• Planet Antares Scam Solutions | Avoiding Facebook “Dislike” Scam

    Date: 2010.08.23 | Category: Scam | Tags: ,,,,,,

    Planet Antares Scam

    Planet Antares Scam Solutions: Facebook "Dislike" Scam

    One of the most popular features of Facebook is its “Like” button, where users can show support for comments, Web sites, products and posted materials.  Facebook users have also asked for a “Dislike” button, but to date the service has not yet provided one.  The social networking giant is now concerned that users may fall for a new scam that offers users a downloadable “Dislike” button. The only problem with that is the “Dislike” button is a scam.

    Users who download the malware application, described as “the official Facebook ‘Dislike’ button” find that their accounts are used to send spam to their colleagues, friends and people in their Facebook community.  Anyone can write a Facebook application and no special permission is needed to distribute one. Facebook says it has policies in place to deal quickly with malware applications, but in the mean time, users may find their accounts being used to distribute spam.

    Here are a few tips to avoid Facebook application scams.

    Do a little research on the applications you download before you add them to your Facebook account.  Many Facebook applications are legitimate and offer ways to play games, track information and stay in contact with businesses, people and causes you value, but there are no approval procedures in place. In the absence of a company approval process, you’ll need to do your own checking.

    Don’t assume that because a friend sent a link or download invitation that the application is ok.  Facebook malware often purports to come from known sources.

    If you find that your account has been compromised or is being misused by a Facebook application, report the matter to Facebook immediately.  You should also deactivate your Facebook account until the problem is resolved.