Last time it was a threat from Twitter saying that some one was saying bad things about you. Now it’s a Facebook message that arrives in your Email. Pay attention Halifax and Dartmouth.
I was in a corporation doing some social media consulting when one of the employees received this Email message. It looks very similar to what we are used to seeing from Facebook; if we are receiving Emails from Facebook.
This one had a vulgar direct message to the receiver. For most people, the “F”bomb would fire them up for a good fight. And that’s what the creators of this latest threat want. They are playing on your emotions to get you to click on the link.
The place I was in had a great security system set in place. We checked the link to verify the suspected end result. The security system stopped the page from loading. This was malware trying to get onto the computer or social media account.
I saw another message from Facebook in someone’s Email later that day. I was doing more social media training with another group of businesses. This time it was a message from a school friend. It was funny because the receiver of the Email did not go to school with the sender of the message. These messages are making their way around. Watch out everyone!
When I wrote my last post of the Twitter virus, it sparked a lot of attention; even from the Oprah Winfrey Blog. What was amazing about the Twitter virus attack was that people actually believed that people where saying bad things about them. It really showed the world how people really feel about themselves. It was a snap shot of how we see ourselves. I guess we need a Tony Robbin’s moment.
This latest Facebook attack can have the same effect. Instead of ignoring these Email messages, many will click on the link; to either shout back at the sender or reply because they feel they have to. They feel compelled to click and respond.
So what is our walk away for today? Watch what comes in your Email from Facebook; and even other sources. Use caution in regards to what you click on in the Emails. These links can launch a deadly virus onto your computer or casue you to start spamming the world with a message you did not write.
I would rather you go to the source of the Email, that’s Facebook, than click on the link inside the Email. Go to your Facebook if you feel you have to. Check to see if you can see it on your Wall or your message system on Facebook. You probably won’t see it there. If you do see a link there, don’t click the link. Send that person a message if you have to, but again, don’t click on the link. I bet they are unaware that they even sent it at all. So be safe out there.
