Can accepting a friend request on Facebook really cause you to lose all your data on your computer or phone?

“Warnings” are currently circulating on Facebook again about allegedly dangerous friend requests from Marcel Hohmann or Ute Christoff. Are these warnings just empty talk or should we actually be careful?

You can read everything you need to know here:

As our cooperation partner checked4you reports, chain letters have been around for a long time.

Previously on paper or postcards, today via email, Facebook or WhatsApp. And there is only one place where they are safe: the (virtual) wastebasket.

Recently received via WhatsApp: a message in which I could get a voucher from a well-known fashion company. All I have to do is send the message to ten other people, tap a link and enter my address details. However, this voucher doesn't even exist, the page you're visiting doesn't have an imprint and somehow it doesn't seem all that kosher. What could happen in the worst case scenario? You could receive a lot of spam or even become a victim of identity theft .

Or an email reporting that a young woman had cancer and was looking for a bone marrow donor. Combined with the call to forward the email to as many people as possible. Tear duct factor guaranteed. The only thing is: the woman doesn't even exist. Typical case of chain letters. They also come via messengers such as WhatsApp and social networks such as Facebook - for example as a warning about "Ute Christoff" or "Andrea Wilson", who supposedly delete all files as a virus if you accept their contact requests.

Some knowingly press “Delete” without further ado, others are completely taken aback or frightened and quickly forward the messages.

Warning, horror and deletion recommendations

Almost everyone has received a spam message like this. There are warnings about viruses - or, worse, attachments contain them themselves. There are completely adventurous stories (horror stories like “HIV needles on cinema seats or in buses/trains”) floating from mailbox to mailbox or through social networks.

Sometimes there are chain emails in circulation that are based on the pyramid principle. Each recipient is asked to send a sum of money to the first address. Or as a variant, a mini book or chewing gum. If the chain wasn't broken, you would eventually come first and be able to “cash in”. The only problem is that the system only works for the creator, after which fewer and fewer people take part. The police repeatedly warn against fraudsters who want to make money with the chain letter scam. The so-called “profit-oriented pyramid scheme”, as it is called in legalese, is forbidden anyway.

So-called hoaxes are now being spread even more frequently via email or SMS - false reports. But even if it's not about money, they can cause great damage. For example, sometimes there are requests to delete certain files on the computer. And that can quickly bring down the computer system. Some chain emails are disguised as messages from reputable companies, such as mobile phone providers. But these would never call for chain letter campaigns! Many providers prohibit chain letters - so you can report receipt of one there.

Keep your eyes open on WhatsApp or Facebook

Thanks to Facebook & Co., electronic chain letters have been celebrating a fantastic comeback in recent years. Because there are also “jokes” on social networks who post chain nonsense. Never share or forward! In many cases it is about Facebook itself, for example about new “security tricks” or something similar. Often, however, there are also shocking videos or images that are meant to be shared out of sheer outrage, e.g. images of tortured animals, reports of illnesses about children or spectacular videos of accidents. And here too, things can quickly become serious if such “click requests” are intended to spread viruses.

On WhatsApp , on the other hand, there are really bad chain letters going around in which death threats are made if you don't forward the message - which of course you definitely shouldn't do. The perpetrators of this distastefulness enjoy scaring others, and forwarding the message only helps them do so. More on this point at Handyektor.de, among others . The motto on the social web is also: keep your eyes open. And don't immediately share everything that hasn't reached the end of the timeline by three.

Chain letters are often based on emotions; they evoke disgust, sadness or even fear. In some cases there are even threats of harm if you don't pass them on. And the senders sit anonymously in front of their computer and are happy. Therefore: One click on “Delete” – and the chain email is gone.

Tips:

  • When asked “Please forward to X people” you immediately become suspicious.
  • Destroy chain letters – whether by post or email – immediately.
  • Under no circumstances transfer money.
  • Never reveal personal information!
  • Do not open attachments - they may contain viruses.
  • If the sender is a friend: Information about chain emails might be appropriate so that this nonsense can be stopped.


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Notes:
1) This content reflects the current state of affairs at the time of publication. The reproduction of individual images, screenshots, embeds or video sequences serves to discuss the topic. 2) Individual contributions were created through the use of machine assistance and were carefully checked by the Mimikama editorial team before publication. ( Reason )