Facebook Scam (FBI warning)

Discussion in 'The Lounge' started by LauraR, Oct 7, 2009.

  1. LauraR

    LauraR MajorGeeks Super-Duper Administrator Staff Member

    http://www.switched.com/2009/10/06/...-issues-warning-over-friendly-facebook-scams/


     
    LauraR, Oct 7, 2009
    #1
  2. LauraR

    LauraR MajorGeeks Super-Duper Administrator Staff Member

    Agreed.

    I'm not on FB myself since I have absolutely no desire to reconnect with people I haven't seen in 20 years (there's probably a reason), but recently my entire extended (I won't allow my children to have an account) family has joined and become addicted. That in itself isn't horrible. The problem is at least one of them (my mom) is completely ignorant regarding anything internet and malware related. I know someone else that uses her computer for email and facebook. She can't even install a program on her computer.

    I just really think the scammers have hit the motherload with FB and the bulk of it's users.
     
    LauraR, Oct 7, 2009
    #2
  3. semenoff1948

    semenoff1948 Private E-2

    This is my first time hearing this. Facebook is dangerous? How does me having an account, logging onto facebook and posting a comment make me vulnerable to scams and malware?
     
    semenoff1948, Oct 7, 2009
    #3
  4. LauraR

    LauraR MajorGeeks Super-Duper Administrator Staff Member

    Facebook is not dangerous in and of itself. What is dangerous is basically like the article I posted the link to says. Scammers are targeting Facebook because of it's popularity by inserting malicious code in links which then enables them to access the person's username and password, thereby giving them access to their account and friends list. It is also installing keyloggers on people's computers.

    If you are able to distinguish between what you should and shouldn't click on, you should be ok. If you don't know what I'm talking about, I'd probably suggest you read the article in the first post of this thread and really educate yourself.
     
    LauraR, Oct 7, 2009
    #4
  5. TeeCee

    TeeCee MajorGeek

    I'm not on FB either, but I think that info you posted LauraR goes for any e-mail one would get.. Good info, for sure.. I don't know how they do it, nor would I, because a person would have to be sooo sick to do that... Good info there... I hope all that are on FB are careful about what they click onto...;)
     
    TeeCee, Oct 7, 2009
    #5
  6. LauraR

    LauraR MajorGeeks Super-Duper Administrator Staff Member

    Unfortunately, I think you'd find a good percentage of those who use FB have no idea what they should and shouldn't click on. They go on a site that they think is safe (as the above poster stated) and figure everything on it is safe. They've been trained (somewhat) not to fall for the phishing emails and such. I think this is different and people are going to have to be reeducated on what we all already know..."think before you click".
     
    LauraR, Oct 7, 2009
    #6
  7. TeeCee

    TeeCee MajorGeek

    Yup, I think you are right, LauraR. Maybe people are in too much of a hurry to see what is in that link... such a shame,for sure.... Yes, people will have to be re-educated for such things, as it will for sure keep the Malware people busy as if they are not busy enough..rolleyes Oh, boy, that could mean trouble down the road, you know? I am glad I don't go there... I have my specific sites I visit, and that is it.... ;)
     
    TeeCee, Oct 7, 2009
    #7
  8. Oooops!

    Oooops! MajorGeek

    What program will discover whether or not a keylogger has been installed on your computer?

    I'm not saying I've clicked on something I shouldn't have, but would be great to add to my list of protection. Better safe than sorry! kwim?
    Thanks!
     
    Oooops!, Oct 7, 2009
    #8
  9. LauraR

    LauraR MajorGeeks Super-Duper Administrator Staff Member

    Hi Oooops :)

    I'm sure you have all the recommended protection. Other than running the scanners recommended in the Malware Forum like Malwarebytes and Superantispyware along with your AV for now just to be sure, the best protection is just not clicking on things you aren't sure of. There really isn't protection just for keyloggers really. One thing I've used and I would recommend if you use Firefox is WOT which is an addon that allows you to right click on it and look up the link/website's reputation.
     
    LauraR, Oct 8, 2009
    #9
  10. LauraR

    LauraR MajorGeeks Super-Duper Administrator Staff Member

    @dsl Thanks for saying it much better than me. :)
     
    LauraR, Oct 8, 2009
    #10
  11. Paxton007

    Paxton007 MajorGeek

    I'm on Facebook, it doesn't get much more dangerous than that! LOL

    Thanks for the links, posted them on my wall for others to see.
     

    Attached Files:

    Paxton007, Oct 8, 2009
    #11

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