UPDATE SEPTEMBER 28, 2015
I see the Facebook “just saw it on Channel 13 Facebook privacy message” hoax is back. Just like the “too good to be true” $200 off” coupons, please don’t believe this stuff. Facebook can be a wonderful thing, but unfortunately, it’s also a breeding ground for false rumors and hoaxes. Among the many Channel 13s in our great land, this one in Salt Lake City has posted yet again:
“Like last time, the copyright and privacy message is a hoax.
Officials are reminding Facebook users posting a statement will not protect your copyright and privacy rights on the social media site.
According to Snopes.com, “Facebook users cannot retroactively negate any of the privacy or copyright terms they agreed to when they signed up for their Facebook accounts nor can they unilaterally alter or contradict terms instituted by Facebook simply by posting a contrary legal notice on their Facebook walls.”
So what does this mean for you?
No need to copy and paste the privacy statement on Facebook.
It will have no bearing on your privacy.”
Poor Channel 13. They get the blame for a Facebook hoax someone started years ago, that keeps returning from the dead.
And if that one isn’t enough, this one is popping up on Facebook today:
“Now it’s official! It has been published in the media. Facebook has just released the entry price: $5.99 to keep the subscription of your status to be set to “private”. If you paste this message on your page, it will be offered free (I said paste not share) if not tomorrow, all your posts can become public. Even the messages that have been deleted or the photos not allowed. After all, it does not cost anything for a simple copy and paste.”
Here’s the real story, from Hoax-Slayer: “Facebook has no plans to start charging users for normal access to the network. In fact, any such plan would likely be an act of financial suicide for the company. And, even if they did have such a plan, they certainly would not impose the absurd and ridiculous condition that users must pass on a silly status message in order to keep a free account.
So, if one of these nonsensical messages comes your way, please do not further clutter the Internet by reposting it. And, do your friend a favor by gently pointing out that he or she has fallen for a hoax.”
I’ll say it again, because it can’t be said enough: “Just because you saw it on Facebook, doesn’t mean it’s true.” You are welcome, and encouraged to share this post. It just might save someone further embarrassment!
UPDATE JULY 27, 2015
During the past few days, a “$50 off any $55 purchase at Family Dollar Stores” coupon has popped up on Facebook. Again, let me say that Family Dollar would go out of business in a matter of minutes if they started giving merchandise away. Here is the statement on their page: “Unfortunately we have been notified that there is a fake Family Dollar coupon making the rounds on social media. Please see below for a sample. This coupon is not real and will not be accepted at any of our stores.”
ORIGINAL STORY FROM JULY 12:
If you’re on Facebook, you see all kinds of posts: birthdays, baby pics, get-well wishes, proms, pets, and jokes, to name a few. Facebook is a great place to re-connect with friends, and stay in touch with relatives, often in far away places. It’s been great for me. It has helped me sell some books, and it just might be how you discovered my blog. There is a downside, however.
Unfortunately, those same scammers who once ripped you off in person, or by mail, can now do it online. Facebook gives them a golden opportunity. They can hack into your account, take over your identity, and even trick you into giving up personal information. They can adopt fake identities, and hide behind anonymity as they say and do cruel things.
Right now there is a viral post on Facebook that I wish would go away. Those who spread them have good intentions, but they lead nowhere. The coupon, promises you $100 off any purchase of $120 or more at Publix. Let’s stop right here, and think about it for a moment. How long would Publix stay in business if everyone on Facebook marched in there today, made a $120 purchase, and paid for it with a twenty-dollar bill?
Here is the statement from Publix that they have posted repeatedly on their own Facebook page: “There is a fraudulent Publix coupon circulating on social media that states “$100 off your purchase of $120 or more”. This is not supported by Publix and this coupon is not valid at any of our locations. We recommend not participating in the promotion or providing your personal information. Thank you for your patience as we investigate this situation.”
“If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.” Words to live by.
Hopefully, these false postings will soon disappear from social media. Only to be replaced by something just as bad, or worse. I’ll add my own piece of advice: “Just because you saw it on Facebook, doesn’t mean it’s true.” You’re welcome to share this story. But please don’t share fake coupons on Facebook.
