Out of the blue ... "Can we have a chat?"

vacheron

Before posting below, I do believe that this is most likely the beginning of a scam, however…..

I recently reached out to someone on Facebook that I genuinely hadn't communicated with for about 7 years.

Their first response to me was a specific question about our workplace that only I would have known.
If there is any reason why this person may be genuine, then you could try something similar. But don't then automatically assume that just because they know the answer they are genuine. They could be in simultaneous contact with your old colleague pretenting to be you, and then ask them the question!

I haven't personally experienced any scams professing to be friends. Though I did have one over Whatsapp claiming to be our finance director who for some reason needed me to buy him gift cards. 🤣 I enjoyed giving them the runaround for about 4 days wasting their time before they eventually realised they weren't getting anywhere.

In my experience though, actual work colleagues who get in touch with that kind of opening message, most of the time either want a reference, or they want permission for an employement agency to contact me to give them a reference on their behalf.

subjecttocontract

Whatever happened to the simple response of 'No' ?

It's really quite easy to do, doesn't require any effort or thought and I quite enjoy using this response when I either don't want to do something, don't feel comfortable or I'm unsure.

Try it.......you never know, it might work. 😁😁

ProseccoGirl

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82104815#Comment_82104815

But doesn't responding to a FB message then enable them to see more of your profile, than is publicly available?

If genuine, it's still a really odd turn of phrase.

Brisfit

I've had a couple of scam texts including the words 'have you got time for a chat' from someone I hadn't been in touch with for a while.

The first caught me off guard and I responded 'ok' but the follow up message (can't recall what it said) was just not right (asked for money or something) so I knew it was a scam.

Now I ignore any similar messages.

Marvel1

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82104710#Comment_82104710

Yes, to have to access to your friend list or/and your perosnal informaiton that friends can only see.

subjecttocontract

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82104831#Comment_82104831

What profile information can they get that they can't get elsewhere ?

Baldytyke88

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82104831#Comment_82104831

No, sending a Facebook friend request does not give the other person any extra access to your personal profile, until they accept your request.

Don't be frightened by the unknown.

ouraggie

i had a surprise Whatsapp from an ex-colleague a few months ago. I was initially pleased that she had got in touch. We chatted via written messages on Whatsapp for a bit. She eventually suggested a Zoom meeting to catch up, but during it she tried to get me interested in some money-making scheme. I politely declined but said i was happy to stay in touch. I haven’t heard from her since.

Albermarle

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82105359#Comment_82105359

Probably some pyramid selling scheme.

Exodi

My mind jumps to MLM - I'd be tempted to glance at their profile and see if they happen to advertising health supplements/beauty products/essential oils/candles/etc recently.