Better Business Bureau warns of scam involving Facebook messages

The BBB is warning the public about a new phishing scam that is going around social media.

Does this scenario sound familiar? If it doesn’t, it may soon enough.

The scam starts off by you receive a message from one of your friends or family members on Facebook. The message states something similar to “I am surprised to have seen you in this video” or “Is this you?” The message contains a web address that is supposed to lead you to the video in question. You’re not in the video, however. Don’t click on that link.

The BBB recommends that if you have received one of these links, delete the message and make sure your firewall and anti-virus software are up-to-date.

These contacts are cybercriminals making a phishing attempt. They want your information such as passwords and bank account numbers. They could also be attempting to get you to download malware on your computer.

The way the message is written makes it appear that your Facebook friend is surprised to see you doing whatever you’re doing in the video. It may be tempting to satisfy your curiosity. Don’t fall for it.

Follow these tips courtesy of the BBB to protect yourself from this and other Facebook scams.

-Always think before you click. If your friend wouldn’t typically send you that type of message, it’s best to check with them before you follow the link or type in the web address. It may have come from their account, but they could be victims too.

-Know videos shared on Facebook play when you click them. You shouldn’t have to type in additional login information, download something or navigate to an outside website.

-Use common sense. Scammers like to cause alarm to create urgency. You might get a message that indicates you’re in a compromising video, your password is being reset, your account is in danger of deactivation or some other situation that needs immediate attention. If it seems unlikely, watch out.

-If you receive the message from a friend, let them know their account has possibly been compromised and just don’t try to access the video. If you ignore it, your account remains secure.

-If you’ve already taken the bait, report the scammers to Facebook and let your friends and family know what happened to you. Then, change your login credentials. If you use the same username and password on other accounts, change those too. Also, use antivirus software to check and see if your computer has been infected with malware.

-If you spot an illegal scheme or fraud, help us warn others by reporting it on the BBB Scam Tracker..