Scam Poses as Facebook Group Against 'Monthly Charge'
It's no secret that playing on people's fears is the best way to manipulate them. So, what's the biggest fear of a social networking addict? Paying for access, of course. And that pecuniary paranoia is just what a new Facebook scam exploits.According to The Next Web, a group called "WE'RE AGAINST THE 4.99 A MONTH CHARGE FOR FACEBOOK FROM JUNE 30TH 2010" isn't an outlet for angry Facebookers. In fact, it's one big malware scam, which could grow even bigger since the group already has 133,000 members. Contrary to the group's claims, you're not going to have to pay to keep tabs on your friends (at least, not that we've heard). The page contains a blank Wall, except for a link that sends you to a site that downloads 25 malicious items to your hard drive.
What's the best way to avoid falling victim to this scam? To start, don't visit the group's page, and certainly don't click the link (or any unknown link, for that matter). Next, let the folks at Facebook know about this scam by clicking on the Settings tab at the top of the site's page. Lastly, tell your friends. Make that status update useful for once, instead of using it to whine or to copy lyrics from a pop song. [From: The Next Web, via: Geek.com]
Comments
3
Subscribe to comments(Unverified)Jan 1st 2010 3:36PM
ALERT !!! The advertisement about working for Google online is a scam. They ask that you purchase two programs to enable this online work, Google Day Income costing $3.95 and Google Search Profits Profit System costing $1.97. Nowhere in the advertisement did I see any statement that my credit card would thereafter be charged monthly fees over $70.00 each. When I saw the first charge -- 15 days after I purchased both systems -- I immediately alerted my Credit Card company which refunded my fees and conducted an investigation. This is a scam. Don't fall for it.
(Unverified)Jan 16th 2010 8:29PM
Ok, so in this article, to AVOID the issues...you advise to "don't visit the group's page, and certainly don't click the link (or any unknown link, for that matter)" and in the next sentence, you advise "Next, let the folks at Facebook know about this scam by clicking on the Settings tab at the top of the site's page." I am just curious, how would I click on the settings tab at the top of the site's page if you suggest I don't visit the page??
(Unverified)Feb 23rd 2010 1:57PM
Facebook makes a bundle selling ads -- they don't need to charge for the service. And even if they did choose to do that -- do you think joining a group would stop them in their tracks? Don't be dumb.