Actor Charlie Sheen Found Dead at Home Video Could Infect Your Computer With a Virus- Scam!
Summary of eRumor:
This is a warning posted on the popular Facebook web site that alerts readers that the actor Charlie Sheen has been found dead at his home. The warning says that clicking a link to a video report can result in a computer virus infection.
The Truth:
Actor Charlie Sheen is not dead.
The warning of a virus infection is inaccurate. It is not a virus that infects computers with malware but actually a scam that uses “clickjacking” to load computer displays with pop up ads.
Clickjacking is an attempt to trick Internet users into disclosing their confidential information or takes over control of their computer after web surfers have clicked on a link that offers information.
According to the Internet security site, Sophos, the warnings claim to have a “link to a grotesque video of Charlie Sheen being found dead at his house, following a cardiac arrest.” When readers click that link it takes them to a FbVideo or FouTube web site “designed to lure ghoulish voyeurs into taking an online survey.”
Similar clickjacking scams have appeared on the Internet involving celebrities Christina Aguilera and Emma Watson.
updated 03/15/2011