It took less than 48 hours for online scammers to figure out a way to exploit the news of comedian Robin Williams' passing. A cynical clickjacking scam (aka "survey scam") purporting to link to a phone video of Williams saying goodbye to his fans is now circulating via Facebook.

Description: Viral Facebook blurbs
Circulating since: Aug. 2014
Status: Scam

As is usually the case with such scams, no such video exists.

Users who attempt to view it are first asked to share the video with Facebook friends (which is how the scam is spread), then told that they must verify their identity by filling out an online survey form (which is how the scammers make their money). After following the instructions, users are left high and dry with no video to view, very possibly having exposed themselves to a malware attack in the process.

"Think before you click," advises Facebook's own security help page. "Never click suspicious links, even if they come from a friend or a company you know. This includes links sent on Facebook (ex: in a chat or story) or in emails. If one of your friends clicks a spam link, they could accidentally send you or tag you in spammy posts. You also shouldn't download things (ex: a .exe file) if you aren’t sure what they are." Clickjacking scams are usually recognizable by the lurid, sensational content they promote. Any time you are asked to share content before viewing it, beware.

Robin Williams was found dead in his home of an apparent suicide on August 11, 2014.

Test your hoax radar:Can YOU Spot the Fakes?

More examples of clickjacking and survey scams:
• "You Will Never Use This Shampoo After Watching This Clip" Video
• "OMG Teen Died Immediately After Friends Did This" Video
• "Giant Snake Swallows Up a Zookeeper" Video
• "16 People Dead in Roller Coaster Accident" Video
• "Girl Killed Herself Live on Cam" Video
• "You Won't Believe What This Pregnant Girl Does!" Video
• "Great White Shark Tears Captain Apart in Seconds" Video
 

Resources:

How to Protect Yourself from Clickjacking Attacks
About.com: Internet/Network Security

How to Keep Your Facebook Account Secure
Facebook Help Center

OMG! Facebook Newsfeed Still Polluted By Spammy Scam Video Links
Graham Cluley, 16 April 2014

When a Facebook Friend Gets Clickjacked, What Should You Do?
Sophos Naked Security blog, 25 March 2011

How to Spot a Facebook Survey Scam
Facecrooks.com, 6 February 2011

Last updated 08/14/14