Facebook Quiz Warning

Don't take that viral Facebook quiz
By Kelli Uhrich


Updated 11/25 with new clarifications from Vonvon and instructions to disable the quiz app.

We know it's tempting. You've seen that quiz going around that all your friends seem to be taking. It's a personality quiz, and that's right up your alley. But, wait a second. Before you take it, you might want to think twice. And if you've already taken it, keep reading to learn what you should do.

The quiz "Your Most Used Words on Facebook" is a viral sensation. It scans your Facebook posts and creates a "word cloud" from the words you use most in your account. But, this quiz could go beyond just collecting your name and a few details about your life.

It has access to your birth date, hometown, education and work details. It picks up everything you've liked and browsed, and even has access to your photos. Plus, it archives your IP address.

That's quite a bit of information for a simple quiz on Facebook. And the thing is most people take the quiz after agreeing to the terms first. The app prompts a page that asks you to authorize its connection with your Facebook account.

We see those pop-ups all the time, though. So it's easy to assume that it's just another request, and it's probably fine. But this should make you take another look, and be more cautious.

What's particularly frightening about this Facebook quiz is the Privacy Policy associated with the app. You know, those lengthy contracts that nobody reads? The company behind the quiz, Vonvon.me, has snuck a little nugget in there that everyone should know.

The policy states that anyone who logs in using Facebook is authorizing the app to continue using their information even after they've terminated their account. Even more, users who agree to the terms are authorizing the app to store their information on servers around the globe. Some of which are located in countries where privacy laws don't exist.

Of course, the Vonvon.me agreement states it would never share your personal information with a third party without telling you first. However, it also says in the agreement that by clicking "OK" you're stating you've been told.

The CEO of Vonvon has spoken out and clarified that it doesn't actually pull any of your personal information out of Facebook or sell any of it. It only uses the bare minimum it needs to create the word cloud. However, it's a good reminder that the company could have if it wanted, and some other company in the future might.

If you already took the quiz and granted permissions for the app to access your Facebook account, you can't take back whatever information it already collected. However, you can keep it from scooping up more of your information in the future.

You'll need to unlink the app from your Facebook account. To unlink an app or game from Facebook, follow these steps:

1. Click the arrow in the upper-right corner of your Facebook page and select Settings
2. Click Apps in the left menu
3. Hover over the app or game you'd like to remove and click X. This app could be identified as "Vonvon" or "Your Most Used Words on Facebook." You should also review what other apps you've given access to in the past and what permissions they have.

Note: An app or game may have stored info from when you were using it, but you can contact the developer to ask that they delete any info they may still have.

Walmart Check Fraud

WARNING: If You Get a Check From Walmart in the Mail it Means…

Scams are rampant these days, with most of them taking place on the internet. One group of scammers, however, have found a new way to drain funds from your bank account.

A group of scammers is sending out fake checks, like the one pictured above. It also comes with a letter like this:

The Massac County Sheriff’s Office issued the following warning:

A new scam to hit this area is the Walmart scam. A person receives a letter, like the one below, in the mail along with a check, like the one pictured above.
The letter informs the person that they have been accepted into the Quality Control program from Walmart. The letter informs the person of their responsibilities.
A check activation is required using a supplied user ID and password. Once the check is activated, the person is to deposit the check into their bank account to begin shopping and participating in the program. THIS IS A SCAM. Once you deposit the check into your account, the scammers drain your account.
DO NOT DEPOSIT THIS CHECK.
If you receive this letter in the mail, throw it away.

This scam certainly hits on your desperation and/or greed, and takes advantage of your need for money. It can be quite easy to see a check and immediately take it to the bank, but if you see this or anything like it, please check into it first. Odds are, people and corporations aren’t just going to send you money out of the blue.

Take the time to protect yourself and your assets.

10 Safety Essentials That Most Homes Are Missing

Although it's tempting to brush off the possibility that a fire, break-in, or other emergency could strike your home, it's always better to be safe than sorry. Make sure that you're prepared for anything by outfitting your home with these 10 safety essentials that you may not have–or even realize that you need.

