Wrote: Etrit Rexhepi
A message purporting to come from the Facebook/META platform has been sent to citizens from Kosovo, informing them of the closure of their accounts on this social network.
Through this message, written in Albanian, and sent on the communication application "WhatsApp", it is alleged that the user has violated Facebook's community standards, and is urged to click on a link to check the account information. Otherwise, it is said that within 12 hours the account on this social media will be deactivated.
What is the problem with this message?
Hibrid.info has found this message to be unreliable.
Hibrid.info has researched the prefix of the number that sent the message, finding that the prefix + 84, belongs to the state of Vietnam.
Hibrid.info has also checked the link presented in the message, after clicking which, a message appears stating that this page cannot be accessed. is found.
Screenshot of the page opened after clicking the link in the message:
To verify more about this site, hibrid.info used the website verification platform "Scamdoc.com", in results which indicates that this domain contains "Malware".
What is “Malware”?
Malware or malicious application is any software intentionally created to cause interference with a computer, server, client or computer network, leak private information, gain unauthorized access to information or systems, deny access to information or that inadvertently interferes with the security and privacy of the user's device.
Malware is not a virus, but is a malicious software/application that invades or corrupts your computer network. The purpose of malware is to cause irreparable damage and steal information or resources for monetary gain or obvious sabotage purposes.Common types of malware include Trojan viruses, worms, spyware, adware, and ransomware. (see here and here)
Facebook has released notifications to users about these fake messages, clarifying that they should not be trusted.
You can trust a message from META platforms if the addresses end with:
- facebookmail.com (including priority.facebookmail.com )
- facebook.com (including support.facebook.com and developers.facebook.com )
- fb.com
- metamail.com
- meta.com
It is not the first time that hibrid.info has dealt with such content (see here, here and here).
Analyze:
An electronic message has been sent to Kosovo citizens on WhatsApp, in Albanian, claiming to be from Facebook/META.
After verifying the facts, hibrid.info has confirmed that the same was not sent by Facebook and contains a suspicious link, as well as "Malware", which is malicious software developed by hackers to steal data and damage or destroy computer equipment, servers and computer systems.
Also, the number that sent this SMS has a Vietnamese prefix.
Based on the working methodology, hibrid.info evaluates this SMS as "Scam".
Reasoning:
The “Deception” rating is given to informational content that is manipulated in terms of visual (deepfake, cheapfake), audio, or textual content to deceive the audience. This form of deception is usually used to produce false and manipulated content.