Scam Signature Message: ‘I got you a surprise’

This message will appear in your Facebook message inbox.

Scam Type: Malware – Virus-Trojan.Waledac

Trending: December 2010

Why it’s a Scam:

If you click on the link contained in the Facebook message, you are taken to a totally different website with the following prompt:

“Download photoalbum.”

If you click on the download link, you are then prompted to download a file called photo.exe. Never download a file with an “.exe” extension unless you are 100% sure of its source and content. “The “.exe” extension contains an executable program, and if malicious, can wreck havoc on your system.

Malware researchers discovered that the photo.exe file is a Trojan virus called Trojan.Waledac.

How to Deal with the Scam:

If you did make the mistake of downloading and installing the photo.exec file, then you should install and update your system with anit-virus software. You then need to perform a complete system scan of your machine.

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

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