Don't Fall For It - It's a Trap!!

If you're on Facebook, undoubtedly you've seen this scam and you have probably seen it many times over the past several years.   In the back of your mind, you wonder, is this real??

Here's a popular version of the message (and there are other variations):

"Don’t forget tomorrow starts the new Facebook rule where they can use your photos. Don't forget Deadline today!!! It can be used in court cases in litigation against you. Everything you've ever posted becomes public from today Even messages that have been deleted or the photos not allowed. It costs nothing for a simple copy and paste, better safe than sorry. Channel 13 News talked about the change in Facebook's privacy policy. I do not give Facebook or any entities associated with Facebook permission to use my pictures, information, messages or posts, both past and future. With this statement, I give notice to Facebook it is strictly forbidden to disclose, copy, distribute, or take any other action against me based on this profile and/or its contents. The content of this profile is private and confidential information. The violation of privacy can be punished by law (UCC 1-308-11 308-103 and the Rome Statute. NOTE: Facebook is now a public entity. All members must post a note like this. If you prefer, you can copy and paste this version. If you do not publish a statement at least once it will be tacitly allowing the use of your photos, as well as the information contained in the profile status updates. FACEBOOK DOES NOT HAVE MY PERMISSION TO SHARE PHOTOS OR MESSAGES."

The message instructs Facebook users to copy and paste the message on their Facebook page so that users can prevent Facebook from sharing all their content, which supposedly is now becoming publicly available.

Here are some things you need to know.

First and foremost, It is not real.  There was no news story on Channel 13.  Simply posting, "don't do this" on your Facebook feed does not legally bind anyone to anything.  Have you ever Googled or otherwise researched UCC 1-308-11308-103 and the Rome Statute?  

There are many reasons why this message is a hoax, and Forbes offers these tips to keep you out of trouble:

1. Don't trust messages with missing words, poor grammar and incorrect capital letters

When you see language such as "Don't forget Deadline today!!!", you should take notice. First, it should say, "the deadline." Second, "Deadline" should not be capitalized. Third, you probably don't want to trust statements that end in three exclamation points.

2. Don't trust messages that reference "court cases" or "litigation against you"

One day you're innocently using social media. The next day you're involved in court cases and litigation? Probably another red flag.

3. Facebook doesn't own your content

When you sign up for a Facebook account, you agree to certain legal terms and conditions, including privacy policies. You can modify your privacy settings at any time, but you can't unilaterally change (or exempt yourself from) Facebook's terms and conditions, including its privacy policies. As a Facebook user, despite what this hoax says, you own your content, including all your photos and videos. Facebook does not own your content, nor has Facebook stated it owns your content or will make your content public. As a Facebook user, you grant Facebook a right to use, share and distribute your content in accordance with your privacy settings.

4. Posting a unilateral message with legalese doesn't do anything

Posting a statement on your Facebook page that is contrary to Facebook's privacy terms has no legal effect nor does it change Facebook's privacy policies. Your relationship with Facebook is governed by the terms and conditions to which you agreed with Facebook as well as by existing copyright law. So, posting a notice won't change any laws or privacy policies retroactively or in the future.

5. Facebook being a public entity is irrelevant

While publicly-traded companies may face additional regulatory scrutiny and have additional reporting requirements, being a public entity in itself does not give companies more rights to disclose your content or violate your privacy.

When it comes to your privacy, it's important to be diligent, but posting this message won't do the trick.  When faced with these posts or tips, do the prudent thing and do a little basic research.  That 30 seconds of research may save you a little embarrassment and more importantly, it may prevent you from accidentally exposing yourself to a scam. 

KPGZ News - Jim Dickerson contributed to this report