Facebook Groups Stealing Fans

You might have noticed that new groups have been popping up on Facebook with names like "Click Join to see this funny picture" or "See who's viewing your profile." Before you even start reading this, don't join these groups. Most of the time, there is no funny picture, and when there is, it normally isn't even that funny. And the pages that say the you can view if someone sees your page, that is also a lie. There is no way to do this, because it is impossible to alter the coding of a website without a special password, which only people who work on Facebook have.

The strategy that groups are using is a teaser. You can click on a group or page, see a little bit of a riddle, picture, or web address. To see the full thing, you have to join the group or page, then click on a link. Normally, the link will take you to the page, but then a pop-up will show up and you will have to take a survey or sign up for something. This will let you see the page, but will forfeit your email address and phone number over to anyone who wants it. This is not good, because you will get spam on your email and text messages, and you will get tons of calls from companies who try to phish you. Phish means to make you think you have an account in their company, then steal your money.

Then there are the actual things you are filling out surveys for. Normally, the picture isn't even that funny, or the color of your profile doesn't change. Most of the time even, there is a link on the page, which has the original photo, plus a little more, to finish the picture. I once went through 6 rounds to complete a photo, which was the first one of "Funny Cats" on Google Images. There is no reason to do these groups, other than if you want to waste time.

In the end, just join groups you believe in. Don't waste your time in joining groups to see funny pictures. Join groups and pages because you think they are actually funny, or because they stand up for a religious or political belief that you believe in. Groups should be for fun, not to steal money or spam people to annoy them. Last but not least, make sure not to give away your email or cell phone number. Otherwise, you will get flooded in spam.