Warning: Don’t fall for these Facebook ‘dislike’ button scams!

As you have probably heard, Facebook announced that some form of a ‘dislike’ button, or alternative to the like button, could be an available feature in the future. But what you may not have heard is that scammers are using it as a way to fool you and steal your information.

No third party will be involved…

While Facebook hasn’t released any sort of timeframe regarding when a new feature would become available, computer security site Naked Security says that when it does, it will be provided by Facebook and it will be a part of Facebook itself. You will not need to download anything from a third-party site! 

So if you get any requests or offers to download a ‘dislike’ button, don’t do it! These are scams. 

Read more: 5 things you should never post on social media

How to avoid ‘dislike’ button scams

According to Naked Security, there are several scams going around Facebook, fooling people who want to get the button before everybody else. 

Here’s an example of one:

Naked Security says the scams also usually involve a funky link. So if you see any type of offer with a link that looks kind of funky, don’t click on it! But also be aware that even if a link doesn’t look weird, that doesn’t mean it’s not a scam. A weird link is just one sign to look out for. You should always be very cautious when clicking links to third-party sites.

If you have to ‘share’ or ‘send’ it — before seeing it — it’s probably fake

If you click through to see the offer, Naked Security says what usually happens next is you’re then prompted to share it with friends. That’s a sign it’s fake. If an offer requires you to share or send it, before even showing you what it is, then it’s probably fake. But also be aware that just clicking the link, even without sharing it, could expose you to criminals.

Here’s what that second step may look like:

Get more from Naked Security on these scams and what to look out for.