If you received an email informing you that you have won a big prize from Facebook, simply delete it, as it is part of a new scam circulating online.
The fake alerts detected by Hoax Slayer state:
“Congratulations from Facebook! We are pleased to inform you about the results of the annual draw held on March 30, 2014 by the Facebook team in collaboration with Promotion, to encourage all users of the social network. Your name is included among the 50 lucky winners who win $600,000.”
“We need your immediate response so that we can proceed with the delivery of the money you are entitled to. You must contact us (fbaward14@gmail.com) to reconfirm your details. Additionally, if there is any change in your email address, please contact us in a timely manner.”
Of course, the emails have nothing to do with Facebook. Those who respond to the fake notifications are asked to hand over their personal and financial information, as well as some special fees that supposedly must be paid to receive the cash prize.
If you have fallen victim to such a scam, you should take steps to protect your bank account and identity, depending on the type of information you have given to the scammers.
