A new scam is using dirty tactics to trick unsuspecting Facebook users into clicking a malicious link, with scammers sending a message with the subject line “Look Who Died.” Do not click on the link if you’ve received a similar message from a friend or family member.
The large-scale phishing scam aims to steal a victim’s Facebook login credentials and install nasty malware on your device through a fake news story about the death of someone you may know. It’s a vile scheme that can catch you off guard, and it’s currently making the rounds on the social media platform.
Spotted by cybersecurity company DataProt, the hackers send a message via Messenger, prompting users to open it since it’s from another friend’s profile previously infected by the malware. If the user clicks the link in the message, they’ll need to log in with their Facebook username and password to view the false story – leading to their credentials being stolen.
Scammers will also infect the user’s device with malware, and their profile will spread the same malicious message without the user’s knowledge. Because of its widespread potential, anyone with a Facebook account should beware of any messages with the same subject line.
These scams aim to affect as many people as possible and usually use a messaging platform or emails to spread malicious links and malware. To block scam emails on Gmail or scam emails on Outlook, we’ve got you covered.
What should I do?
If the”Look Who Died” scam message has been sent to you, do not open the message or click the link. Just delete it.
Like all phishing campaigns, hackers use different social engineering tactics to dupe people into agreeing to their demands. This attack uses terminology and familiar accounts from people you know to make you believe it is real, but it’s just a ploy to get you to click the link.
We all make mistakes sometimes, so if you have clicked the link by accident, there are steps you can take to make sure you will be safe.
You’ll know you’ve been hacked if your device starts acting strangely. This includes your device operating slower than usual, like apps taking a while to open or close randomly or its battery draining too fast. This is because malicious software can take up processing power and use your phone’s resources. With this particular attack, you may be locked out of your Facebook account or see devices logged in that you’re not familiar with.
First, make sure to change your password immediately. This makes sure the scammer can’t access your account. You can also report an account takeover to Facebook.
Logging out of all devices you don’t recognise is also good practice. On your Facebook account, tap Settings > Security and Login > tap the device you want to log out and tap Log out.
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How to avoid the “Look Who Died” scam
Defending against nasty phishing scams will help keep personal and financial information safe from prying eyes – especially on a open social media platform like Facebook. Hackers will dupe unsuspecting victims into downloading malware or sending them their login credentials, which is exactly what the attackers behind the “Look Who Died” scam aim to achieve.
Here are a few ways scams with malicious links.
Use antivirus software scan and block scams
One of the best antivirus software will stop scam in it’s tracks. Many high-standard AV protection offer near-perfect scores when it comes to detecting and protecting against malware, meaning even complex malicious software can’t go unnoticed in messages or emails.
Messages from scammers can contain harmful links or attachments filled with malware, which you never want on your device. The good news is you can let one of the best antivirus software services do all the legwork for you, as they have security and privacy features to protect your accounts.
Services such as Avast One, Bitdefender, Norton 360 and more have protection tools that block malicious email address, links and attachments. To make sure scams block malware damaging your device, or to keep you safe from threat actors hacking your phone through texting and more, make sure to set yourself up with an antivirus.
- Norton 360 review: Optimal security
- Avast One review: Strong antivirus for free!
- Bitdefender review: All-in-one premium security
