Scam Signature Message: [Facebook Notification] [name] made you an administrator of the Page “iPad 2 Market Research”.

Alternate Message:

Face Book Giveaway Research

Scam Type: Survey Scam, Fake Free Offer,

Trending: April 2011

Why it’s a Scam:

We have had several members of the Facecrooks community advise us that they have received a Facebook notification stating that they had been made an administrator of an iPad 2 Market Research (or similar) page:

The following image shows a link to one such page:

Clicking “Ok” loads the following iPad 2 scam page:

This polished and snazzy looking page is sure to excite the unsuspecting user. I mean who wouldn’t get excited about the prospect of a free iPad! The problem, as with most of the free offers you see, is the fine print.

In order to receive your “free iPad,” you have to meet eligibility requirements and complete 13 sponsor offers, complete surveys, etc. In the end who knows if you really get the iPad. This is also marketing gimmick to get your email address, phone number, home address and other personal information. Don’t fall for “free offer” scams, especially on Facebook!

How to Deal with the Scam:

Anyone that is a page administrator can make someone else an admin of the page. Facebook does not require you to be a friend of the person or to currently like the page you are made an admin of. This is yet another exploit the scammers are using to their advantage. Most users find that they have been removed as an admin when they visit the scam page. It appears the scammers are making people admins long enough to get the notification sent to them, then they are removing the scam victims as administrators of the page.

If you submitted your email address, home address and / or other information, then be prepared to receive a deluge of spam email and marketing offers. Keep a watchful eye on your credit and make sure no identity theft attempts are made.

If you submitted your cell phone number for any of the surveys, then you should contact your carrier immediately to keep any bogus charges 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

How to spot a Facebook Survey Scam