It was just a matter of time before scammers would take advantage of our interest in news about the missing Malaysian Airlines flight MH370. This time they’re using click bait teasers promoting exclusive footage of found passengers.
Here’s how the scam works: You’re on Facebook and a post catches your attention. “Video of Malaysia MH370 Plane Found in Bermuda Triangle. Passengers alive,” it teases. Another popular version promises: “[NEWS FLASH] Missing Plane Has Been Found!”
You click the link thinking it leads to a news site. Instead, you’re taken to an unfamiliar third-party website. A popup may appear prompting you to “update your video player.” But when you click “OK,” you aren’t getting a new software version. You are really downloading malware. Another version of this scam asks you to take a survey before viewing the video.
Sharing your information can open you up to identity theft and even more likely will end up getting sold to spammers, said Shelley Polansky, vice president of communications for BBB Serving Northern Colorado and Wyoming.
She noted that similar links are being posted on Twitter, through other social media or sent by email.
To prevent becoming a victim, BBB advises:
Don’t take the bait. Stay away from promotions of “exclusive,” “shocking” or “sensational” footage. If it sounds too outlandish (Bermuda Triangle, really?) to be true, it’s probably a scam.
Hover over a link to see its true destination. Before you click a link, mouse over the link to see where it will take you. Don’t click on links leading to unfamiliar websites.
Don’t trust your friends’ taste online. It might not actually be them “liking” or sharing scam links to photos. Their account may have been hacked. But it may also be clickjacking, a technique that scammers use to trick you into clicking something that you wouldn’t otherwise (especially the Facebook “Like” button).
On social media, report scam posts and other suspicious activity directly to the site.
Start With Trust. For more consumer tips and information, visit our No CO BBB Website.