1. Smart Door Locks.

Shared or lost keys can unlock the door to trouble. When the "key" to your house is on your phone, though, or entered into a keypad, you don't need to worry as much that others might have unlimited access to your home. Upgrading the deadbolt on your door with technology like the August Smart Lock can give you greater control over who enters your home and when. Create temporary virtual keys for guests to arrive at prearranged times, or simply buzz them in at a moment's notice from your phone. For peace of mind, you can check back on the app for a full log of recent visitors. Available on Amazon; $199.

2. First Aid Kit.

While this seems obvious, you should always keep a first aid kit on hand so you're prepared for accidents or emergencies. Pick up a prepackaged product like this 36-piece set that goes way beyond the basics, complete with alcohol swabs, a whistle, and a compass. The lightweight case is attached to a carabiner, so it's easy to take on the go too. Available on Amazon; $21.

3. Emergency Ladder.

Although we all hope we never have to endure the damage and loss of life that can be caused by a house fire, it’s still important to be prepared for one. If the unthinkable happens, an emergency ladder could save your life. Consider purchasing a multistory model and stashing it in an accessible location, preferably near a window, so you or your family members will be able to quickly and safely escape the house in the event of fire. Available on Amazon; $35.

4. Wi-Fi Connected HVAC.

You may think of your heating system primarily as a source of physical comfort, but in the winter it can protect your home against devastating damage. To ensure that your heating system stays on task, consider a Wi-Fi-connected thermostat like the Nest. The technology offers you the convenience of being able to control your thermostat from anywhere, via any Internet-enabled device. But more important, Wi-Fi thermostats provide real-time system alerts, so if your heating system were to fail, you could take action immediately—before frozen pipes and related hazards endanger your home. Available on Amazon; $249.

5. Motion Sensor Lights.

There's a reason why many police departments and security experts recommend installing motion-sensor lights as a defense against nighttime intruders. These energy-conscious fixtures shine a light on would-be burglars, deterring those who would rather do their bad deeds in the dark. Installed near entryways, motion-sensor lights also provide safe passage to anyone arriving home after dark. Available on Amazon; $19.47.

6. Hand Crank Radio.

Losing power doesn't have to mean losing touch with the rest of the world. This emergency radio needs only one of these three sources to operate: three AAA batteries, a little sunlight, or a small workout via a hand crank. Once the radio's running, you can set it to broadcast local weather alerts and still have enough juice to recharge your phone. And should you forget your candles and matches as you run to the basement for shelter, this phone-charging radio unit also serves triple-duty as an LED flashlight. Available on Amazon; $80.

7. Battery and Propane Powered Lights and Heaters.

At most times of the year, power outages are merely a nuisance. In the winter, however, they are downright dangerous. Why? Because the whole-home heating systems we use today rely on electricity. Without electricity, well, you're on your own. If your home doesn't have a fireplace and you're reluctant to get a generator, look into options like the Mr. Heater Portable Buddy Heater. Rated for indoor use, the propane-powered unit can keep a 200-square-foot space comfortable for as long as the fuel supply lasts. Available on Amazon; $136.59.

8. House Safe.

A small safe can really come in handy for safeguarding valuables like passports, family heirlooms, checkbooks, and other important papers. A safe that’s cleverly hidden away can keep these possessions from being stolen in the event of a break-in, and a fireproof and waterproof model can protect your valuables from the devastating effects of a fire. Available on Amazon; $65.

9. Fire Extinguishers.

A fire extinguisher may not be the most exciting or attractive addition to your home, but this must-have safety essential could save your life. Place it in an easily accessible area so you can quickly and effectively put out a fire, or at least tame the flames while your family escapes to safety. Available on Amazon; $20.

10. Butane Lighters and Candles.

When the lights suddenly flicker and you find yourself shrouded in darkness, a lighter can be a wonderful thing. Always have a few of these close at hand in case the power goes out or another emergency situation arises—you'll be grateful that they're there. A lighter can help you start a fire, illuminate a few candles, or navigate the dark. Purchase a pack of three or more so you'll have extras available whenever you need them. Available on Amazon; $8 for 6.


Urban Man!