You are currently browsing comments. If you would like to return to the full story, you can read the full entry here: “If Facebook says you have malware, do not download their program—here’s a way around it”.
You are currently browsing comments. If you would like to return to the full story, you can read the full entry here: “If Facebook says you have malware, do not download their program—here’s a way around it”.
Hi Sandy, thank you for updating us. I wish Getsatisfaction’s Facebook page was still around because the things you write of, I documented some of the same ones there (I was also unable to like, share and comment—makes you wonder what the point of Facebook is!). Everything you noted I have experienced other than the app errors (as I don’t use many apps), though not in conjunction with the fake malware warnings. To me, this confirms that Facebook suffers from some very serious database problems and that the malware “scanner” is a convenient excuse to cover up its own failings. The fact you can switch browsers and be all right is interesting—others have reported the same, though some have found all browsers blocked. Firefox users going to Chrome sometimes are OK, and vice versa.
Jack, I agree completely. I switched browsers to Edge, it’s scary that I don’t trust FB or Google. I can get on FB with Edge, but have chosen not to use it. I’m just not comfortable with it. Last night though on Edge the computer shut down because it “overheated.” That was a first, so, I’m wondering if Edge was attempting to do something too.
Karen, it puzzles me why others trust those two firms. We know them to be unethical (just look at how little tax they pay) and it makes sense to be very wary of their practices. I have managed to avoid Edge all along (so I don’t know much about it) but there are some utilities out there to monitor CPU heat that could help. Despite my misgivings about how bad Windows 10 is, I actually trust Microsoft more (even though it wants our data, too) than either Google or Facebook.
I have several family members accessing Facebook from my laptop. We all access from Chrome but only my account has been affected by this nonsense. I also have Firefox installed but that didn’t help either. I then uninstalled Firefox, and reinstalled it, and suddenly I could get back in, but still not on Chrome. It worked for a few days and suddenly yesterday, it happened all over again after trying login and getting a message that Facebook is down for maintenance. First time I ever got that message but none of the accounts could access FB for about an hour. Am going to try uninstalling Firefox again and reinstalling to see if it works a second time round. Will let you know.
My Facebook’s been out for more than a week now. I can get in with Edge, but won’t give FB the benefit of my going in. It’s there loss, not mine. They even had the nerve to send me an email to go in my account and see what I have saved. I still couldn’t get it on Chrome.
Mandy, please keep us posted. It’s interesting that everyone there was affected by Facebook being down; of course your experience proves once again that the malware warning is account-specific and nothing to do with the computer. Facebook, once again, is lying to us.
Hi Karen, I agree it is their loss. Since January 2016 I have pulled right back from using Facebook because of this. I had to set up a back-up account though, just to manage my pages, in case this recurred. This particular post of mine is getting more and more views, which I take to mean it is happening to more and more people. I imagine this is one way Facebook can claim to have an ever-growing number of users—because we are left with no choice but to set up new accounts if we have work pages to look after! Personally, I do not believe their claims of user numbers—the number of bots and fake accounts is astounding and most people trying to “friend” me are bots. They are taking over and legit accounts like yours and mine are suffering.
Hi Jack, I can’t help but wonder how many have downloaded Facebook’s scan without checking first. I have no doubt, there are thousands. And you can’t even complain about it. Who would I complain to? I just miss some of the friends and their posts. Wonder if anyone is starting a class action suit against them, (smile).
I had a quick look at my stats and 40,000 people have seen my main post on this topic, and 20,000 the second post. Hundreds, if not thousands, have complained on Facebook’s own blog about this. Facebook may claim thousands of millions of users but I really don’t believe those stats: at some point they will have more claimed users than there are humans, so I think the number of people affected are greater than some believe. I would love for someone in the US to start that lawsuit. In discovery we might find out just what these programs are doing. At the same time, there are quite a few other questions Facebook should be answering about user privacy that we’ve never had a satisfactory response about.
