A number of scams have been making rounds around Facebook. Recently there was “Remove Timeline” scam, but here are two more to add to the scam list.
The first one is along the lines of “Facebook Now Has A Dislike button!” followed by a fraudulent link. The screenshot posted above, had the following description: “You asked for it, now you can get it. Just follow this link to enable”
This Facebook scam exploits a user’s desire to have a Dislike button on the social network in addition to the Like button. The scammers seem to be at their best, yet again, while exploiting ignorant victims who want to see the social network add a Dislike button.
Interestingly,this is a kind of scam, which users see coming up again and again, on a frequent basis. But it has never impressed Facebook to add such a button.
Talking about the link in question, those who click on it will be redirected to a webpage which claims to allow them to install the Dislike button.
What happens next?
Users will be asked to share a button, which will be requested to be shared amongst the user’s friend lists. One can add a comment too. Once done with this, the redirection is to the next webpage, which urges users to sign up for a premium rate mobile phone service, complete an online survey, and/or buy some pills. Here is the catch! The scammers’ goals can be identified right away. They are trying to drive more traffic towards certain sites.
Another scam relates to an issue, which is not a Facebook issue, but a worldwide issue. This scam relates to sharing a link to a malware-laden fake CNN news page reporting the U.S. has attacked Iran and Saudi Arabia, security firm Sophos said Friday.
If the link is clicked on, the user are prompted to update their Adobe Flash player with a pop-up window that looks very much like the real thing. If this is accepted, the prompt unwittingly install malware on the user’s computers.
A representative status update shown in a screenshot on the Sophos blog reads, “U.S. Attacks Iran and Saudia Arabia. F**k 🙁 [LINK] The Begin of World War 3?”
According to Sophos Senior Security Advisor Chester Wisniewski, “The bad guys are rotating through scam pages trying to stay ahead of Facebook.”
The scammers earn money out of these innocent Facebook users, as they get a commission for every survey completed, every product purchased, and/or every account compromised. These are even used to spread malware and obtain personal information.
For Facebook users, here is a sweet, short, simple tip. A user should not click on everything their Facebook friends share on the social network. Especially if its too catchy. If one is tempted to click on the link, ask the friend who has posted it. This will help one be clear of these scammy links. One can also contact Facebook Security, which would be beneficial for others to know.