Facebook has roughly 1.6 billion monthly active users. Though if only 1% of users fall for nearly 850,000 active scams at all, that's still approximately 16 million users. Meanwhile, some scams are just hoaxes intended to create the users look foolish to their 'friends,' others are actually targetted at wreaking havoc in their digital space. From click-bait headlines that would lead to fake content to quizzes that deceit users into sharing their personal info or downloading malware.
If your Facebook feed receives an invitation to watch a fake celebrity sex video featuring Jessica Alba, don't get tempted to click on it. The latest scam has been found that tricks Facebook users into downloading malware onto their computers.Once it is installed, then the malicious software would force web browsers to display contentious advertising which includes sites with nudity and also fake lotteries.
The Scam Is fatal When Viewed Using Google Chrome
Some researchers at Cyren discovered the virus and mention it's spreading all over social media platforms. As per to Cyren, the scam is fatal when viewed using Google Chrome. Once you click and open this in the most commonly used browsers like chrome then it will lead to a fake YouTube website. When you the video's play button then leads up a pop-up window inviting the user to install a Google Chrome extension.After you get to install that extension, the browser directs you to a Facebook.com login page.
The extension can be able to read the user's friend list, Also Facebook groups, and all personal details and upload the PDF to groups, posts, and to friends in private chat as well. This recent Facebook scam comes just weeks after those cyber criminals were found to be aiming PayPal customers with official-looking messages that say that their accounts have been intruded with.Once clicked the scam emails which have links to an unofficial PayPal log-in site which then grabs the user's information that includes password and answer to security questions.
Hackers then use these details to gain access to the account
Facebook Has Already Responded To This Issue
Facebook has acknowledged the issues stating: "We use automated systems to help stop dangerous links and files from which appears on Facebook. The systems blocked the majority of the malicious activity, and the affected extensions are no longer active on our platform. The relevant parties have also get rid these extensions from their browser stores."