I agree with you completely. I was talking to a friend in NY and she downloaded like FB asked. Her whole computer and tablet shut down. She can’t reintall her malware or virus and was on her way to a computer place to get them straightened out. It’s costing her $50 just to walk in before they work on it so there’s no telling how much this is going to cost her.
This is very bad—not unlike my experience when the Facebook scan killed my antivirus. I feel sorry for your friend, Karen. I was lucky: while I had to get rid of McAfee (which I had used since 1989) I was able to find an alternative that worked. Facebook should be liable for her computer repairs but we know that unless there’s a big lawsuit, nothing’s going to happen. I really would like to see Facebook exposed as a failing website with faulty databases that’s steadily collapsing, and if tens of thousands of people have read my blog posts, that’s plenty of plaintiffs out there.
I’m reporting that I still can’t access FB on Chrome, but Edge is fine to access it. It’s been over a week now, and it’s still asking me to download Eset, Trend Micro, or that other one.
I tried sending a message to FB but they want me to log in and then they won’t allow me access to my account because I won’t let them “clean my computer.”
Just wanted to pop in to say I had this issue. Computer clean, could not log in on my personal laptop but work laptop, tablet and phone were all fine. Utilized the modify header trick, was able to get in, but HATED that everything on Chrome was now mobile”ized”. Turned off the modified header and went to Facebook as normal and BOOM! ACCESS!
Now, fingers crossed this stays normal. (I also sent a strongly worded “report a bug” email to Facebook and might have tweeted angrily a few times. But I will pretend none of that mattered :) )
Kadi, I haven’t been able to get on FB for 2 weeks now. Where do I turn off the modified header? Please. Thanks.
Kadi, I am glad you got back in and that the modify header trick still works. I’m surprised you wound up with the mobile version, though I imagine you must have opted for a mobile header. Good on you for trying the suggestions posted earlier by users—you’d be surprised how many posted earlier to say they had tried ‘everything’ when they hadn’t tried that!
Thank you, Michelle and Karen, for your updates. I wonder if you might have to wait a month given what one of the commenters earlier reported. Facebook is doing a fine job reducing use of their site and when I look back—as I use it so little now compared to before January 2016—I am glad for the time I now have to work on my own things!
The other day I posted in haste, and after that comment, my Edge access is now calling for downloading that “scanner”. I tried the other computer at home, and I can use chrome on it still. So confusing, but my tech knowledge is pretty much zero, so I will just use whatever works, and it may indeed be a month to regain entry.
It’s really sad that I can’t even complain or question FB as they want me to log in before submitting and help questions. And then the notification pops up to let them clean my device. I’ve just about given up on FB. I can enter on Edge, but for refuse to post or reply to people just because FB is being completely crooked. For some reason when I use Edge my computer overheats and shuts down. Never ever had that problem with Chrome.
My Facebook went down last Friday on my laptop with the same malware warning listed above. I came to the internet and checked out this site. As a result I didn’t download their software. I have Chrome and I tried cleaning the cookies with no result. My desktop worked fine, so I just kept checking the laptop and it came back up five days later.
Hi Jack,
We have a mutual friend in Rowan Morrell.
I’ve now been locked out of FB on my PC after it telling me Ih ave to download their “scanner” as they have detected malware! No malware here.
Can you help??:?
Nikki, I suggest reading this comment and seeing if you can implement that. It’s slightly technical but so far only one person has reported that it does not work. This problem is growing and Facebook, of course, wants to keep shifting blame to users. You won’t have malware, it’s Facebook lying to people again.
Hi Michelle, that may be the best way if you’re not tech-inclined. I’m not that tech-aware, either, which is why I sometimes write these blog posts. Facebook either does not know what it’s doing or it knows it’s doing something dodgy—I don’t believe there’s a middle ground.
It’s remarkable how all companies involved in this (Facebook, Kaspersky, etc.) clam up when confronted with it. I’m a paying Facebook customer and I remember chatting to one of the sales’ reps there. The minute I pointed out something controversial (back then it was finding 277 bot accounts in one night—and that wasn’t an anomaly) he clammed up as well. No one there wants to believe that their product is crap and wants to stay inside a little bubble. I’m sorry to hear you’re still having the overheating issues.
