Serbian police warn of fake Messenger verification scams targeting Facebook users

The Ministry of Internal Affairs in Serbia has issued a warning about a new phishing scheme spreading through the Messenger app. Victims receive messages that appear to come from “Meta AI”, Facebook support or other Meta services, claiming that their Facebook account will be disabled unless they complete an urgent “verification” process. The messages typically contain a PDF attachment such as “ZAPOČNI_PROVERU”; opening the file redirects users to a counterfeit website that captures login credentials, passwords, or payment‑card details.

Authorities advise users not to open any attached PDFs, not to click links, and not to provide passwords, verification codes or card information. If a user has already entered data, they should immediately change their password, review active sessions, enable two‑factor authentication and contact their bank. Reports of suspicious messages can be filed through the national “Sajber straža” platform.

A similar fraud pattern involving fake package notifications from postal or courier services is also circulating, using deceptive links to steal money. The police stress that genuine verification from Facebook never occurs via unsolicited Messenger messages.