Scam Signature Message: just discovered his #1 fan is [random friend]! Find yours at [link].

Scam Type: Rogue Application, Survey Scam

Trending: February 2011

Why it’s a Scam:

Once you click on the Wall Post link, you are taken to the following Facebook application installation screen:

If you do agree to install the “Number 1 Fan” application, you must agree to give the application developer full access to your basic information, the right to post to your wall and the right to access posts in your News Feed. Granting this access allows the scammer to spam their message to your friends. 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, you are presented with a typical survey scam:

Completing the survey will not not reveal who your #1 Fan is. The scammer lures you in with a false promise, hoping you will follow through and complete the survey. 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.

Keep in mind that profile spy and stalker apps are all bogus and violate Facebook’s TOS. For more information about them check out our in dept article:

Facebook Profile Spy, Stalker & Creeper Apps – Everything you need to know

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 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