Scam alert: don't hand over your data in fake social media giveaway
Fraudsters are sharing fake product giveaways in a bid to steal your personal data, Which? warns.
These scams, which have been shared on social media and via emails, texts and phone calls, typically ask you to answer questions about your shopping habits as part of a 'promotion'.
You'll then be asked to hand over your personal data, including your name, address, phone number, email and bank details, in order to receive the non-existent free gift.
Once you hand over your personal data, fraudsters can then use this information to scam you later down the line.
Read on to discover the latest giveaway scams.
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Monster Energy giveaway
A scam advert on Facebook claims to offer ‘free Monster Energy samples’ to those who complete a survey.
It includes a link to a website which promises a year's supply of Monster Energy products to survey participants as part of a new promotion.
The survey asks how often participants drink energy products and what Monster Energy packaging they prefer, among other questions.
After completing the survey, you’re then asked to hand over personal information in order to receive the 'free products'.
Free iPhone 14
Another dodgy advert on Facebook promotes an iPhone 14 Pro for ‘just £3’.
The ad claims the promotion is to celebrate Argos becoming an 'official Apple reseller'.
It then puts pressure on you to click the 'order now' button, stating that only the first 500 customers to do so will benefit from the promotional price.
The website linked includes questions such as ‘have you ever used Apple devices?’ before asking for your financial and personal data.
Costa giveaway email
An email impersonating Costa Coffee claims to offer a ‘fantastic prize’ if you complete a ‘short 4 minute survey.’
You’re encouraged to follow a link to ‘get started now’ which leads to a website where your payment and personal data are phished.
- Read more: how to spot a phishing scam.
Harvester scam post
Which? discovered a fraudulent Facebook post offering a 'free dinner for two' at the Harvester.
It comes from a Facebook page which has 43,000 followers and is rife with fake restaurant offers.
The post includes a link to Rewards Giant, where a '£50 Harvester Gift Card' is offered in exchange for answering questions.
Rewards Giant is a 'rewards' company promising 'free' retail vouchers in exchange for sharing and commenting on Facebook posts or clicking on links in an email.
This might sound straightforward enough, but you'll actually need to sign up to a series of game and subscription downloads to qualify.
This will take time, potentially cost you money and involve you handing over your personal details, with no guarantee of ever receiving the voucher.
- Find out more: what is Rewards Giant?
Reporting giveaway scams
Be wary of any social media posts or unexpected messages asking you to complete a survey for free products.
If you see a giveaway and want to check that it's legitimate, contact the brand in question using the details on its official website.
On social media, you can report posts and ads by selecting the three dots in the top right corner and pressing 'report'.
You can report scam emails by forwarding them to report@phishing.gov.uk and phishing websites can be reported to the National Cyber Security Centre.
If you lose any money to a scam, call your bank immediately using the number on the back of your bank card and report it to Action Fraud, or call the police on 101 if you’re in Scotland.
