20/04/2021
ONLINE VIRUS ALERT!
Beware of suspicious posts tagged with dozens of names, possibly including yours. This new scam is called “malicious tagging,” and it’s tricking victims into downloading malware*.
In case your name gets tagged in an "adult" video supposedly by me, know that I would never knowingly tag anyone to click on such videos. Also, I would appreciate it if you brought it to my attention for damage control. I would do the same for you.
How the Scam Works:
You get a Facebook notification that a friend tagged you in a post. It appears to be a link to an “adult” video, and a dozen of your other friends are also tagged. Out of curiosity, you click on it. A pop up window appears, saying you need to download a Flash player update before you can watch the video.
DON'T CLICK ANY FURTHER, AND DON'T REPLY TO THE POST. The file you will be prompted to download isn’t really an update; it’s malware. In addition to opening you up to ID theft by scanning for personal and banking information, the malware also perpetuates the scam. It takes over your Facebook account, creates another fake video post and automatically tags a bunch of your friends.
*malware (noun): software that is specifically designed to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized access to a computer system.
Origin: 1990s, blend of malicious and software.
(Definition from Oxford Languages)
