Facebook scammers are once again exploiting ignorant victims who are eager to lose weight. This time, the HCG Diet is the target; anyone who has heard of the diet or is willing to try a new one to drop a few pounds is a potential victim.
This version says something along the lines of “I’ve lost 10 pounds in just one week all thanks to HCG! Check it out” or “I’ve lost over a stone in just 2 weeks all thanks to HCG! Check it out” followed by a fraudulent link. It also typically has a comment from the same Facebook user right underneath the original shared story, according to Sophos.
Instead of learning about an actual diet, you’ll be told to share the link with all of your Facebook friends, as well as add a comment. The next webpage urges you to sign up for a premium rate mobile phone service, complete an online survey, and/or buy some pills.
The scammers’ goal is to drive more traffic towards certain sites. This is how the scammer earns his or her money: a commission for every survey completed, every product purchased, and/or every account compromised. They also use them to spread malware and obtain personal information.
As a general word of caution, don’t click on everything your Facebook friends share on the social network. If you see a scam like this one, report it. Then go check your own Wall to make sure you’re not spreading the scam; the sooner you clean it up and Unlike any relevant Pages, the better. You can also contact Facebook Security if you’d like to.
See also:
- Facebook virus or account hacked? Here’s how to fix it.
- Facebook releases official Guide to Facebook Security
- Experts: Facebook crime is on the rise
- Sex sells: Men fall for Facebook scams more than women
- Researchers invade Facebook with socialbots, grab 250GB of data
- Facebook Immune System checks 25 billion actions every day
