Scam Signature Message: OMG Watch the Nastiest Girl Fight Video Ever
Scam Type: Survey Scam – Fake Facebook Event – Rogue Application – Malware
Trending: April 2011
Why it’s a Scam:
Clicking on the Wall Post link takes you to the following page:
The Fake Event Page contains a bit.ly link that takes you to the following rogue application installation screen:
If you choose to install the “Watch Video” Facebook application, you are required to give the application developer access to your basic information and the right to Manage your events. The scam creator can use this access to create fake events on your behalf and spam messages to your friends. Always think twice before installing third party Facebook applications. Clicking “Allow” takes you to the following survey scam:
Does this screen look familiar? If you have been a fan of Facecrooks for any length of time, then it should. This is the survey scammer’s end game. Each time someone completes a survey they get paid. Don’t complete any surveys and give them personal information they can use to do you harm. Some surveys require you to download a game to proceed. These downloads often contain viruses or other malware that can infect your system. Never download anything from scams like this.
How to Deal with the Scam:
Installing the rogue application confirms your attendance to the fake event. You now need to cancel your reservation. You also should notify your friends that you have shared a bogus link with them and/or invited them to a Fake event.
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 (click the “x” in the top right hand corner of the post).You also need to access your privacy settings and remove the application from your list of approved Facebook applications. (Account/ Privacy Settings/ Applications and Websites.)
If you made the mistake of submitting 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 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