Over 1.3 billion people log into Facebook every day. Cybercriminals DROOL at the thought of all the scams they could run on even a tiny fraction of the user base. Too many people are eager to click the wrong link and end up downloading malware or leaking sensitive data that opens bank accounts, locks down computers, and ruins lives.
Don’t fall for their tricks and risk ruining your livelihood! Once you learn to recognize the signs of a scam, it’s easy to avoid them and help your friends do the same. Watch our for these 5 Facebook Scams seen recently by the team at PNJ Technology Partners:
- Customized Profiles
It’s tempting to want to change the color or layout of your Facebook profile, but don’t listen to anyone who tells you they can do it! There is NO OFFICIAL WAY to change your layout.
Anyone offering these changes is just trying to con you into installing a custom app that will leak your personal data and license to cybercriminals waiting to spam and scam your friends.
- Profile Views
Who wouldn’t want to know who’s been spying on their profile? Teenagers especially are vulnerable to this scam. That’s why it makes up over 30% of all the scam links on Facebook today, and has been around pretty much as long as Facebook itself.
THERE IS NO WAY TO SEE WHO VISITS YOUR PROFILE. None, zip, nada. Facebook has made it clear MANY times. This is either a prank or is leading you to malware that could cripple your computer and steal your data.
- Viral Videos
A big scam tactic is to send links to “shocking celebrity videos,” promising you’ll be amazed at what Ellen or Oprah lied about, complete with a picture of the weeping celebrity to show how “legit” it is.
DON’T FALL FOR IT.
When you click to watch the video, a little pop-up asks you to update your video player before you watch. That’s how the virus gets in and starts spamming your friends. If any link on Facebook asks you to download something, it’s a scam. JUST SAY NO.
- Free Giveaways
You’ve won a free iPad / smartphone / PlayStation! Just fill out this survey and give us your cellphone number to claim your prize.
SCAM.
There’s no prize to be won. It’s a trick either to get you to give up personal information to a hacker, or to download some malware. Giving up your cellphone number, for instance, leads to extra premium charges showing up on your bill. Just steer clear of giveaways and surveys.
- The Old Nigerian Prince
The Nigerian Prince scam isn’t just for email. Most people have heard of this one and know not to fall for the “prince” offering you part of his inheritance if you just give him your bank details, but there are variations of this scam floating around Facebook today, usually involving American celebrities or British royalty offering “help” with getting rich fast.
Simple tip: Celebrities aren’t likely to friend you. If they do, they’re not going to offer you that get-rich-quick scheme. They’re already rich. They don’t care about you. Anyone offering you money on Facebook is trying to rob you blind.
Don’t get suckered in by cybercriminals looking to exploit you! Call PNJ Technology Partners at (518) 459-6712 or send an email to info@pnjtechpartners.com today to find out how to protect your business from those looking to do you harm.