Thanks, Carol, I am glad you got back in after five days.
Update: Well, f*ckbook did it again after I cleared Chrome browsing data. I’m able to get on f*ckbook thru Firefox header screw around. I’ve contacted f*ckbook numerous ways and have received numerous non sequitur alternate psychotic reality responses. Just have to wait, again, I guess.
I stopped trying to get on. Facebook is destroying themselves.
Update… Update: I’m back on. This time, after clearing Chrome browser, it took 3 days. Last I think it was about a week or so. This time I ran no scans or anything else. From what I’ve read above (unless someone found something new in the last couple of weeks?) the only surefire solution is time. Just have to wait. Firefox header alteration also works.
I found a way to get on FB without using Chrome. On your Start page, just click the Facebook, and your in. I’ve always been in Chrome when attempting to get to Facebook. Last night, for some reason I just clicked the FB on my Start page and lo and behold, no error message about malware and them directing me to let them clean my device. Try it and let me know if it works for you all.
Thank you for the update, John. Glad to know that the two main solutions that people have been posting (even if one of them is waiting) have worked.
Thank you, Karen. Do you mean the Facebook app that comes with Windows 10? It’s made by Facebook itself, so it’s probably part of their plan to sucker us into using only software designed by them (so they can get more info out of us), while branding everything else (such as our regular browsers) as “malware”. But that is a great solution to get back online quickly!
That’s the one Jack, it’s funny though, I got on my page and just scrolled and closed it. I’m free!!!!
Awesome news, Karen! Facebook’s lies really discourage us from using their site, and that is fine by me!
I’ve filled a BBB complaint of which FB is refusing to alter their behavior. I would suggest anyone who has been a malware victim do the same. I am also looking for any group who that is pursuing class action suit. I will update if/when I find one.
Thank you, David. I don’t know if non-US plaintiffs will be permitted, but please keep us posted. I filed a BBB complaint over data-gathering by Facebook, and have had no response so far despite providing ample evidence.
I still can’t get on with Chrome. Over 3 week now, I’ll join a class action suit. Can the BBB really help with that?
So far, the BBB has replied once to me asking for info (on another issue). I sent them the evidence, which I felt was compelling. No replies since, and Facebook has continued gathering ad preferences despite my opting out. My answer is no, and it’s going to have to be private individual(s) filing the suit. If Facebook as HQed here I would have spent time filing, but as it’s American, I believe it’s going to take an American to do it.
Thanks Jack.
I just heard from BBB and though I’d share. The BBB has gone as far as they can with Facebook, but provided excellent resources below I will be following up with. These resources can add pressure to Facebook.
Dear David Bernhardt,
This message is regarding Complaint ID # 12363657- Facebook
Thank you for following up with BBB regarding your position in the above-mentioned dispute.
We understand you are NOT satisfied with the business’s response, and have noted your dissatisfaction in our files. While we regret we were unable to reach your desired resolution, the business has provided BBB with its position. This matter is now closed in BBB files, and will appear in the company’s BBB Business Review as: “Answered – the business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer remains dissatisfied.”
We understand your concerns and are so sorry we were unable to assist you in resolving this matter to your satisfaction. BBB serves as a neutral platform where a consumer and business can discuss disputes. We are not a regulatory agency, we are a non-profit reporting organization; therefore we can’t make the business provide you with your desired resolution. Below you will find contact information for agencies that may be able to assist you further, you may also want to contact an attorney and or file in small claims court.
Please note, the text of your response may be publicly posted on BBB’s website. BBB reserves the right to not post in accordance with BBB policy, and we may edit your response to protect privacy rights and to remove inappropriate language.
We appreciate the opportunity to be of service, and sincerely hope you will contact us for pre-purchase information.
