Billions of Facebook users issued warning to avoid thousands of profiles that steal your info and device operation
FACEBOOK users have been warned about a complex phishing scam that is trying to steal personal data and can take control of devices.
A global cybersecurity group posted a warning about a 3-year-old phishing scheme that has a footprint of over 3,000 profiles on Facebook.
Group-IB, a Singapore-based tech collective that employs tech experts, said they found thousands of profiles impersonating Meta support staff.
The experts found profiles that claim “Your account has been detected as a possible violation.”
The scam accounts, according to screenshots supplied by Group-IB, are called “Assistance Verify.”
The phishing scam offers a hyperlink and asked victims to enter their account verification information.
“If you do not confirm, our system will automatically block your Facebook account and you will no longer be able to use it,” the scam warns.
The hacks asked users to hand over internet “cookies” for verification.
Cookies are data points collected by websites to see if users return to their web page.
By handing over cookies, browsers risk sharing extended personal information about their internet use.
Customers who enter their personal information into the hyperlink jeopardize their personal data safety.
The hackers can take over Facebook accounts and block users from access.
The experts said they found 3,200 profiles on Facebook in multiple languages since the beginning of 2023.
They also claim finding 1,200 in March alone.
The sinister efforts sought a wide range of account types, according to the experts
The hackers targeted individual accounts and public figures – including politicians, celebrities and even sports teams.
Meta recognized a majority of the accounts and was able to take them down in a matter of seconds.