A Facebook app that offers users the ability to change the colour of their profile page and header is actually malicious software that hacks into your account and computer.

The ‘Facebook colour changer’ scam tricks users into thinking they will be able to change the classic blue colour of Facebook to one of nine other colours, which include pink, green, orange, and black.

However Chinese internet security firm Cheeta Mobile found that the app in fact downloads malicious software, compromising users’ accounts and computers.

Citing a ‘vulnerability’ in Facebook’s app page, the security company explained that cybercriminals can easily offer viruses and malware in the form of applications – which users are all too quick to click on.

Those who fall for the scam will be giving hackers access to their friend list, photos and messages (Picture: Facebook)

‘Once clicked, it leads users to a phishing website,’ Cheeta Mobile explained on their blog.

‘This issue seems to be happening due to a vulnerability that lives in Facebook’s app page itself, allowing hackers to implant viruses and malicious code into Facebook-based applications directing users to phishing sites.’

The colour changer app works by offering users a tutorial video that, if clicked, will allow them access to all their Facebook data including photos, friend lists and personal messages.

A message will also appear telling users they have a virus, followed by a another alert that appears to be from the user’s computer, offering to install anti-virus software urgently to quarantine the malicious software.