Scam Signature Message: Woohoo, I just got FREE 500 Mafia Reward Points by Zynga Team

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 on the “Take it” button you are asked to install the Facebook application listed below:

If you agree to install the application, you must agree to give the application developer full access to your basic information, post to your wall, access your data at any time and manage your pages. You should never give a third party application this much access unless you are 100% sure of their intentions and authenticity. If you do proceed with the application install, your account is like-jacked and you are spreading the scammer’s message to all of your friends. You will then be taken to the following screen:

The end game is obviously another survey scammer trying to get paid. Don’t complete the survey and give them more of your personal information. We have never seen a legitimate “Free Cash” giveaway for any Zynga Facebook game. If it sounds too good to be true, then it usually is. Always check the Zynga official site to verify any Facebook offers or promotions before clicking on any questionable posts. Don’t fall for tricks like this.

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 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 stay informed of the latest security issues. Also check out:

Your Ultimate Guide to Facebook Scams and How to Deal with Them