Scam Message:

Say bye to the old blue facebook! and say hi to the new pink facebook! Change your facebook color or layout themes, GET IT FREE! here : http://apps.facebook.com/…..

Scam Type: Rogue Application, Survey Scam

Trending: March 2013

Why it’s a Scam:

Clicking the scam link prompts you to install a rogue Facebook application. Anytime the URL starts off with apps.facebook.com/app_name_here, you should know that Facebook didn’t develop the app. Scammers often try to trick users by promoting apps promising Facebook features, upgrades, etc.

If an unsuspecting user installs the application, this will allow them to spam their scam messages to all of your friends. Do you really want to let an unknown (scam) developer have this much access to your Facebook information? These scams are known to use multiple Facebook apps to spread virally across Facebook.

Anytime you install a third party Facebook application, you give the application developer access to your personal data. Always be very selective on the apps you install, and only install them from well-known, trusted sources.

Continuing on with the installation redirects you to the following survey scam:

We recommend that users install BitDefender Safego, a Facebook application that will scan your News Feed and help keep you safe from scams like this.

How to Deal with the Scam:

If you did make the mistake of installing the rogue application you are now spamming the very same spam 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).

You also need to remove the app from your Facebook account. Click the down triangle—>Account Settings—>Apps to remove this and other 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.

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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.

BitDefender Safego is a Facebook application you can install that will scan your News Feed and help keep you safe from scams on Facebook.

SocialSafe helps you to create your library of you. It’s the safest place for your online life. Downloaded to your computer, auto organised and instantly searchable. Supports most major social networks.