I’ve received a Facebook private message that appeared to be from a friend inviting me to an event titled “Get @iPad_ for Free Event!!”. (See below). Other users have reported wall messages and status updates with phrases like “u have to check out this website its glitchin right now and sending out ipads to everyone for free!”. Similar spam messages have appeared on Twitter, via hacked accounts.
A Facebook spokesman told IDG the iPad scam was affecting “an extremely small percentage of people on Facebook” but they took the threat seriously.
Meanwhile, Facebook users have also reported spammy chat messages touting IQ quizzes and mobile ring tones.
If you see any messages like this, please ignore them so the spam doesn’t spread. Also if it’s via a friend’s account, let them know so they can update their password and take other security steps. Don’t friend any spammers on Facebook either, even if the site is suggesting them as ‘People You May Know’. You don’t because the profiles are not real.
I try to remember that if it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is. I read the private message from my friend because she is a trusted source but ultimately I realized that she must have been hacked. I’d love a free iPad but I can’t imagine any company is just randomly giving them out to all comers.
Source: All Facebook
Thursday, August 26, 2010