If you get a mysterious link sent to from a close friend over Facebook messenger, it might be wise not to click.
A new scam is targeting users via their closest friends by sending out personalized links that include the recipient's name next to the word "video" and a surprised looking emoji. It also includes a realistic picture from the victim's Facebook page that looks like a playable movie, but in reality, clicking on the link can lead to a virus that ruins your computer or phone.
Computer and technical support website, Bleeping Computer, says that once a user clicks, they will be taken to a malicious site depending on what browser they are using. Google Chrome users are taken to a fake YouTube channel that is ridden with adware, while Firefox users on Windows and Mac are redirected to a fake Flash Player installer that will damage their PC.
Along with filling up your phone and computer with spam advertisements and potentially being able to steal your banking details, the infecting software can also trigger your phone to pass the hoax message and link to your Facebook Messenger contacts without your permission.
Facebook recommends not engaging with the following people/messages as they can pose serious risks:
- People asking you for money who you don't know in person.
- People asking you for advance fees to receive a loan, prize or other winnings.
- People asking you to move your conversation off Facebook (such as a separate email address).
- People claiming to be a friend or relative in an emergency.
- Messages or posts with poor spelling and grammatical mistakes.
- Pages representing large companies, organizations or public figures that are not verified verified.
- People or accounts directing you to a Page to claim a prize.
In a statement to GoodHousekeeping.com, Facebook advises users to get in touch with them directly if they believe they've been targeted by a scam.
"We maintain a number of automated systems to help stop harmful links and files from appearing on Facebook and in Messenger. If we suspect your computer is infected with malware, we will provide you with a free anti-virus scan from our trusted partners. In this instance, we have also reported the bad browser extensions to the appropriate parties. We share tips on how to stay secure and links to these scanners on facebook.com/help."
If you get a message that seems suspicious, do not click on the link. Instead report the spam to Facebook and let the person who sent the message know that they should switch their log in credentials.
[h/t: Daily Mail
