New Malware Tricks Unsuspecting Facebook Users

Last updated on Friday, July 31, 2015

(UNDATED) - Malicious tagging is a way of tricking unsuspecting Facebook users into downloading malware in an attempt to steal personal information from your Facebook account.

The Better Business Bureau says this is how it works: You may receive a notification that a friend has tagged you in a post. It may appear to be a video that some of your other friends are also tagged in. When you click on the video it will instruct you that you must first download a Flash player before you can view the video. If the player is downloaded, the malware can basically take over your Facebook account, post another fake video and automatically tag your friends.

BBB offers the following tips to protect yourself:

Stay away from promotions that say exclusive, shocking or sensational footage.
Be cautious of shortened links: link shortening may be used to disguise malicious links.
Don't trust FB friend's online habits: they may have not actually "liked" anything and may also be a victim of a hacked account.
If your account has been hacked, contact Facebook. The Facebook Help Center page offers remedies to several potential problems.

For more information visit https://www.facebook.com/help/205730929485170

1340 AM WBIW welcomes comments and suggestions by calling 812.277.1340 during normal business hours or by email at comments@wbiw.com

Click here to go back to previous page