Scam Signature Message:
Hey friends, I got a $1000 Gift Card from WALMART as a Christmas Gift! Get it right away! -> bil.ly
Scam Type: Tag-Jacking, Bogus Offer / Survey Scam, Rogue Facebook Application
Trending: December 2012
Why it’s a Scam:
Clicking the wall post link takes you are redirected to the following landing page:
Warning bells should immediately be ringing! We have warned countless times before not the copy and paste content in scams like this. Doing, bypasses basic security protocols built into your web browser. If you do choose to login with Facebook (and we highly suggest that you don’t), you’ll be presented with the Facebook application installation screen shown below:
How to Deal with the Scam:
If you did make the mistake of installing the Facebook application, then you could be spamming the message to your friends. Clean up your newsfeed and profile to remove references to the scam. (click the “x” in the top right hand corner of the post).
Be sure to check out our post on How to Protect Your Facebook Account From Tag-jacking Scams.
You’ll also need to remove the rogue Facebook application from your account. The guide shown below can help you do that:
How to Protect Your Facebook Account from Rogue Applications
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 be kept informed of the latest security issues. Also check out:
How to spot a Facebook Survey Scam
Facebook Keyboard Shortcuts - If you’re spending lots of time on Facebook why not to make use of your time more efficiently while you’re at the site?
Recommended Resources
PRIVATE WiFi® is a Personal VPN that encrypts everything you send and receive. Don’t access Facebook from a public WiFi hotspot without it.
DoNotTrackMe protects your privacy by blocking online tracking. Abine – Online Privacy Starts Here.
BitDefender Safego is a Facebook application you can install that will scan your News Feed and help keep you safe from scams on Facebook.
Action Alert | Free Parental Control offers a 100% free Internet safety solution designed for parents. There is also a Maximum Protection option for parents that need a more advanced set of tools.
