DLSU students also victims of reported duplicate, empty Facebook accounts

De La Salle University students have also become victims of reported blank and duplicate Facebook profiles.

The La Sallian announced the alarming news on Sunday posting a statement on Twitter.

"Several DLSU students have reported finding blank and duplicate Facebook profiles bearing the names of University students, expressing concern over cybersecurity risks and possible dangers posed by the fake accounts," they tweeted.

UNIVERSITY: Several DLSU students have reported finding blank and duplicate Facebook profiles bearing the names of University students, expressing concern over cybersecurity risks and possible dangers posed by the fake accounts. pic.twitter.com/8ZGSFkk7Yk

— The LaSallian (@TheLaSallian) June 7, 2020

The La Sallian said "postings from these accounts are unauthorized and do not reflect the views and position of the institution.

DLSU is urging the members of the La Sallian community to "remain vigilant and refrain from responding or clicking any links in the suspicious email or friend requests."

Earlier today, the University of the Philippines also issued a statement over received reports that fake Facebook accounts have been created for their students, officials and alumni.

As of this writing, FAKE accounts is top trending on Twitter with over 60,400 tweets from netizens who were alarmed and complaining over surfacing fake and empty accounts on Facebook.

How to report to authorities

According to Cyber Security Philippines CERT, the "attackers" behind the fake account on Facebook are referencing either "work, school, and other records."

"To those affected with the surge of fake accounts bearing your real names. Check when was the last time you used the combination of your name work or school?" they said.

They also asked complainants to look at the languages, languages declared on CV and the most used languages in social media, which they highlighted on the photo they shared on Facebook.

Cyber Security Philippines CERT said after determining the source of your name based on the combination or layout, you should proceed to reporting such fake accounts to the National Privacy Commission.

How to report a fake account

According to Facebook, "Accounts and Pages that impersonate other people go against our Community Standards and aren't allowed" on the platform.

To report, search the name used on the fake profile or page, or ask your friends to find it and click the three dotted icon on the cover photo.

If you're reporting a profile, select Find Support or Report Profile then follow the on-screen instructions for impersonation to file a report.

Meanwhile, if you don't have a Facebook account but someone is using your name for an account, you can fill out this form.

If you want to know who created a fake account after your name, Facebook said "you should first contact a lawyer or your local law enforcement agency and discuss this issue with them."

Should you decide to pursue legal action, the lawyer or the officer can review Facebook's operational guidelines by following the instructions listed.

"Once they contact us, we'll be able to communicate with them regarding this issue. Please be aware that there are situations where we may be unable to retrieve the information you have requested due to technical limitations," Facebook said. — Jannielyn Ann Bigtas/LA, GMA News