Avoid Scams On Facebook
Facebook, developed by Mark Zuckerberg, is a free-for-all social networking site which has gained immense popularity in recent times. People of all gender, culture and background are using it to get in touch with their old friends or simply make new ones. It is said to be the latest upgrade in social networking since MySpace. And if you take note, you will find not only your old school mates but your colleagues and companions alike on this platform.
It is addictive with its wall-to-wall communication, java script games, personality oriented quizzes and many more widgets which you can access with the click of a button. Apart from that, it encourages commerce through advertising, business linking and event management opportunities.
Since there are millions of users there is always the issue of invasion of privacy and mishaps which embarrass not only the user who reports it but the site as well. Facebook allows the option of flagging malicious content and reporting misuse to the admin, but such calamities are best if avoided before it builds up. Here are a few details to look out for.
Spyware and Spamware: This is the most common and notorious method plaguing all social networking sites and communities.
Messages that contain illicit links and software that is emailed to you from one of your contact’s ID tempting you to check it; however, instead you would find that your computer is not only infected but the same message is being sent to all your contacts through your ID. The most dangerous of all are spy ware which bugs your computer in a matter that records and informs nefarious individual on your activities by monitoring your typing input. Credit card details are often lost when a user with an infected computer tries to shop online.
A Friend in Need is a Friend Indeed Fraud: This is a scenario where you would be mailed by a friend who has somehow encountered misfortunes and is in need of your assistance primarily through monetary sums. The stories which have been used so far are baffling and would take over anybody’s better judgments. In this case it is best to use logic, if your friend was really in trouble or in an emergency and needed your help would he not have called you instead? Or he would have emailed if he lives in some far off place? You can easily assume that that the message you received is from someone looking forward to making a quick buck by hacking your friends account and conning you through your emotions.
“Phishing” Scam: This is the worst of all scams and is a considered a criminal offense where an attempt is made to acquire personal information such as usernames, passwords and credit card details through a fake site or channel of communication which has the guise and grace of a real one. It is made with such perfection that it fools not only users but even administrators of reputed sites to hosting their content as advertisement.
Remember to double check whenever you are online and to stay clear of the above. Always be sharp and wary when you are online and you will be clear of any risk. As the old tale goes, a stitch in time saves nine.