Facebook Color Scam Dupes 10,000 People
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A Facebook app offering to change the color of the person’s Facebook profile is back once again. So far, the scam has affected over 10,000 people, allowing hackers to gain access to their Facebook accounts and computers.
The scam tricks users into downloading an app called “Facebook Color Changer”, which claims to change the blue Facebook header and interface to one of their nine color options. When the app is downloaded, they user is directed to a phishing site. That website first steals the users’ Facebook Access Tokens by asking them to view a color changer video tutorial. If the video is watched, the hacker can gain access to the user’s personal information and friends list.
The cybercriminals use two separate methods to attack users. For PC users, malware masquerading as a pornography video is offered. Android users are given a message that claims their device is infected with viruses and they need to install anti-virus software, which actually installs viruses on to the device.
According to Cheetah Mobile, a Chinese Internet company, the problem comes from a vulnerability in Facebook’s app page that allows hackers to implant viruses and malicious code. Anyone who has fallen victim to the scam should uninstall the app immediately and change their Facebook password. Additionally, it would be a good idea to disable Facebook’s apps platform altogether, but that would affect the ability to use third-party apps that rely on Facebook for login.
For any questions about phishing and scams, of you’re concerned about your business’s security, give Stratosphere Networks a call at 877-599-3999.