Scam Signature Message: Free iPad offers – usually messages are spread Wall to Wall from one Facebook user to another. The scam is using a few different URLs and also a Facebook app called: sponsoredpads.

Scam Type: Survey Scam, Rogue Application

Trending: January 2011

Why it’s a Scam:

When you click on the http://www.freeipad4test.com link you are redirected to another URL that displays the following page:

If you ENTER YOUR EMAIL and CONTINUE, you are taken to the following page:

You can see the Official Rules of the Gift offer here: http://track.yourrewardinside.com/Rules.aspx?p=778ace294f104b0ea14b43f2ca7cd13d

This link tells you all of the hoops you must jump through to get your free iPad. You have to complete 13 sponsor offers, complete surveys, etc., and 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.

How to Deal with the Scam:

If you did make the mistake of installing the application and passing the link onto your friends, you should clean-up your newsfeed and profile to remove references to the application. You also need to access your privacy settings and remove the application.

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.

We have seen several users claim that their account was hacked and then used to spread the message to their friend’s wall. Apart from the Facebook application, we have been unable to determine how the messages are being spread from Wall to Wall.

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