A scam is spreading rapidly across Facebook, luring users into clicking on a link, using messages like the following:
This American GUY must be Stoned to De@th for doing this to a GIRL: [LINK]
Other versions can read, in a seasonal twist:
This American GUY must be Stoned to De@th for doing this to a GIRL on Christmas Eve: [LINK]
If you are tempted to find out what "this American guy" did to a girl that means he "must be stoned to death" (or "de@th" as the scammers put it), then you're presented with a fake video thumbnail which shows a young woman in her skimpy underthings, standing by a locked door.
You can imagine that this is going to be hard for many hot blooded males with a twitchy mouse finger to resist. But from there on, it's pretty much the same old story that we've described on many other occasions.
You are tricked into giving permission to a third party application (including giving it the rights to post to your Facebook page)..
An online survey pops up, pretending to be a Facebook anti-spam verification (but really designed to earn the scammers commission for every survey completed..
And meanwhile, your Facebook profile has spread the message on virally to your other Facebook friends - thus helping the scammers make even more cash.
Here's a YouTube video where I show you how to clean-up your Facebook account if you were hit by this, or similar scams:
(Enjoy this video? You can check out more on the SophosLabs YouTube channel and subscribe if you like)
If you're a member of Facebook don't forget to join the Sophos Facebook page to stay up-to-date with the latest security news.
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Excellent! Thanks for the heads up, really :)
If people are dumb enough to click on those stupid links then that's their problem in my opinion. I'm so sick of these retarded "Oh my god I'm never eating mcdonalds again after seeing this" or "I can't believe this guy did this to his ex girlfriend" bullsh*t...
Really people, learn to internet!
Problem is, the scammers are continuing to make a profit off of it.
Totally agree, Dieter. I just wish they didn't keep sending me the bloody links!
Nice bit. Thanks.
I dont get how they make money if someone clicks the link
They have a bunch of ads on the site. Plus, in order to
view the final video, you have to complete this survey (those
really long ones that never end) which gives the scammers money. If
if you don't complete the survey, by that stage, you have
shared the link with all of your friends, and one of your friends
are likely to do it.
Facebook needs a app reviewing system. Only then all these scams will stop as they are unable to create rubbish apps like this.