Because of the “Is that you in the video” messages that are currently in circulation and sent via Facebook Messenger, this “chain letter” appears again and again.
Many users are unsettled as a result. We clarify what this chain letter is all about! It’s about this Facebook status post (sic!):
“Guys, please pay attention !! Almost all Facebook accounts have been or are currently being hacked. The profile picture and your name will be used to open a new FB account. Then they try to convince your friends to add you as a friend again … and voila, they are trying to ruin your life! Your friends will think it’s your account and will accept the friend request. From that moment on these pirates can write whatever they want on your behalf !! I want to let you know today that I have NO plans to open a new account, so please don’t accept a second invitation from me! I don’t have to borrow money from you or get you to invest in Bitcoins. Copy and post this message on your homepage so that your friends are warned !!,! Don’t forward or share. Simply hold your finger longer on the text and then click on Copy Text on your home page for a longer time where you are writing. Insert text appears and you’re done. With that in mind … stay vigilant. Greetings and stay healthy “
This chain letter has been around for many years and usually appears when fraudsters hit Facebook. Either because someone has once again clicked on a “professional viewer” or a “Is that you in the video” message fell for.
Facebook users are likely to confuse something here, because they were not victims of “phishing scams” or “hackers”, but rather fraudsters COPY existing profiles.
Why do fraudsters copy Facebook profiles?
The fraudsters access all information from a Facebook profile that they can bag through the public settings. Then they create a new identity with the same name and the previously used profile and cover picture.
Once that’s done, the fraudster scours through the entire list of friends on the original profile and sends the individual contacts a friend request. The majority of users also accept these requests, because they “know” each other.
If you accept the fraudulent request, you will in most cases quickly receive a message with the request for the mobile phone number and the numerical codes, which are received immediately after the number is disclosed. Absolute caution is required here: These small and inconspicuous number codes are worth real money!
Because by passing on the numeric code, the fraudster is able to redeem it with payment service providers. The victim then notices the fraud on the next mobile phone bill.
What can I do against it?
First of all, ask the friend from whom you have received this supposed renewed request whether he / she has actually sent a new request. Of course, this is best done face-to-face. If possible, report the fraudulent profile.
You can also remember that a new friend request is logical if the said friend has previously disappeared from the friend list – but you should still ask in this case.
A Report to the police we suggest. In view of the increasing numbers of cybercrime, special forces have been set up here. The so-called Cyber Crime Competence Center is technically highly professional and networked.
The Facebook scam with fake profiles is well known to the officials. Some organized gangs have been able to put an end to their craft – also in the area of Facebook profile copies.
For this, the officials are of course dependent on reports and thus on the help of those affected. According to the LKA Sachsen, the number of unreported cases of such fraud is still very, very high.
Conclusion:
The warning has been used for years and is true to its core. Although the profiles are not hacked, they are copied – perhaps also taken over via phishing attacks – but it is a real threat that can lead to loss of money.
Just passing on the cell phone number to a supposed friend does not lead to any burden. Only when the fraudster gets his hands on the number code sent does a potential purchase become visible on the victim’s mobile phone bill.
In general, it is therefore important to also inform supposed friends – be it via Messenger or via social networks – never pass on payment or confirmation codes sent by SMS.
Article image: Shutterstock.com / Daniel
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