SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — If you get a message on Facebook saying “look who’s dead” — don’t click that link or your own account will die.
Online security experts are warning of a phishing scam going around Facebook that aims to steal your Facebook login credentials or install malware on your device. Its premise is simple, but undoubtedly intriguing: a friend sends you a private message that says “look who’s dead” with a link to what looks like a news article. But when the victim clicks on it, it asks them to enter their username and password into what appears to be a Facebook login page. This is the trap.
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As soon as the victim enters their information, it is sent directly to the scammer. The scammer takes control of the victim’s account, locks them out, and uses the account to send the same message to their friends list.
Scammers love Facebook accounts because of all the personal data they can enter, from email addresses, phone numbers, dates of birth, private messages and of course their list of friends – more potential victims. The stolen data can be used to access non-Facebook accounts or sold on the dark web.
MORE: Facebook scammers hack accounts, then solicit friends in private messages, in growing pattern
As a general precaution, users should not click on any link that seems unusual or suspicious, even if it is from someone they know. If you realize you have fallen for such a phishing scam, cybersecurity service DataProt suggests that you immediately change your password to avoid being locked out on the account, and check your security settings. to sign out of any devices or locations you don’t have. t recognize. Once done, report the message to Facebook. Next, make sure no unknown email addresses have been added to your account, and for good measure, change your email password as well. (Users should never reuse their passwords on different accounts, but if you’re a password recycler, now is the time to change them!) Finally, enable two-factor authentication for your account and analyze your computer or phone with anti-virus software for good measure.
Check out more stories and videos from Michael Finney and 7 On Your Side.
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