Facebook users have been victims of a scam that offers one to install a “dislike” button into their profile.

The application tricks users into allowing an external application to access their profile page, which posts a spam message.

Additionally, it attempts to lure people into completing an online survey that the scammers are then paid for.

The social network offers a “like” button already that lets people rate user's comments and posts.

Graham Cluley of the security firm Sophos said it was the newest in a line of “survey scams” that included links to a video claiming to show an anaconda vomiting up a hippo.

"One thing we commonly see is that the message starts 'OMG, shocking video'," he said.

"And they appear to come from your Facebook friend, giving it a ringing endorsement."

The dislike button scam tells people to download the application with a message that reads, "Download the official DISLIKE button now."

When users click the link, it instructs them to install a third party application, which does not function as a dislike button.

Once a user has given permission to access their profile, it updates the user's page with a new link and a message that reads, "I just got the dislike button, so now I can dislike all of your dumb posts lol!!!"

"Many people are giving permission for completely unknown apps," Mr Cluley told BBC News.

The surveys appear to be from genuine companies, he said.

"As far as we can tell, they appear to be legitimate," he said. "It could be that the firms are not policing their affiliates properly."

The scams directs installers to a Firefox add-on that installs a “dislike” button.

According to Mr Cluley, the add-on appears to be legitmate.

The makers of the app could not be reached for comment.

A spokesperson for Facebook said that the site had a “very quick process in place” that makes sure that links and rogue applications are taken down quickly.

"We always encourage people to not click on links that appear suspicious - even if posted from a friend," a spokesperson said.

"They can report any posts to us. We can make sure that we take down any application or all of the links across Facebook."

Mr Cluley said that even though Facebook can respond very fast, it should police their application development more thoroughly.

"Anyone can write a Facebook app - these scams are constantly springing up," he said.