Scam Signature Message: “This American GUY must be Stoned to De@th for doing this to a GIRL!”
Scam Type: Like Jacking – Survey Scam – Rogue Application
Trending: December 2010
Why it’s a Scam:
Once you click on the Wall Post link, you are taken to the following page:
When you click to play the video, you are taken to a Facebook screen that asks if you want to install the “page”. Agreeing to install the application gives the application developer full access to your basic information and the right to email you, post to your wall, access your data at any time and the right to 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:
If you do proceed with the installation, you are taken to the following screen, which is the scammer’s end game. They want you to fill out surveys so they can get paid. Don’t give these rogue application developers your personal information, and don’t trust downloads from apps like this. Many people have found their system ravaged by a virus after such attacks. Also, this is the season for spreading holiday cheer not Facebook scams to your friends!
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 stay informed of the latest security issues. Also check out:
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