Scam via Facebook

Here’s one to watch out for, folks…

With facebook being so popular, a lot of people are trying to use it to make money.  I was nearly tricked by one of these companies earlier this week, so I thought I’d share with others, as it seems like at least a few of my friends have been sucked into it too.

It starts out with an advertisement on the facebook site.  The ad is designed to look like part of the site, even though it isn’t.  Here is a sample, with the pictures blurred to protect the privacy of my friends:

Clicking on the ad takes you to a site outside of facebook, but again, the site is designed to have the same look and feel facebook.

 

It isn’t much of an IQ test; most of the questions are pretty easy.  But that isn’t their point.  They are really after something else… your cell phone number.  When you get to the last page it asks for your cell phone number so they can text you the results:

If you take the time to read the fine print at the bottom of the page, it will reveal that you are signing up for a $9.99 per month service that will be billed to your cell phone:

Summary Terms & Conditions:

This is an auto renewing subscription service on short code 86455 and available to users over 18 for $9.99 per month on AT&T, Verizon Wireless, Sprint and Nextel (3 alerts per week), Virgin Mobile USA, Cellular One, Cincinnati Bell, Centennial Wireless, Unicel and U.S. Cellular. For $6.99 per month on Boost and Cricket (2 alerts per week). For help, text HELP to 86455, email 86455@sms-helpdesk.com. or call 1800 235 7105 for automated help or call 1800 416 6129 for a live operator.You may stop this subscription service at any time by sending a text message with STOP to short code 86455. Standard messaging rates apply for Verizon Wireless customers. All other carriers, other charges may apply. Charges will appear on your wireless bill or be deducted from your pre-paid balance. Your phone must have text messaging capability. You must be the owner of this device or have permission from the owner. By signing up for this service and entering your personal PIN Code delivered to the cell phone number supplied by you on this website, you acknowledge that you are agreeing to the full Terms of Use. Click here for full Terms & Conditions. Affiliates

I believe they are engaging in dishonest business practices, and I hope that anyone who may have fallen for it will cancel their subscription to the service.  The company doesn’t deserve any of our money if they are doing this kind of thing.  And hopefully anyone else who encounters this will now know to avoid it.