Attorney General’s Office
California Department of Justice
Attn: Public Inquiry Unit
P.O. Box 944255
Sacramento, CA 94244-2550
https://oag.ca.gov/consumers
Voice: (916) 322-3360 or
(Toll-free in California)
(800) 952-5225
Fax: (916) 323-5341
Internet Crime
Website: http://www.ic3.gov
Department of Consumer Affairs
Consumer Information Division
1625 North Market Blvd., Suite N 112
Sacramento, CA 95834
Website: http://www.dca.ca.gov/
(800) 952-5210
(916) 445-1254
Federal Trade Commission
Headquarters:
600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20580
https://www.ftc.gov/
Telephone: (202) 326-2222
Consumer Action
221 Main St Ste 480
San Francisco CA 94105
Phone Number: (415) 777-9635
Website: http://www.consumer-action.org/about/list/C281/
Regards,
Marney C.
Dispute Resolution
Phone: 510-844-2950
hi great advice people. I am back in. Fingers crossed. I modified headers,downloaded the Facebook windows 10 app it didn’t work. Then I went to http://www.facebook.com/hacked on a mobile phone and reported spam post and changed my PW. Then reloaded the FB app and that worked. Thanks for all great advice and good luck
Thank you for sharing the BBB’s response, David.
Barb, glad to hear you are back in and the header-change method worked for you, though bear in mind the FB app is from Facebook itself. Given they tried to plant software on our machines, I’m wary of actively downloading something that they have created.
I agree with you completely Jack. Who knows what the new app may contain. If I delete FB I will under no circumstances reinstall it. How does the old saying go, “fool me once shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me.”
Exactly, Karen. They got me once with their malware “scanner” (for short, let’s just call it ‘malware’). I’m happy to do without a Facebook app on any platform.
Hello, I am still unable to access FB on the newer computer at home, but I can still use it on the old one. I think it has been over 3 wks now.
Michelle, while it’s highly unlikely you actually have malware, I wonder whether it’s advisable to run a malware scanner (not theirs) on your home computer, if you haven’t already. Just see if it makes a change. I realize the other solutions (e.g. modifying headers) can be complex for most computer users. What is unusual in your cases is that the behaviour differs between computers: from the experience above, it is targeted at the account, rather than the computer. Do you use the same browser on both computers?
It’s really strange, on both computers I have, using Chrome, on one I can access FB and the other only if I click on the windows link on Start can I access it. I just don’t access it often anymore. I basically weaned myself off of it. I run malware scans on both, have not found anything at all. I believe FB is somehow targeting people.
Yes I use the same browser. As per reading the comments here, I initially ran a full scan using Norton, which turned up only 2 things, none were the “scanner” that fb makes you use. I’m hugely computer illiterate, so doing the header thing is beyond me. I thought that I’d try on the older computer and it worked to log in, but I wasn’t counting on it.
I think Karen is right though, that it’s targeting people.
Hello everyone. I am at a loss of fb as well. Mine started back in June/July of 2017 I was logged out of husband’s computer but could use on mine. I think it lasted a day or so. Then it was fine. Then i was logged out again for a few days again. I have not downloaded their scanner as like most I have 2 excellent ones already. By august i was logged out on my computer. I have done many suggestions here and nothing works. I filed with BBB only to have it closed as stated above from another user. Basically saying fb tried to help you with their scanner and you refuse so we can do nothing else. I harass fb every couple of days telling them I still don’t have access but no outcome. Finally about a month or longer I was able to log in for 3-4 days only now being blocked again. It has already been a couple days. Very frustrating. I don’t post much on my fb, I mainly play games. I never post political or religious things.
It’s been over a month for me because I won’t let FB “clean my device.” There are other ways to get in, if you have windows 10 click on the FB box and you’ll be able to get in. Facebook actually has done me a favor, and on the news before I saw where FB is advertising with Russia, China and other countries that are known for hacking.
About 5 days ago I could log into FB again with no probs, except the games are slower. I think mine was a whole month of waiting!