QUESTION:
Hackers stealing your info through apps, quizzes via Facebook?
ANSWER:
No, this claim is exaggerated.
SOURCES:
Facebook, Namtests.com, FaceApp
PROCESS:
Facebook is full of cool quirky apps that let you do silly things, like who's your celebrity look alike? But a new post warns using some of those apps could open you up to hackers.
It specifically names an app that lets you see what you'd look like bald or as a member of the opposite sex. The post claims that clicking on the link will lead you to an external site run by extreme hackers who are trying to sell your personal information on the "black market."
So are these quizzes just harmless fun or a sneaky way to steal your identity?
First, we checked the app. When you click the link to see the results you're prompted to log in with Facebook. So, here's the deal. According to Facebook policy, if you log in that way, you're giving that app permission to access any information on your profile that's public, like where you live, your friends list, your likes.
WUSA9 researchers took a closer look at the disclaimer on the site, that small print which lets you know that you're agreeing to hand over your photo to the app provider FaceApp for editing and it'll be deleted afterwards.
Here's what they don't delete. The site confirms it keeps other parts of your information for "third party providers," which in this case is likely people who want to advertise.
So does that mean you're opening yourself to hackers with those two apps like the posts claims?
That's actually false and misleading. What you are opening yourself up to is handing out some of your personal information to people who might try to sell you stuff.
