5 Facebook hoaxes and scams to watch out for

By Cox Media Group National Content Desk

More and more Facebook users are falling for hoaxes and scams on the social network. Here are five to watch out for:

1. The privacy hoax. This one, which recently started making the rounds again, dates back as far as 2009, according to CNN. Users post a status update that looks something like this, ClarkHoward.com reports:

"I do not give Facebook or any entities associated with Facebook permission to use my pictures, information, or posts, both past and future. By this statement, I give notice to Facebook it is strictly forbidden to disclose, copy, distribute, or take any other action against me based on this profile and/or its contents. The content of this profile is private and confidential information. The violation of privacy can be punished by law (UCC 1-308- 1 1 308-103 and the Rome Statute). NOTE: Facebook is now a public entity. All members must post a note like this. If you prefer, you can copy and paste this version. If you do not publish a statement at least once it will be tactically allowing the use of your photos, as well as the information contained in the profile status updates."

Facebook weighed in on the issue Monday. "The thing about copying and pasting a legal notice is just a hoax," the company wrote. Check out Facebook's legal statement here.

2. The subscription hoax. This is another one that has taken the social network by storm as users rush to copy and paste the message as their latest status update. It reads like this, according to ClarkHoward.com:

"Now it's official! It has been published in the media. Facebook has just released the entry price: £5.99 to keep the subscription of your status to be set to "private." If you paste this message on your page, it will be offered free (I said paste not share) if not tomorrow, all your posts can become public. Even the messages that have been deleted or the photos not allowed. After all, it does not cost anything for a simple copy and paste."

Relax, everyone. "Facebook is free, and it always will be," the social network wrote.

3. The photo notification scam. This one works via email. First, you'll get a message saying you've been tagged in a photo on the social network. But don't blindly click. According to ClarkHoward.com, the scam email comes from a "Faceboook.com" address (with an extra "o") – and if you follow the enclosed link, you'll end up downloading malware. Your best bet is to delete the message ASAP.

4. The "dislike button" scam. This one is worse than a silly chain letter, according to ClarkHoward.com. Users post a link that claims to tell people how to get their new Facebook "dislike button"; instead, it takes you to another site that will take your personal information.

Here's what it looks like:

Although Facebook really does plan to introduce a dislike button, "you will not need to download anything from a third-party site," ClarkHoward.com reports.

5. Other types of clickjacking. Ever see those Facebook posts with salacious videos and photos, or ads promising deals that seem too good to be true? Well, they usually are. According to Facebook, "clickjacking is when scammers load fake buttons and icons to trick people into making unwanted actions." Usually, those actions involve giving up personal information. If you've accidentally clicked on one of these posts, check out the NakedSecurity blog for tips on what to do next.

Cox Media Group