Scam Signature Message:
Wow, I can’t believe how I’ll look in 20 years – http://e-e.fbfunnj.in/2/go_vtwx.php. It’s fun and a little shocking… you can see how Justin Beiber, Kanye West, and other stars will look too. AGE yourself! See what you will look like in 20 years!!
Alternate Message:
AGE yourself! See what you will look like in 20 years!! You can look at other people’s “future photo” and even the celebs But, you can’t laugh until you do it yourself!
Scam Type: Rogue Application – Survey Scam
Trending: August 2011
Why it’s a Scam:
Clicking the wall post link takes you to the landing page shown below:
Clicking “Yes” and “Continue” takes you to the standard Facebook application installation screen. This scam is using several different Facebook applications and is spreading very rapidly at the moment. Scammers often create multiple apps and/or use several links, so when one gets shut down the scam is not slowed down very much.
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.
After you install the application, you are redirected to a survey scam. Every time a survey is completed, a scammer gets paid. Don’t compromise your privacy and online security by falling for tricks like this. Some survey scams try to get you to enter your cell phone number, so they can charge you for premium services.
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. Access your privacy settings and to remove the application.
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:
Your Ultimate Guide to Facebook Scams and How to Deal with Them
How to spot a Facebook Survey Scam
BitDefender Safego is a Facebook application you can install that will scan your News Feed and help keep you safe from scams like this.