Scam Message:
To celebrate the winter, we are giving away boots to all facebook users!! Register now ->
Scam Type: Rogue Browser Extension, Tag-Jacking, Rogue Facebook Application
Trending: January 2013
Why it’s a Scam:
There appears to be several variations of this scam circulating on Facebook at the moment. We have seen some bit.ly links redirect to rogue Facebook applications, while others have loaded pages encouraging the installation of rogue browser extensions like the one shown below:
As shown in the wall post above, the scam also employs tag-jacking mechanisms to spread virally on Facebook. There really is no excuse for tag-jacking to be effective anymore. Facebook enabled profile review a long time ago, and everyone should enable it. For details on how to enable this on your own account, see our complete Privacy and Account settings walk-through by clicking here.
If you or a friend falls for this scam, then you should complete the following actions:
- Change your Facebook password
- Look for Rogue Facebook Applications and remove anything suspicious. Here is our guide on the subject.
- Look for and remove any Rogue Browser Extensions as well. Again, here is our related walk-through.
- Remove any posts, events or tags that may have been posts to your Newsfeed.
When it comes to Facebook apps and browser extensions, you should be careful about what you install. Scams, malware other bad things can happen to your Facebook account and/or your computer.You can also end up spreading this junk to your Facebook friends. We have had some users report being unfriended over this very scam.
On a side note, this scam highlights why it’s important to have a good, updated anti-virus program installed on your system. While researching this scam, we received this alert when navigating to the bit.ly links:
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 be kept informed of the latest security issues.
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