For Sale - Fake and Stolen Facebook Accounts - NYTimes.com

For Sale - Fake and Stolen Facebook Accounts - NYTimes.com

“We’re seeing this activity spread over to the U.S.,” he said.

Criminals steal log-in data for Facebook accounts, typically with “phishing” techniques that tricks users into disclosing their passwords or with malware that logs computer keystrokes. They then use the accounts to send spam, distribute malicious programs and run identity and confidence fraud.

Facebook accounts are attractive because of the higher level of trust on the site than exists in the broader Internet. People are required to use their real names and tend to connect primarily with people they know.