Shampoo Warning Video is a Scam
Description: Viral posts / Scam
Circulating since: June 2014
Status: Fake / False
Examples:
Via social media, June-July 2014:
Analysis: The blurbs above are examples of a clickjacking scam using bait-and-switch tactics to lure users to deceptive websites where they're required to complete marketing surveys and/or download potentially dangerous software in order to view a promoted video which, in most cases, does not exist.
Users who click through are also required to share the video before viewing it, which is how the blurbs "go viral." It's always a bad idea to comply with such a requirement. Not only do you spam your own friends and expose them to a scam, you also, in effect, grant scammers access to your Facebook (or other social media) account. Think before you click!
The creepy-looking image used in the blurb above, supposedly depicting some sort of horrendous skin condition somebody got from using a name-brand shampoo, is a familiar bit of fakery created by combining a photo of human skin with a photo of a lotus seed pod. The medical condition is not real.
Test your hoax radar:Can YOU Spot the Fakes?
More examples of clickjacking scams:
• OMG Teen Died Immediately After Friends Did This" Video
• "Giant Snake Swallows Up a Zookeeper" Video
• "16 People Dead in Roller Coaster Accident" Video
• "Girl Killed Herself Live on Cam" Video
• "You Won't Believe What This Pregnant Girl Does!" Video
• "Great White Shark Tears Captain Apart in Seconds" Video
• "800-Pound Snake Pulled Out of Lake in Chicago Illinois" Video
Resources:
The Top 5 Signs That Video You're About to Share Is a Scam
About.com: Urban Legends
How to Protect Yourself from Clickjacking Attacks
About.com: Internet/Network Security
How to Keep Your Facebook Account Secure
Facebook Help Center
OMG! Facebook Newsfeed Still Polluted By Spammy Scam Video Links
Graham Cluley, 16 April 2014
When a Facebook Friend Gets Clickjacked, What Should You Do?
Sophos Naked Security blog, 25 March 2011
How to Spot a Facebook Survey Scam
Facecrooks.com, 6 February 2011
Last updated 08/01/14
Circulating since: June 2014
Status: Fake / False
Examples:
Via social media, June-July 2014:
GOVERNMENT WARNING: You Will Never Use This Shampoo After Viewing This Video
[12+ VIDEO] You Will Not Use Head & Shoulders Shampoo After Watching This Video - Must watch this video if you use Head & Shoulder Shampoo to save yourself...
[1?+ VIDEO] You Will Néver Use Dòve Shámpoò After Wátching This Clip!
[18+ VIDEO] You Will Never Use Garnier Shampoo After Watching This Clip - Must watch this video if you use Garnier Shampoo to save yourself from this disease
Analysis: The blurbs above are examples of a clickjacking scam using bait-and-switch tactics to lure users to deceptive websites where they're required to complete marketing surveys and/or download potentially dangerous software in order to view a promoted video which, in most cases, does not exist.
Users who click through are also required to share the video before viewing it, which is how the blurbs "go viral." It's always a bad idea to comply with such a requirement. Not only do you spam your own friends and expose them to a scam, you also, in effect, grant scammers access to your Facebook (or other social media) account. Think before you click!
The creepy-looking image used in the blurb above, supposedly depicting some sort of horrendous skin condition somebody got from using a name-brand shampoo, is a familiar bit of fakery created by combining a photo of human skin with a photo of a lotus seed pod. The medical condition is not real.
Test your hoax radar:Can YOU Spot the Fakes?
More examples of clickjacking scams:
• OMG Teen Died Immediately After Friends Did This" Video
• "Giant Snake Swallows Up a Zookeeper" Video
• "16 People Dead in Roller Coaster Accident" Video
• "Girl Killed Herself Live on Cam" Video
• "You Won't Believe What This Pregnant Girl Does!" Video
• "Great White Shark Tears Captain Apart in Seconds" Video
• "800-Pound Snake Pulled Out of Lake in Chicago Illinois" Video
Resources:
The Top 5 Signs That Video You're About to Share Is a Scam
About.com: Urban Legends
How to Protect Yourself from Clickjacking Attacks
About.com: Internet/Network Security
How to Keep Your Facebook Account Secure
Facebook Help Center
OMG! Facebook Newsfeed Still Polluted By Spammy Scam Video Links
Graham Cluley, 16 April 2014
When a Facebook Friend Gets Clickjacked, What Should You Do?
Sophos Naked Security blog, 25 March 2011
How to Spot a Facebook Survey Scam
Facecrooks.com, 6 February 2011
Last updated 08/01/14
