “Send” and wait for a few days for Facebook’s reply.

3. Confirm your identity with Facebook

Facebook suspicious activity was detected on your account

Confirm your identity with Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/help/contact/183000765122339.

The third form that you can use is the “Confirm your identity with Facebook” form.

This form is for verifying your identity with Facebook to prove that you’re the owner of the account.

As such, the form can be used to contact Facebook for assistance in unlocking your account.

Firstly, go to the “Confirm your identity with Facebook” form.

Once you’re on the form, you need to attach a photo of your ID.

Take a photo of your ID and send it to your computer via email, Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.

Then, tap on “Choose Files” and attach the photo of your ID.

Facebook will not reveal your ID to anyone.

Next, enter your email address or phone number that is associated with your Facebook account.

Lastly, tap on “Send” to send the form.

Facebook will then contact you after a few days with the next steps to unlock your account.

How long is Facebook temporarily locked?

The duration of a temporary Facebook lock typically lasts for 24 to 48 hours.

Your account will be unlocked as soon as you complete the on-screen instructions.

However, if you didn’t receive a security code, you need to contact Facebook for further assistance using the methods above.

Otherwise, your Facebook account may be permanently locked.

Conclusion

Facebook accounts are prone to getting temporary bans.

This is especially so if you’re using a third-party app or tool.

However, a temporary lock on your Facebook account might be due to a mistake.

In fact, a large number of users that are encountering this issue didn’t actually use any third-party apps or tools.

However, the system falsely detected so.

Hence, if you frequently use Facebook, it’s best to have a secondary account in case something happens to your main one.

If you’ve completed the form(s) above and you still haven’t received a reply from Facebook after a week, try submitting them again.

However, do not spam the forms as you might get blacklisted.

Further Reading

How to See Your Facebook Email Address (4 Steps)

How to Remove Your Profile Picture on Facebook

What Does “Following” Mean on Facebook?