Government Technology

Nigerian Scam Targets Social Networking Sites


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April 23, 2008 By

Researchers from BitDefender have detected that social networks are the newest medium for Nigerian "419" scams. The scam has been put to use on the professional networking Web site LinkedIn, as well as other social networking Web sites. LinkedIn Corporation is the world's largest online professional network, with more than 21 million users worldwide.

A social network site uses software to build online social networks for communities of people who share interests and activities or who are interested in exploring the interests and activities of others.

In the most recent outbreak of the Nigerian scam -- an advance fee fraud that is estimated to gross hundreds of millions of dollars annually -- the scam letter is sent as a LinkedIn, or other social networking sites -- invite to join the user's network. A profile page is established with the social networking site, to make the claims in the scam letter appear legitimate. Since the scams are only delivered to the social networking site's user accounts, they completely bypass antispam filters.

Since identification of the scam, BitDefender has been collaborating with LinkedIn to address the issue.

"I think this new twist is more dangerous than the old 419 scheme because of the increased chance for network users to fall for the scam," said BitDefender CTO, Bogdan Dumitru. "Since LinkedIn and other social networking sites are used it to build up businesses or careers, users tend to view the invitations as trustworthy."

Most social networking sites do not verify the identity of those who join, which can lead to abuse.

"On LinkedIn, individuals have full control over their networks," said Kay Luo, LinkedIn's Director of Corporate Communications. "Users decide who to allow into their networks and which introductions to pass along."

 


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