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Facebook Dislike button scam spreads virally
Monday, August 16, 2010
A new Facebook scam uncovered by network security firm Sophos tempts you with the offer of a "dislike" button (as opposed to the normal "like" button) so you can express your opinions on other users' posts, links and uploads. The rogue application requires you to complete an online survey, which makes money for the spammers. Victims help spread the scam to others.
Have you seen a message like this on Facebook: I just got the Dislike button, so now I can dislike all of your dumb posts lol!! If so, don't click on the link.
"This bogus feature differs from recent scams as those behind it aren't preying on users' curiosity about shocking videos or celebrity scandals. This scam is actually posing as something that many Facebook users want," said Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant at Sophos. "Facebook users should think carefully before they click on an unknown link in a friend's status update as these scams are becoming increasingly common. Giving away personal information in a survey and allowing an application access to your profile is extremely risky and Facebook users need to wise up to this rather than just clicking on links that they see, just because they appear to be from a trusted source."
Impacted users should delete references to the Dislike button from their wall, and remove the offending application from Account/Application Settings.
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