Latest Facebook Scam

 

            If you are like the average American, you spend at least a few hours a week on Facebook. This social networking site can be a safe place to share your thoughts and memories as long as you are vigilant and extremely careful. One of the latest scams to emerge is the OMG scam. Essentially, you may be presented with a post on your wall that reads something like  “OMG….I can’t believe this actually works”. The description may tell you that if you click on a link, you will be able to see everybody that has viewed your profile. If you should decide to click the link, you will be asked to allow the application. If you allow the app, you will then begin to scam everybody in your Facebook domain. You can see that this could cause the scam to spread rapidly. In addition, clicking on the link could lead you to a rouge site that could infect Malware on your computer. Malware attacks of this caliber often require the services of a professional Computer Repair specialist.

 

            One of the best ways to avoid this and other Facebook scams is to carefully evaluate your links before clicking on them. If the link offers something that seems too good to be true, it most likely is a scam. You should periodically check your Facebook settings and disable any applications that you may of not intentionaly installed. This can help protect your computer from Malware and Spyware infections.

 

            Computer security is not just limited to Facebook. You should practice safe surfing no matter where you are on the web. One way to help protect yourself is to download and purchase a reliable Malware removal tool like Malwarebytes.  The tool is free to use but registering the product will give you both realtime protection from infected websites and also allows you to schedule scans and updates.

 

            In addition, you should use a firewall. If you own a router, the hardware firewall in it, if enabled, will supercede any software firewall. The included firewall will do a good job in protecting your system from hackers. If you do not use a router or use a router that does not have firewall security, be sure to use a software firewall instead.

 

            U Tube can be another source for Malware infections to enter your computer. Often times, clicking on an infected U Tube link can bring rouge Malware into your system, often times crippling it to the point it is not usable. You may receive pop up messages from security programs that you never installed. Usually these programs will ask for your credit card information and promise to clean up your system. Many people fall for these schemes in an attempt to get their computer back. Paying for these rouge elements will not relieve your computer symptoms but will simply drain your credit card. These schemes represent a multi-million dollar business for those involved.

 

            As you can see, computer security is a responsibility, almost like driving a car. If all of us start practicing safe surfing habits and stay away from unknown sites, we will help to prevent the spread of this annoying and sometimes harmful Malware.