14 DAY TRIAL // An inaccurate warning message is currently making the rounds on Facebook. It informs users that if they see a “Your account is temporarily locked” warning, they should not click the “Continue” button because it’s a virus that “wipes out” the computer.
“WARNING TO EVERYONE: If you see something like this pop up on your screen, DO NOT CLICK CONTINUE!!! It is a virus, and it will WIPE OUT your computer!!!!” the messages read.
Hoax Slayer highlights the fact that the warning is highly inaccurate. In reality, the warning message is a genuine Facebook feature that alerts customers when malicious software is detected on their computers.
Contrary to what the warning message says, clicking the “Continue” button is highly recommended because it walks the user through the steps required to clean the possible malware infection.
The bottom line is that spreading such fake warnings is highly counterproductive. Not just because you are spreading incorrect information, but also because it might increase the chances of success for spam and phishing campaigns launched by cybercriminals.