Facebook Quizzes: More than just a game
We've all seen them and most likely, many have participated in them; Facebook quizzes that have flooded our feeds. Seemingly harmless, people perceive them as a fun way to engage with their friends and learn more about their connections. These popular quizzes ask users to answer a series of personal information under the guise that they are "getting to know" the user or themselves better.
Common quiz questions include details like best friend from high school, dog's name, birth month, or birth city.
Unfortunately, the questions are also commonly used security questions by financial institutions or other organizations in order to further protect customers from hackers accessing their accounts.
These "fun" personality quizzes can be cleverly disguised behind holiday or pop culture themes but are in fact phishing scams attempting to steal personal information in order to piece together password and security information, which could then be sold on the dark web for use in accessing accounts or opening new ones.
Once users take these quizzes, there is no getting back the information provided. However, users can protect themselves in the future by never participating in any online quiz, as it often takes thieves multiple attempts to gain personal data needed to create a full profile.
In the event personal information has been used to steal your account holder's identity, a personal Identity Recovery Advocate is standing by to research and resolve any identity theft issue that they may suspect, or evidence of identity fraud that they discover.
Newsletter Content
Facebook Quizzes: More than just a game.
The Facebook Quiz. Which Disney princess are you? What city should you actually live in? What food matches your personality? What career should you actually have? We've all seen them. Most likely we played along at some point. On the outside, these playful, whimsical quizzes seem harmless, even fun, but the reality is much darker. These popular quizzes ask you to answer a series of personal questions under the guise that you're getting to know yourself or your connections better or you are creating something unique and humorous that you will want to share. Common quiz questions request details like your best friend from high school, the name of the street you grew up on, your first pet’s name, your birth month or birth city. If this sound familiar it’s because these answers are also answers to common challenge questions used by financial institutions and other companies as part of the security authentication designed to protect customers' accounts from hackers. So while you are participating in these seemingly harmless personality quizzes you may actually
be helping a criminal piece together your password and security information to gain access to your accounts or your email.
In addition, when you click to begin or to respond to questions, the links, image, and other elements within these quizzes may be laced with viruses that can infect your computer, phone, or tablet, further exposing you to fraud and theft by exposing your information over a longer period of time. And at a minimum quizzes may be gathering data points about you and your preferences for targeted spam and online ads.
While not all quizzes have a sinister motive, it pays to protect yourself and your identity by thinking twice before participating in Facebook or online quizzes. Stick to the mantra: When in doubt, don't fill it out!
The purpose of our message today is to help you be more aware so you can better protect your personal information. But remember, in the event your personal information has been used to steal your identity, we are here for you. A personal Identity Recovery Advocate is standing by to research and resolve any identity theft issue that you may suspect, or evidence of identity fraud that you discover, no matter what the cause.
Online and Email Scams – Every day, Google blocks more than 100 million COVID-related phishing emails, and that is just a fraction of the phishing emails that make it through, making your email inbox a target. Phishing is the practice of impersonating a trusted organization and sending out emails hoping someone will “take the bait” and open an attachment or respond with personal information. Facebook phishing is also on the rise as more people turn to Facebook and other social media platforms to keep in touch with friends and family. With all the activity related to COVID-19 and the Stimulus, consumers can be easily confused by official-looking communications. Never give away your personal information via email or in social media. A legitimate organization will never ask you for this information through these channels.
Phone Scams – Dialing for dollars is back in fashion. Scammers have started calling with phony information on how to get your stimulus money. As the IRS points out; the government will not call you with this type of request. While much of this information might be obvious to you, it’s important to follow up with members of your family who might not be as informed or capable. Your offers protection for up to three generations (3G Coverage) of your family. If they are compromised, we can help restore them to their pre-breach status.
In a time of great uncertainty, we must remain vigilant in the face of ever-present threats. Having a partner who can help you get your life back in the event of identity theft can help ease some of the uncertainty. Take a moment to review your financial transactions and keep watch for scams that would compromise your identity. As always, if you suspect that your identity has been compromised, we are here to help.
Social Media Content
Help your account holders avoid falling into the trap of online quizzes through information and education. Here are several social media posts that can help reinforce the message in the editorial content.
Post #1 - When it doubt, don't fill it out. Fun Facebook quizzes could actually be phishing scams attempting to steal your personal data. Skip the quiz, protect yourself. #skipthequiz #yourprotectionpartner
Post #2 - When in doubt, don't fill it out. Finding out what type of Disney princess you are could lead to your personal information being stolen. Skip the quiz, protect yourself. #skipthequiz #yourprotectionpartner
Post #3 - When in doubt, don't fill it out. What city should you actually live in? This curious Facebook Quiz could be a disguise to elicit personal information that can lead to spam or even fraud. Skip the quiz, protect yourself. #skipthequiz #yourprotectionpartner
Post #4 - When in doubt, don't fill it out. What food matches your personality? As you find out, so does a scammer who might be trying to steal your personal information or your identity. Skip the quiz, protect yourself. #skipthequiz #yourprotectionpartner
Post #5 - When in doubt, don't fill it out. FB quizzes asking for personal details under the guise of being fun, insightful, or socially engaging can actually be stealing your personal info to sell on the dark web. Skip the quiz, protect yourself. #skipthequiz #yourprotectionpartner
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