Scam Message:
For LIMITED TIME – Grab your FREE pair of Tom’s Shoes!
Scam Type: Bogus Offer
Trending: April 2012
Why it’s a Scam:
Clicking the wall post link takes you to the following page:
Surprisingly, over 6,000,000 have liked this page! After clicking the ‘like’ button, the following survey scam loads:
Reading the fine print reveals that you have to complete surveys and sponsor offers. Chances are, after you have completed the offers it isn’t going to be worth the Gift Card, assuming that part of the promotion isn’t a scam. Also keep in mind the scammers are acquiring a treasure trove of your personal data. You will be required to provide your name, address, phone numbers and date of birth. This will enable the shady marketers to not only spam your Facebook account, but also harass you via snail mail, phone calls and text messages.
**Note – Scams like this often use multiple domains, so you may see a variation in the landing pages and scam messages.
How to Deal with the Scam:
If you did make the mistake of sharing the scam link, then you are now spamming your friends with the very same message. Clean-up your newsfeed and profile to remove references to the scam. (click the “x” in the top right hand corner of the post).
Be on the lookout for more marketing offers arriving to your email inbox and physical address if you submitted that information to the scammers. Also be aware and alert for possible identity theft attempts.
If you submitted your cell phone for any of the surveys or offers, then keep an eye on your cell phone bill to make sure no premium charges appear.
If you or your Facebook friends are falling for tricks like this, it’s time to get yourself informed of the latest threats. Be sure to join the Facecrooks page on Facebook to be kept informed of the latest security issues.
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