Description: Viral wall postings
Circulating since: April 2014
Status: SCAM
Analysis: Social media clickjacking scams lure users by promising access to lurid and shocking content which, most of the time, doesn't even exist. Those who click on the links in these blurbs are typically redirected to pages where they're asked to share and/or like the content before viewing it.
Those who comply are then typically asked to take an online survey, which is how the perpetrators of the scam generate revenue for themselves.
It's a classic bait and switch.
Worst case scenario, careless users may expose themselves to malware attacks (one should be especially wary of links offering downloadable software of any kind) and end up with their account and/or network security compromised. Think twice before you click.
See resources below for more info on identifying and protecting yourself from online clickjacking and survey scams.
Test your BS detector:
• Hoax Quiz: Can YOU Spot the Fakes?
More examples of social media clickjacking scams:
• "Mermaid Found Inside Shark" Video
• "Flight MH370 Found in Indian Ocean" Video
• "Giant Anaconda Swallows Up a Zookeeper" Video
• "Girl Killed Herself Live on Cam" Video
• "Dead Mermaid Discovered in Florida" Video
• "Huge Plane Crashes Into Bridge" Video
• "Will Smith Pronounced Dead" Video
Resources:
Last updated 04/07/14
Circulating since: April 2014
Status: SCAM
Analysis: Social media clickjacking scams lure users by promising access to lurid and shocking content which, most of the time, doesn't even exist. Those who click on the links in these blurbs are typically redirected to pages where they're asked to share and/or like the content before viewing it.
Those who comply are then typically asked to take an online survey, which is how the perpetrators of the scam generate revenue for themselves.
It's a classic bait and switch.
Worst case scenario, careless users may expose themselves to malware attacks (one should be especially wary of links offering downloadable software of any kind) and end up with their account and/or network security compromised. Think twice before you click.
See resources below for more info on identifying and protecting yourself from online clickjacking and survey scams.
Test your BS detector:
• Hoax Quiz: Can YOU Spot the Fakes?
More examples of social media clickjacking scams:
• "Mermaid Found Inside Shark" Video
• "Flight MH370 Found in Indian Ocean" Video
• "Giant Anaconda Swallows Up a Zookeeper" Video
• "Girl Killed Herself Live on Cam" Video
• "Dead Mermaid Discovered in Florida" Video
• "Huge Plane Crashes Into Bridge" Video
• "Will Smith Pronounced Dead" Video
Resources:
How to Protect Yourself from Clickjacking Attacks
About.com: Internet/Network Security
How to Keep Your Facebook Account Secure
Facebook Help Center
How to Spot a Facebook Survey Scam
Facecrooks.com, 6 February 2011
When a Facebook Friend Gets Clickjacked, What Should You Do?
Sophos Naked Security blog, 25 March 2011
Last updated 04/07/14
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