How to Identify a Facebook Scam?

Facebook scams may appear in different forms but there are a number of things they have in common that should help you identify possible Facebook Scams:

1. Paste a Code in your Browser: Anything in Facebook that prompts or lures you into pasting a code / URL into your browser is a sure sign of a scam. This is because pasting such code in your browser will automatically run a javacript command [which is against Facebook Policies as it could contain malicious codes] on your account or direct you to a malware infested page.

2. Upgrade your Flash Player or Download a Program: Similarly, clicking on any link in Facebook that prompts you to upgrade your flash player or download a program is also a clear indication of a scam in progress. Just like in the previous example, performing this action will download a host of viruses, malware and other malicious programs in your computer.

4. Post Links to Other Pages and Invite your Friends: Anything in Facebook that requires you to perform this action before you can claim a prize, view a video, join a group, or anything else that you want to do is a big red scam flag. This type of action turns you into a Facebook ‘virus’ that widens the reach of the scam.

5. Fake Log In Pages: Fake Facebook log-in pages are hard to distinguish from the real one. You can spot fake Log-in pages by checking on the url address that appears on the top portion of your browser. Pop-up log in pages are also fakes. A simple way of avoiding phishing scams of to only use www.facebook.com address when logging in.

6. Requires Private / Confidential Information: Another dead giveaway to Facebook scams are applications, quizzes, polls, forms that require you to provide confidential information such as your mobile number, credit card number, or social security number before you can view your results or claim something. Such information should never be disclosed within the Facebook network. Submitting such information will lead to automatic subscriptions to mobile phone services or your credit card being used by scammers.