It’s not new but after seeing a rash of click and “likejacking” scams flutter past me in my own social network, I want to remind everyone that these scams start with real looking and enticing links to view salacious, shocking, heart-warming, or unique video or photos. The scams leverage scripting in internet browsers so it can happen anywhere online, not just in our favorite social networks. Most target our interest in celebrities, whether the tragic crash and burn of a famous television star or the stumbling of a teen star as she navigates her way to adulthood. My own friends, my own children have fallen for these and I hope with some more attention paid to the issue we can all stay safe.
Some of the scam headlines:
“Japanese tsunami pushes whale into building”;
“Dad takes daughter’s photo every day for 10 years”;
“S-I-C-K! I lost all respect for celebrity name when I watched this video!”
What is “click” or “likejacking”? Here are some great articles to explain:
Symantec Security Response: http://www.symantec.com/connect/blogs/clickjack-baddie-whack
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/help/?faq=18683&ref_query=clickjacking
BBC: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10224434
If you have fallen for one of these scams and now are posting the same strange ad or link in your status, make sure you delete the post. Just click on your name to get to your own page and find the post. Then put your mouse over the right side until an “x” appears and click that. Make your new status a warning to your friends not to fall for it. Check your apps and app requests on the left side of your profile page. Remove any you don’t recognize or use regularly. Finally, Norton’s Safe Web application runs on Facebook to make sure your links are safe. It’s free, so just search “Norton” under apps.