Beware of Facebook's colour changing app scam

A Facebook app that promises to offer the ability to change colour scheme of one's profile page and header is actually a scam that hacks into one's computer and download malicious software.

The 'Facebook colour changer' scam offers users to change the basic blue colour, and pick one from nine different colours.

However, Chinese internet security firm Cheeta Mobile found that the app in fact downloads malicious software, compromising users' accounts and computers.

A security company found vulnerabilities in FB page and explained that cybercriminals can easily offer viruses and malware in the form of applications, which users are all too quick to click on.

This issue seems to be happening due to a vulnerability that lives in Facebook's app page itself, allowing hackers to implant viruses and malicious code into Facebook-based applications directing users to phishing sites.

The colour changer app works by offering users a tutorial video that, if clicked, will allow them access to all their Facebook data including photos, friend lists and personal messages.

A message will also appear telling users they have a virus, followed by a another alert that appears to be from the user's computer, offering to install anti-virus software urgently to quarantine the malicious software.