Scam Message:

I’m very stoked about the ps4!!
I wanna be a beta tester for the system >_<
Sony needs testers for the new PlayStation 4. You will get to keep the new PS4 after you’ve tested it. We will contact the winners through Facebook.

If you want to be a tester for the new PS4, you must share this photo and like our page. We will choose people at random in 1 week.

~Sony

Scam Type: Survey Scam, Free Offers

Trending: March 2013

Why it’s a Scam:

Clicking on the wall post link takes you to the bogus Facebook page shown below:

This scam is hugely viral at the moment and being shared like crazy. The page has garnered almost 30 thousand likes, and the photo has been shared over 65 thousand times.

The following message appears on the Facebook page shown above:

Sony needs testers for the new PlayStation 4. You will get to keep the new PS4 after you’ve tested it…..

If you want to be a tester for the new PS4 just share this photo and like our page. Then go here: http://bit.ly to fill our your details if you don’t fill out your details we can’t send you the PS4.

People will be chosen completely at random!
~ Sony

Clicking the bit.ly link takes you the landing page shown below:

This is just like all of the bogus offers we have seen before. You are required to complete a total of 10 featured and reward offers. This is a marketing gimmick, and should be avoided.

How to Deal with the Scam:

If you did make the mistake of sharing the scam link, then you are now spamming your friends with the very same message. Clean-up your newsfeed and profile to remove references to the scam. (click the “x” in the top right hand corner of the post).

Never complete surveys to unlock videos or other content on Facebook. Scammers use these tricks to either spread malware, obtain personal identification or earn commissions from marketing companies. Don’t pad their pocket and possibly open yourself up to harm!

Some of the surveys require you to download files to your computer. Never do this! If you did so in error, then run a complete system scan with a good anti-virus software program. The I.Q. Quiz scam has been around for a while, and it typically requires you to enter your cell phone number to receive the results. The scammers then bill you for premium services. Keep an eye on your phone bill for bogus charges.

Also be wary of free offers or anything that sounds too good to be true. For more information on Facebook scams related to free offers, please see our alert: Beware of Facebook Freebies!

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.

DoNotTrackMe protects your privacy by blocking online tracking. Abine – Online Privacy Starts Here.

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.