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The Better Business Bureau is warning consumers about the latest “phishing” scam that is making the rounds of Facebook this week.

The subject of the new scam is McDonald’s, but the real target is your personal information. This phishing scam is being spread via status updates exclaiming that McDonald’s will be closing and it has a link to find out the “real” reason why.

The Facebook message reads: “OMG!! McDonald’s might soon shut down because of this! Warning: Your jaw will drop to the floor!” And then it instructs you to “Simply Follow the two easy steps below to see why McDonald’s might soon shut down!” In order to find out why, you are told: “Step one is to click on the link that says ‘Like This Page!’ and then click on the ‘Like’ button to continue.”

If you click on the link, you are told to take a survey that asks you for personal information that you should not give out on the Internet. Also, by clicking on the link, your computer could be infected with spyware, malware or viruses designed to steal any personal information or passwords stored on your computer.

“Phishing scams are effective because they have a sensational hook disguised as a link that promises insider information,” said BBB President Tom Bartholomy. “The reason scammers are targeting Facebook is simple; the website has 500 million users. It is literally one of the biggest ponds on the Internet in which to phish.”

The BBB has this advice to help you protect your identity online:

• Parents should teach their children about online scams and identity theft given that millions of Facebook users are young people. While young people are very computer savvy, they may not be as scam savvy as adults are.

• Do not click on suspicious links online disguised as sensational information, even if the link comes from one of your Facebook friends.

• Do not give out personal information online unless you know with 100 percent certainty that the recipient is a secure, encrypted site and you know for what purpose the information will be used. Web addresses for secure sites begin with “https,” not simply “http.” Secure sites also have a padlock symbol in the lower right corner of the screen.

For more information about staying safe online and tips for preventing identity theft, please visit www.bbb. org.