Facebook virus and phishing warning

Last week I got a Facebook message from a good friend of mine. It had some video to click on that was supposed to be funny.

Since it was my old pal from college, I didn't think twice.  Beee baaaaa, beee baaaaaa (that is the sound of warning alarm bells going off that I should have heard), you see, the weasels fooled me!  Me of all people, who makes a living warning people of scams!

It wasn't my old friend who sent me that. It came from some malicious computer crooks, who somehow hacked into his account and sent out messages with not so pleasant viruses attached. Luckily, the video wouldn't open on my home computer and an hour later I got an email from him saying watch out !

Facebook later sent him the email below. I would love to know what the phishing website designed to "look like Facebook" really looks like:

Hi, We have detected suspicious activity on your Facebook account and have reset your password as a security precaution. It is possible that malicious software was downloaded to your computer or that your password was stolen by a phishing website designed to look like Facebook. Please carefully follow the steps provided:

1. Run Anti-Virus Software: If your computer has been infected with a virus or with malware, you will need to run anti-virus software to remove these harmful programs and keep your information secure. For Microsoft. For Apple.

2. Reset Password: From the Account Settings page, you will need to create a new password. Be sure that you use a complex string of numbers, letters, and punctuation marks that is at least six characters in length. It should also be different from other passwords you use elsewhere on the internet.

3. Secure Email: Make sure that any email addresses associated with your account are secure, since anyone who can read your email can probably also access your Facebook account. If you believe someone has accessed one of your email accounts, you should change its password.

4. Never Click Suspicious Links: It is possible that your friends could unknowingly send spam, viruses, or malware through Facebook if their accounts are infected. Do not click this material and do not run any .exe files on your computer without knowing what they are. Also, be sure to use the most current version of your browser as they contain important security warnings and protection features.

5. Log in at Facebook.com: Make sure that when you access the site, you always log in from a legitimate Facebook page with the facebook.com domain. If something looks or feels suspicious, go directly to www.facebook.com to log in.

6. Learn More: Please visit the following page for further information about Facebook security and information on reporting material.

Thanks, The Facebook Team

OTHER SCAM ALERTS AND TIPS:

• How to make sure you get your free credit report from a legit site, click here.
• For 'news you can use' about scam websites and emails claiming you can apply for economic stimulus money.
• How long will it take to pay off your plastic? Click here for the FTC's credit card repayment calculator.
• What are the top complaints and scams reported to the FTC and where do they happen? Click here.