Scam Signature Message: 1000 Citycash Bonus [Cityville] (Click Here)

Scam Type: Survey Scam – Rogue Application

Trending: January 2011

Why it’s a Scam:

Once you click on the Wall Post link, you are taken to the following page:

When you click “Continue” you are asked to install the “Giveaway Promo” Facebook application shown below:

If you agree to the install, you must agree to give the application developer full access to your basic information and the right to post to your wall. You should never give a third party application this much access unless you are 100% sure of their intentions and authenticity. If you do proceed with the application install, the application will spread its message to all of your friends. You will then be taken to the following screen:

This is the survey scammer’s end game. Each time someone completes a survey they get paid. Don’t complete any surveys and give them personal information they can use to do you harm. Some surveys require you to download a game to proceed. These downloads often contain viruses or other malware that can infect your system. Never download anything from scams like this.

How to Deal with the Scam:

If you did make the mistake of installing the application and passing the link onto your friends, you should clean-up your newsfeed and profile to remove references to the application. You also need to access your privacy settings and remove the application.

If you made the mistake of submitting your cell phone number for any of the surveys, then you should contact your carrier immediately to keep any bogus charging from appearing.

If you or your Facebook friends are falling for tricks like this, it’s time to get yourself informed of the latest threats. Be sure to join the Facecrooks page on Facebook to stay informed of the latest security issues. Also check out:

Your Ultimate Guide to Facebook Scams and How to Deal with Them