Fact Check

Casey Anthony Confession Video Scam

Is a scam being spread via notices of a 'Casey Anthony Confession Video'?

David Mikkelson

Published Jul 10, 2011

Phishing bait:   Casey Anthony confession video.

SCAM

Example:   [Collected via e-mail, July 2011]


New video circulating on Facebook... "Casey Anthony confessing to her lawyer" "Watch now Leaked Vide0 of Casey Anthony CONFESSING to Lawyer"


 

Origins:   In a case that captivated the nation, in July 2011 Casey Anthony was found not guilty of killing her 2-year-old daughter, Caylee Anthony. The verdict aroused ire, in that many believe the accused got away with murder.

Whatever the truth may be about the death of the child, there is no "confession" video. Those who click the proffered link will find themselves confronted by an "Age verification" confirmation box that reads "Are you older than 13 years of age? Click 'Jaa' button 2x to confirm and play video." "Jaa" is Finnish for "Share," which means those who click the button grant their permission for the link to be shared with their Facebook network.

Those who take that step will eventually arrive at a YouTube page where they will be entreated to complete an online survey before being allowed to view the (non-existent) video. This survey generates traffic and revenue for the attackers.

Last updated:   10 July 2011

Sources:




    Bradley, Tom.   "Beware: Facebook Scams Use Casey Anthony and Video Chat as Bait."

    PC World.   10 July 2011.


By David Mikkelson

David Mikkelson founded the site now known as snopes.com back in 1994.