23/2/09
UPDATE: For now, the application has been took down. Refer below for details.
Good News, Firstly, the application has been took down by Facebook, I think. Because the application is GONE ! I can’t find it anywhere.
Secondly, THE VERY FIRST RESULT on GOOGLE SEARCH FOR Facebook Error System leads you to a spyware page.
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Hello Guys,
I am here reporting after midnight to try to get you guys to beware of a Facebook Malware Application, I am starting to get the virus over here already.
Please be VERY CAREFUL and dont get tricked.
Basically, this application may or may not redirect you to a Spyware Site. This application itself will not harm you, but it could take your personal information.
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Be careful about installing a Facebook application called ‘Error Check System’!
Thousands of Facebook users today seem to be getting messages saying that 10 or 20 of their friends had tried to view their profile but there was an error. The solution that was recommended of course was that they install the Error Check application. As far as I can see though there was in fact no real error and the profiles were fine to look at.
Basically, if that is too hard for you to understand. It basically means that, you and Facebook have no error, but its just those people who created this application have a error in someway, I guess.
If you see this, DONT PANIC. THERE IS NO VIRUS. THEY ARE JUST TRYING TO TRICK YOU!
See the GRAMMAR ERRORS? ” View the Errors Mesage ” ???
IF YOU WANT TO MAKE IT LOOK REAL, LEARN SOME ENGLISH !!
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So, If you went to click and error message, you are not in deep shit yet, it just shows you this:
Alright, if you click on the Error Check System, now here is trouble.
Can you read the highlighted portions?
” This Application is NOT CREATED by FACEBOOK ” — OBVIOUS
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So if you are like me, want to take more risk, CAN !
Click on ‘ Go To The Application ‘ and click activate below
Once you click activate, it will bring you to a website to ” scan ” for viruses.
IN ACTUAL FACT, IT DOES NOT SCAN VIRUS, IT PUTS VIRUS.
BUT WAIT ! I am not using Internet Explorer, Since I use Opera I just click ‘ Stop Executing Scripts from this page ‘ and I am done, no more annoying ads.
This virus is more focused for Internet Explorer.
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But, wait, what If I installed already
A new Facebook application launched Feb. 20, 2009 has the potential to expose the personal information of Facebook users and information about your friends.
The Error Check System notifies users that a specific Facebook contact had difficulty viewing their profile because of errors and invites you to “View the Errors Message.” Despite skipping the option of sharing this application with others, by allowing the Error Check System access to your own profile, your friends also receive similar messages.
Receive the Error Check System Message? Most users report receiving a message in their Facebook Notification, as follows: [Facebook User's Name] has faced some errors when checking your profile View The Errors Message.
If you have received this message, follow these steps to remove the potentially hazardous Error Check System application:
Click “Applications” in the bottom, left-hand corner of Facebook.
Next, click “Edit” in the top, right-hand corner of the Applications menu.
Locate “Error Check System,” then click the “X” on the line next to its name.
A window will appear confirming this action. Select “Remove” to completely remove the application.
Update
I just visited Facebook and instantly had three notifications from the application which still appears to be active. I’ve tested out the offending application and it appears that this application is one that is viral for the sake of being viral. It posts a phony image which says that you have an error in the process “PR:147″ and you must invite your friends. It then prompts you to invite your friends in order to check their profile.
None of the stated information is accurate and it’s just a phony application to attract users and temporarily attract thousands if not millions of users and hope that some of them click on the ads. It’s an interesting strategy but there’s no doubt Facebook will shut this down in a short amount of time. Thankfully this application doesn’t harm your computer but it will annoy the hell out of your friends with the numerous notifications it sends!
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Hope that you can do your part by sending this link to your friends.
Thanks,
Jeremy
Thanks to some of you guys for telling me first, About.com,All Facebook, including a person’s blog which I took some info from.
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Jeremy Goh
Jeremy is a friendly geek with a passion for Social Media and all things Technology/Design. When he is not obsessed with anything tech related, you can catch him emceeing, speaking in public or at Toastmasters, playing a quick game and coming out with some killer ideas! And yes, I offer Social Media Consultancy and Branding services. (more..)
