Scam Signature Message: Omg, how can someone be so stupid to try to play these kinds of jokes on someone! Harmless Prank Ends in Tragedgy

Scam Type: Survey Scam – Rogue Application

Trending: January 2011

Why it’s a Scam:

Once you click on the Wall Post link, you are taken to the following page:

If you click “WATCH” you are taken to the following page and asked to install the “Pranks Gone Bad” Facebook application. Notice how the scammers try to make the application appear more legitimate by using a “Facebook Verified App” button and a bogus high user review rating.

If you do agree to install the application, you must agree to give the application developer full access to your basic information and post to your wall. Granting them this access allows the scammer to spam their message on your News Feed. You should never give a third party application this much access unless you are 100% sure of their intentions and authenticity. Also keep in mind, that Facebook’s terms of service makes it impossible for an application developer to create an application of this kind. They are all scams! If you do proceed with the application install, you are taken to the following screen:

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 (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 charging 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