There’s yet another scam going around on Facebook. This one’s targeting people with fake Windows desktop themes. These ads look legit but they hide some nasty malware (malicious software) that can steal your passwords and other sensitive info.
Cyber criminals are using Facebook business pages and ads to promote these fake themes. They’re not just stopping at themes either – they’re also pushing downloads for pirated games, software like Pho-toshop, and even AI tools. When you click on these ads, they take you to what looks like a real download page. But instead of the software you wanted, you get a zip file full of malware.
The ads come from both new and hijacked Facebook pages, sometimes with thousands of ads for each campaign. Names like “blue-softs,” “xtaskbar-themes,” and “awesome-themes-desktop” are common. These pages are often run by people in Vietnam or the Philippines and they’re really good at making their ads look trustworthy.
If you think you might have fallen for one of these scams, don’t panic. Here’s what you should do:
Disconnect from the internet to prevent further data theft.
Run a full system scan with a reliable antivirus program to detect and remove the malware.
Change your passwords immediately, especially for sensitive accounts like email, banking, and, of course, Facebook.
Enable two-factor authentication on all accounts where it’s available. This adds an extra layer of security.
Alternatively, get in touch and we can help.
And to avoid falling victim in the future, always be cautious about downloading anything from ads or sources you’re not familiar with. Stick to official websites and trusted sources.
Have you seen these ads doing the rounds?
Facebook ads for Windows desktop themes push info-stealing malware (bleepingcomputer.com)