New malware threat to Facebook and Gmail users

Beware of a new strain of Zeus malware that puts Facebook and Gmail users at a high risk of cybercrime [4 July 2012]

New malware threat to Facebook and Gmail usersThis new variant steals credit card information by posing as typical login pages for Facebook and Gmail and then asks users to enter credit card details. 

As social media platforms have started to monetise their service, fraudsters are exploiting this with new threats to entice customers to enter their personal information. 

After the user logs in normally, the site will change instantly, completely personalised with the victim's information and request credit card information, posing as genuine assets of Facebook or Gmail.

Common methods that consumers need to be aware of are: 

• "Transferring Facebook Credits to your bank account is now available!"
• "Earn up to 20 per cent cash back purchasing Facebook Credits with your MasterCard or Visa debit card."
• "Link your debit card right now with your Google Mail account to pay simply and securely at more than 3,000 stores online."

Check your browser

Remember to always check if the browser address changes from 'https' to 'http' to indicate you have lost a secure connection. Also look for a padlock or an unbroken key symbol on your web browser.

If you believe that a computer is not secure, then you should not use it enter and personal information at all. 

Read more about the Malware on the Threat Metrix’s website.

Please note: Action Fraud is not responsible for the content on external websites.

To report a fraud, call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or use our online fraud reporting tool.