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Charlie Sheen Not Dead, But Virus Spreads On Facebook

Charlie Sheen Not Dead

The Huffington Post   First Posted: 03/10/11 01:20 PM ET Updated: 05/25/11 07:35 PM ET

Be careful. A virus is spreading rapidly, primarily through Facebook, claiming that Charlie Sheen is dead.

The dangerous posts, which have also popped up on Twitter, typically start, "Exclusive Video," "RIP!" or "Breaking News." They go on to say "Charlie Sheen found Dead at his House" or some variation and include a link to a site that appears to be fueling the rumor.

Even ZDNet appeared to be victimized by the scam, tweeting yesterday, "Exclusive Video: Charlie Sheen found Dead at his House! http://zd.net/fOpMY2" That link now goes to a dead page.

ZDNet later followed up with info on the virus. According to ZDNet:

Just like the previous “likejacking” scams (a play on the term clickjacking, which means prompting a victim to click something while a different action is taken behind the scenes) any of the above will lead you to a fake YouTube page such as TouTube or FbTube. Clicking on play prompts you with the following message: “Please complete a 30 second survey to verify that you are human.”

CNET reported that a number of the suspicious links seem to no longer work.

As of the time of this writing, Charlie Sheen has not yet addressed the rumor on his Twitter page.

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Be careful. A virus is spreading rapidly, primarily through Facebook, claiming that Charlie Sheen is dead. The dangerous posts, which have also popped up on Twitter, typically start, "Exclusive Vid...
Be careful. A virus is spreading rapidly, primarily through Facebook, claiming that Charlie Sheen is dead. The dangerous posts, which have also popped up on Twitter, typically start, "Exclusive Vid...
 
 
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
Johnd139
04:32 AM on 03/17/2011
Charlie will rise like the Phonix
HUFFPOST SUPER USER
slappymagoo
12:19 PM on 03/14/2011
Of course, Charlie Sheen hasn't tweeted a response to the rumor. He's DEAD! Didn't you click on the link, fill out the survey and read the story?

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go to dictionary.com. I was told that they deleted the word "gullible," and I just have to see it with my own two eyes.
08:24 PM on 03/13/2011
yup, sounds like charlie is winning
photo
HUFFPOST SUPER USER
benjamin006
12:15 PM on 03/13/2011
Hahaha! Who knew that there would be a virus like that. What's next - the "12.21.2012" virus in the upcoming weeks leading to 2012?
01:03 PM on 03/13/2011
Why would a virus weeks before 2012 be called "12.21.2012"?

Furthermore, how does your comment even relate to this story?
edvince
amstel
09:49 AM on 03/13/2011
Facebook, Google and Twitter and the new "fast food" of America
01:01 AM on 03/13/2011
sounds like a hollywood jewish/gay mafia smear campaign...
12:37 AM on 03/13/2011
I was waiting for the train wreck to happen. False alarm. Seriously though, I hope he gets his act together.
This comment has been removed due to violations of our [Guidelines]
photo
Indigo1941
Time traveler.
07:54 PM on 03/12/2011
No, Charlie Sheen is not dead. Paul is dead.
04:52 PM on 03/12/2011
More Charlie Sheen Quotes and Sound Clips @ http://www.charliesheenhastigerblood.com
01:31 PM on 03/12/2011
Charlie sheen music video @ www.sportbloggers.com
11:16 AM on 03/12/2011
This is kinda funny
Bitchin' Charlie Sheen Quotes & News: http://PLANBETTERANDWIN.com
11:09 AM on 03/12/2011
Oops. I meant unleashed.
11:09 AM on 03/12/2011
Kudos to Charlie! This must be a virus unleased by him, and no one else.
05:24 AM on 03/12/2011
You'll also notice when you go to this page, it says the video was uploaded over a year ago.