We all know that we can “like” something on Facebook, but our options for expressing our dislike of something we see or read are limited to clicking “like” and then “un-liking” it by clicking again.
Unfortunately, scammers are hard at work trying to find new ways to access our personal information online. One of the ways that scammers have been able to do this recently is with the Facebook “dislike” button scam. If you’ve seen a message on your Facebook wall from one of your virtual friends saying that they’ve just downloaded the official Facebook dislike button, you may want to think twice before signing up.
There is a valid Facebook dislike button out there. It was developed by FaceMod, and is not officially endorsed by Facebook. Users can download it directly from their Firefox add-ons page, and start disliking things to their heart’s content. However, the “Official Dislike Button” scam enables this otherwise harmless application to access the user’s profile and personal information.
Before users can access the dislike button, they are also required to complete a survey, which is how the scammers are able to make a profit. After giving the application access to their personal information and completing this survey, users are directed to their Firefox browser add-on page and the FaceMod application. Even worse, the scam will also update the user’s status with a message prompting others to download the application
The good news for Facebook users who really want to share their dislikes (come on, even I’m tempted!) is that FaceMod is not associated with the scam, and the real button can be downloaded directly without having to give an unknown application access to your personal information.
FaceMod’s corporate mission to grow a socially responsible technology company that serves our community of users. FaceMod is not affiliated with, and does not condone any online scam. FaceMod founder Ron Sharpp said, “We will continue to stand by our commitment to offer quality products which meet a genuine demand in the social media and internet world, and we want to thank the many users who have been expressing their support and enjoyment of FaceMod thus far.” FaceMod Press Release
The bad news is that scams like this are very prevalent on Facebook, and if you’re not careful, you may be giving away more than you bargain for when you click that “Allow Permission” button.
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About the author: Jeune Ortiz is VP of Marketing and Creative Director at future-ink. With more than 20 years of experience in graphic design and marketing, Jeune brings extensive knowledge and creativity to each website and internet marketing solution to grow your business.
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