“First Time In Facebook History” Car Giveaway Scams

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Written by: Stelian Pilici

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Scams have been around for centuries, but with the rise of the internet and social media, scammers have found new ways to deceive unsuspecting victims. One such scam that has gained popularity in recent years is the “First Time In Facebook History” car giveaway scam. This article will delve into what this scam is, how it works, what to do if you have fallen victim, and provide valuable insights to help you stay safe online.

Scams

What is the “First Time In Facebook History” Car Giveaway Scam?

The “First Time In Facebook History” car giveaway scam is a fraudulent scheme that promises users the chance to win a brand new car by simply liking, sharing, and commenting on a Facebook post. These posts often feature images of luxury cars and claim that the car giveaway is a special event organized by Facebook.

However, it is important to note that Facebook does not organize such giveaways. These scams are created by malicious individuals who aim to exploit the trust and naivety of social media users for their own gain.

How Does the Scam Work?

The “First Time In Facebook History” car giveaway scam works by tricking users into engaging with the fraudulent post. Here is a step-by-step breakdown of how the scam typically unfolds:

  1. The scammer creates a Facebook post featuring an enticing image of a luxury car and a caption claiming that Facebook is giving away cars for the first time in its history.
  2. The post instructs users to like, share, and comment on the post to enter the giveaway.
  3. Once users engage with the post, the scammer gains access to their personal information, such as their Facebook profile, email address, and phone number.
  4. The scammer may also redirect users to a fake website or survey, where they are prompted to provide additional personal information or even make a payment to claim their prize.
  5. After obtaining the users’ personal information, the scammer can use it for various malicious purposes, such as identity theft, phishing attacks, or selling the information to other scammers.

What to Do If You Have Fallen Victim?

If you have fallen victim to the “First Time In Facebook History” car giveaway scam, it is important to take immediate action to protect yourself:

  • Report the fraudulent post to Facebook by clicking on the three dots in the top right corner of the post and selecting “Report post.”
  • Change your Facebook password to prevent further unauthorized access to your account.
  • Monitor your bank accounts and credit cards for any suspicious activity and report it to your financial institution.
  • Run a scan with Malwarebytes Free to check for any malware or viruses that may have been installed on your device.
  • Be cautious of any future Facebook posts or messages that promise extravagant prizes or ask for personal information.

Protecting Yourself from Scams

While scams like the “First Time In Facebook History” car giveaway can be enticing, there are several steps you can take to protect yourself from falling victim:

  • Be skeptical of any posts or messages that seem too good to be true. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
  • Verify the legitimacy of a giveaway or promotion by visiting the official website or social media page of the company or organization supposedly running the promotion.
  • Do not share personal information, such as your address, phone number, or financial details, with unknown individuals or organizations.
  • Regularly update your passwords and enable two-factor authentication for added security.
  • Install reputable antivirus software, such as Malwarebytes Free, to protect your devices from malware and viruses.

Summary

The “First Time In Facebook History” car giveaway scam is a deceptive scheme that preys on the trust and excitement of social media users. By understanding how this scam works and taking proactive measures to protect yourself, you can avoid falling victim to such fraudulent schemes. Remember to stay vigilant, report suspicious posts, and always verify the legitimacy of any giveaways or promotions before engaging with them. By following these guidelines and using reputable security software like Malwarebytes Free, you can enjoy a safer online experience.

How to Stay Safe Online

Here are 10 basic security tips to help you avoid malware and protect your device:

  1. Use a good antivirus and keep it up-to-date.

    Shield Guide

    It's essential to use a good quality antivirus and keep it up-to-date to stay ahead of the latest cyber threats. We are huge fans of Malwarebytes Premium and use it on all of our devices, including Windows and Mac computers as well as our mobile devices. Malwarebytes sits beside your traditional antivirus, filling in any gaps in its defenses, and providing extra protection against sneakier security threats.

  2. Keep software and operating systems up-to-date.

    updates-guide

    Keep your operating system and apps up to date. Whenever an update is released for your device, download and install it right away. These updates often include security fixes, vulnerability patches, and other necessary maintenance.

  3. Be careful when installing programs and apps.

    install guide

    Pay close attention to installation screens and license agreements when installing software. Custom or advanced installation options will often disclose any third-party software that is also being installed. Take great care in every stage of the process and make sure you know what it is you're agreeing to before you click "Next."

  4. Install an ad blocker.

    Ad Blocker

    Use a browser-based content blocker, like AdGuard. Content blockers help stop malicious ads, Trojans, phishing, and other undesirable content that an antivirus product alone may not stop.

  5. Be careful what you download.

    Trojan Horse

    A top goal of cybercriminals is to trick you into downloading malware—programs or apps that carry malware or try to steal information. This malware can be disguised as an app: anything from a popular game to something that checks traffic or the weather.

  6. Be alert for people trying to trick you.

    warning sign

    Whether it's your email, phone, messenger, or other applications, always be alert and on guard for someone trying to trick you into clicking on links or replying to messages. Remember that it's easy to spoof phone numbers, so a familiar name or number doesn't make messages more trustworthy.

  7. Back up your data.

    backup sign

    Back up your data frequently and check that your backup data can be restored. You can do this manually on an external HDD/USB stick, or automatically using backup software. This is also the best way to counter ransomware. Never connect the backup drive to a computer if you suspect that the computer is infected with malware.

  8. Choose strong passwords.

    lock sign

    Use strong and unique passwords for each of your accounts. Avoid using personal information or easily guessable words in your passwords. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts whenever possible.

  9. Be careful where you click.

    cursor sign

    Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. These could potentially contain malware or phishing scams.

  10. Don't use pirated software.

    Shady Guide

    Avoid using Peer-to-Peer (P2P) file-sharing programs, keygens, cracks, and other pirated software that can often compromise your data, privacy, or both.

To avoid potential dangers on the internet, it's important to follow these 10 basic safety rules. By doing so, you can protect yourself from many of the unpleasant surprises that can arise when using the web.

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