Question Sponsored FB link and virus

[modeonoff]

Hi, I went to FB via MS Edge. At the right hand corner, I saw 'You've Got New Friend Request!! Accept Now!! I just clicked on it and the computer said I had clicked on a link that caused virus and "Windows Defender Security Has Disabled Your Computer. Please Contact Microsoft Windows Support to Unlock Your Computer. +1 (888) 794 6717." I terminated the task using Control Alt Delete. I went to FB again and noticed that there is a Sponsored word above the friend request icon and there is a small sjalfood.online. Do I need to worry about my computer being infected or information stolen?

 

[punkncat]

Not so long as you didn't click inside that link/pop-up. Run a scan just to be sure.

This is super common on FB now and they won't do anything to stop it. I either avoid sponsored links from places I am not already familiar with or check comments before clicking in.

 

[rgd1101]

use an ad blocker

 

[USAFRet]

You probably don't have an actual virus.
That message WAS the "virus". Trying to trick you into calling that number.

But, do some scans with whatever tools you have available.

 

[punkncat]

use an ad blocker

Won't work as it doesn't pop up without interaction.

 

[rgd1101]

that is what ad blocker does. remove it without interaction

 

[USAFRet]

Won't work as it doesn't pop up without interaction.

Thats the problem...the user DID interact with it.
It was a seemingly innocent request.

 

[punkncat]

Thats the problem...the user DID interact with it.
It was a seemingly innocent request.

That is what I am saying. A pop up blocker won't stop it because the user has to interact with it to get it to pop up. This is super common on FB right now. I have lodged complaint after complaint as it is a common thing I deal with from people who call me wondering what to do.

IME with it, so long as you don't further click into any links within that pop-up or call that # you are good. Still ridiculous that a platform such as that basically allows virus vectors like this to run unmitigated and without care.

 

[USAFRet]

That is what I am saying. A pop up blocker won't stop it because the user has to interact with it to get it to pop up. This is super common on FB right now. I have lodged complaint after complaint as it is a common thing I deal with from people who call me wondering what to do.

IME with it, so long as you don't further click into any links within that pop-up or call that # you are good. Still ridiculous that a platform such as that basically allows virus vectors like this to run unmitigated and without care.

A week ago, I got a friend request on FB, from an account with a name I knew.
A person I've known for 50+ years. Slightly uncommon spelling of his name, first and last.

I clicked accept....the account started to engage me in conversation.
Then...{hey, wait a minnit...I'm already friends with this person}

The text of what the scam account was saying was NOT in the style of the person I know.

Later that afternoon, I contacted the actual person . "Yeah, no...that wasn't me"


So...scams abound. Some very convincing.

 

[CelicaGT]

In the future, avoid using ANY sponsored links EVER, ANYWHERE. If you see a product or service you are interested on FB or anywhere else, do an independent search for it in another browser tab. For friend requests, contact that person directly via non FB means before accepting. Never minding the plague FB is upon society it does have some useful functions so I do not denounce it. But approach it like an angry cat, slowly, with gloves, and be prepared to beat a hasty retreat.

 

[modeonoff]

I installed Bitdefender Internet Security few months ago. Hope it did something. Ran a scan using it and no problem reported.

If I knew it were a sponsored link, I would not have clicked it. Next time I go to FB, I will be extra careful.

Thanks all.

 

[USAFRet]

If I knew it were a sponsored link, I would not have clicked it. Next time I go to FB, I will be extra careful.

You need to be careful ALL the time. Not just on FB.