Facebook Warn Users Of New Scam
The latest scam to hit the social networking site is the opportunity for users to install a “Dislike” button.
The “Dislike” button is not an alternative to the already existing “like” button but a scam which lures users into sharing personal information and automatically posts spam messages.
In order to download the button, Facebook users are also prompted to fill in online surveys whereby the scammers receive money.
Reports from Security Firm Sophos state that thousands of people have already clicked on the link for the button which could be the result of many users expressing their wish for a “dislike” button to be added to the site.
Once users have installed the button, they will find spam messages being sent out to fellow friends reading: “I just got the Dislike button, so now I can dislike all of your dumb posts lol!!”
Graham Cluley, spokesman for Sophos, said: “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”.
The “Dislike” button is only one of many scams which have affected the social networking site including links which apparently showed “Justin Bieber trying to flirt” or a shocking video showing an anaconda vomiting up a hippo.
Facebook has over 500 million users around the world so it is not surprising that the site frequently comes under target from spam and viruses.
Despite the hassle that the scam causes, there appears to be no real threat. Users must remove the application from the “Application Settings” page and the button will stop sending out spam messages.
A spokesperson for Facebook stated that they investigate and remove any malicious software as soon as it is reported.
It is advisable that Facebook users therefore, be wary of any suspicious looking links and not click on anything they are unsure of, even if it comes from a friend.
