Cyberscammers are luring adults to “porn sites” designed to resemble the online interface of social networking giant Facebook, a security vendor reported Wednesday (Manila time).

 

BitDefender said the cyberscammers spread messages to their prospective victims via Yahoo messenger and email, promising an “eyes only” offer for those 18 and up.

 

“Recipients are invited to a Facebook-like network overtly declared or subtly implied to provide participants with adult entertainment,” it said in a blog post.

 

It said that, while Facebook-like friend requests from unknown persons are already part of online socialization, the “adult” ingredient spices up the mix.

Exploited
 

BitDefender indicated those behind the scam appear to be exploiting a May 2012 study on social networking by pewinternet.org, where 66 percent of online adults use social networking and 3 percent of these users say they see social networks as a means to “finding potential romantic partners.”

 

“Though this figure appears very low, respondents can be reluctant to admitting they seek romance online. The actual proportion of Cupid-minded socialites out there may be higher,” it said.

Pop up message
 

On Yahoo Messenger, an unexpected message pops up, from an unknown sender with a cryptic ID.

 

The x-rated proposal is delivered with a link that, when clicked, supposedly redirects a user to a web site apparently loaded with very explicit content.

 

But prospective victims are then told that to access the content on the site, they need to enter at least a valid e-mail address.

 

“Here’s a cold shower to conclude this red light story: hold on tight to your virtual pants when someone promises you a Facebook-like experience with an adult twist,” it advised. — TJD, GMA News