Facebook Users Alerted Over New Scam, Check

The Facebook media post shows a fake news article claiming a well known  face has died, in these cases Graham Norton and Noel Edmonds according to Lancashire Police.

When Facebook users click on the link they are told their computer has been infected with a virus and that they should contact 08000 698 622.

Police have told those affected to not call the number and instead immediately close their internet browser and run anti-virus software.

The scam warning was made known  by Lancashire Police on their Facebook page after receiving calls from concerned residents over the weekend.
In the Facebook post, a spokesman for the police made it known that : “We have received a few enquiries regarding an internet scam that is doing the rounds again on Facebook.
“The scam involves a user clicking on a link in Facebook that states a celebrity has died these include Graham Norton and Noel Edmonds (they haven’t), when you click on the link two pop ups will appear claiming that your computer has been infected and that you need to call this number 08000698622 the second will be an American voice stating the same.

“Please do not ring this number, close the windows and run your Anti-virus software to do the check.
“Stay safe and never divulge personal information without checking and knowing that you’re speaking to
the genuine company.”

The warning was posted on the Lancashire Police Facebook page and has been shared almost 7,000 times.