This morning I received a panicked message from a Facebook friend asking whether or not the Facebook application Fan Check warnings are real. Here’s the message:
 

L,
Have you seen this message going around FB? Any idea if it is real or not?

*OFFICIAL VIRUS WARNING* From Facebook Bugs & Security Alerts Attention all users of the 'Fan Check' Application!! The Fan Check application has been infected by the Koobface Virus, and at the present time we are unable to remove the infection. All users of this application are advised to delete it immediately, as once activated, it can cause severe problems for every person in your friends list

I don't know whether to believe this or not oh great guru of FB... your thoughts?

There is no evidence to indicate Fan Check is infected with a virus. However, malicious parties have taken advantage of the spreading Facebook fear by creating websites claiming to be about Fan Check, but actually host fake antivirus software. These sites will ask you to download the antivirus software, hand over your credit card information, and then steal the information for fraudulent use.

If you’ve ever succumbed to these antivirus scams, you know the effect they may have on your computer. Several months ago, we had a new netbook in the house and one of the kids downloaded what she thought was legitimate antivirus protection. Within minutes, the only thing she could access was this fraudulent site asking for credit card information. Luckily, she did not proceed and I brought the computer into our IT professional for a complete wipe. We now use a recognized brand of antivirus software.

In this case, it’s Facebook users’ fear that may drive them to a truly dangerous site. These malicious sites are appearing at the top of Google search results. Do not visit these sites for information, stick with a trusted source. And, don't spread the fear.

For more information, try Avoiding Malicious Websites in the TopTenREVIEWS Learning Center.