Wegmans ‘Free Coupon’ Facebook Giveaway Scam [Explained]

Photo of author

Written by: Stelian Pilici

Published on:

Scams have become increasingly prevalent in the digital age, with fraudsters constantly finding new ways to deceive unsuspecting individuals. One such scam that has gained traction in recent years is the Wegmans ‘Free Coupon’ Facebook giveaway scam. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of this scam, including what it is, how it works, what to do if you have fallen victim, technical details, and statistics to support the points made.

Scams

What is the Wegmans ‘Free Coupon’ Facebook Giveaway Scam?

The Wegmans ‘Free Coupon’ Facebook giveaway scam is a fraudulent scheme that targets Facebook users by promising them free coupons from the popular supermarket chain, Wegmans. Scammers create fake Facebook pages or posts that appear to be affiliated with Wegmans and claim to offer free coupons to users who participate in their giveaway.

These scams often use enticing language and eye-catching images to lure users into clicking on their posts or visiting their websites. Once users engage with the scam, they are typically asked to provide personal information or complete surveys, which the scammers can then use for malicious purposes.

How Does the Scam Work?

The Wegmans ‘Free Coupon’ Facebook giveaway scam operates through various tactics designed to deceive users and extract their personal information. Here is a step-by-step breakdown of how the scam typically works:

  1. The scammer creates a fake Facebook page or post that mimics the official Wegmans page, often using similar branding and imagery.
  2. The post or page claims to offer free coupons to users who participate in their giveaway.
  3. Users are instructed to click on a link or visit a website to claim their free coupon.
  4. Upon clicking the link or visiting the website, users are prompted to provide personal information, such as their name, address, phone number, and email address.
  5. In some cases, users may also be asked to complete surveys or download malicious software disguised as coupon redemption tools.
  6. Once users provide their personal information or engage with the scam in any way, scammers can use it for various malicious activities, such as identity theft, phishing attacks, or selling the information to other cybercriminals.

What to Do If You Have Fallen Victim?

If you have fallen victim to the Wegmans ‘Free Coupon’ Facebook giveaway scam or any similar scam, it is crucial to take immediate action to protect yourself and minimize the potential damage. Here are the steps you should follow:

  1. Disconnect from the scam: If you have provided personal information or engaged with the scam in any way, disconnect from it immediately. Close any websites or pop-ups associated with the scam and avoid clicking on any further links.
  2. Scan your device for malware: Scammers often use these scams as a way to distribute malware or viruses. It is essential to scan your device using reliable antivirus software, such as Malwarebytes Free, to ensure your system is clean.
  3. Change your passwords: If you have provided any login credentials or passwords, change them immediately. This step helps prevent unauthorized access to your accounts.
  4. Monitor your accounts: Keep a close eye on your bank accounts, credit cards, and other financial accounts for any suspicious activity. Report any unauthorized transactions to your bank or financial institution.
  5. Report the scam: Report the scam to the appropriate authorities, such as your local law enforcement agency and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Providing details about the scam can help prevent others from falling victim.

Technical Details of the Scam

The Wegmans ‘Free Coupon’ Facebook giveaway scam utilizes various techniques to deceive users and extract their personal information. Here are some technical details of the scam:

  • Phishing: The scam relies on phishing techniques to trick users into providing their personal information. By creating fake websites or forms that resemble legitimate ones, scammers can deceive users into thinking they are interacting with a trusted source.
  • Social engineering: Scammers use social engineering tactics to manipulate users’ emotions and create a sense of urgency or excitement. By promising free coupons or exclusive deals, they entice users to engage with the scam without questioning its legitimacy.
  • Malware distribution: In some cases, the scam may involve the distribution of malware or viruses. Scammers may prompt users to download coupon redemption tools or click on links that lead to malicious websites.

Statistics on Facebook Scams

Facebook scams, including the Wegmans ‘Free Coupon’ Facebook giveaway scam, have become a significant concern for both users and the platform itself. Here are some statistics that highlight the prevalence and impact of Facebook scams:

  • According to a report by the Better Business Bureau, Facebook scams accounted for over $117 million in reported losses in 2020.
  • In a survey conducted by NortonLifeLock, 1 in 5 respondents reported falling victim to a Facebook scam.
  • Facebook reported removing 1.3 billion fake accounts between October and December 2020, highlighting the scale of fraudulent activity on the platform.

Summary

The Wegmans ‘Free Coupon’ Facebook giveaway scam is a deceptive scheme that targets Facebook users by promising them free coupons from the popular supermarket chain, Wegmans. Scammers create fake Facebook pages or posts and trick users into providing personal information or engaging with malicious content. If you have fallen victim to this scam, it is crucial to disconnect from it, scan your device for malware, change your passwords, monitor your accounts, and report the scam to the appropriate authorities. By staying vigilant and informed, users can protect themselves from falling victim to such scams and help create a safer online environment.

How to Stay Safe Online

Here are 10 basic security tips to help you avoid malware and protect your device:

  1. Use a good antivirus and keep it up-to-date.

    Shield Guide

    It's essential to use a good quality antivirus and keep it up-to-date to stay ahead of the latest cyber threats. We are huge fans of Malwarebytes Premium and use it on all of our devices, including Windows and Mac computers as well as our mobile devices. Malwarebytes sits beside your traditional antivirus, filling in any gaps in its defenses, and providing extra protection against sneakier security threats.

  2. Keep software and operating systems up-to-date.

    updates-guide

    Keep your operating system and apps up to date. Whenever an update is released for your device, download and install it right away. These updates often include security fixes, vulnerability patches, and other necessary maintenance.

  3. Be careful when installing programs and apps.

    install guide

    Pay close attention to installation screens and license agreements when installing software. Custom or advanced installation options will often disclose any third-party software that is also being installed. Take great care in every stage of the process and make sure you know what it is you're agreeing to before you click "Next."

  4. Install an ad blocker.

    Ad Blocker

    Use a browser-based content blocker, like AdGuard. Content blockers help stop malicious ads, Trojans, phishing, and other undesirable content that an antivirus product alone may not stop.

  5. Be careful what you download.

    Trojan Horse

    A top goal of cybercriminals is to trick you into downloading malware—programs or apps that carry malware or try to steal information. This malware can be disguised as an app: anything from a popular game to something that checks traffic or the weather.

  6. Be alert for people trying to trick you.

    warning sign

    Whether it's your email, phone, messenger, or other applications, always be alert and on guard for someone trying to trick you into clicking on links or replying to messages. Remember that it's easy to spoof phone numbers, so a familiar name or number doesn't make messages more trustworthy.

  7. Back up your data.

    backup sign

    Back up your data frequently and check that your backup data can be restored. You can do this manually on an external HDD/USB stick, or automatically using backup software. This is also the best way to counter ransomware. Never connect the backup drive to a computer if you suspect that the computer is infected with malware.

  8. Choose strong passwords.

    lock sign

    Use strong and unique passwords for each of your accounts. Avoid using personal information or easily guessable words in your passwords. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts whenever possible.

  9. Be careful where you click.

    cursor sign

    Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. These could potentially contain malware or phishing scams.

  10. Don't use pirated software.

    Shady Guide

    Avoid using Peer-to-Peer (P2P) file-sharing programs, keygens, cracks, and other pirated software that can often compromise your data, privacy, or both.

To avoid potential dangers on the internet, it's important to follow these 10 basic safety rules. By doing so, you can protect yourself from many of the unpleasant surprises that can arise when using the web.

Previous

‘Publix Giving Everyone A Free Coupon’ Facebook Scam

Next

‘Your Tax Refund Is Ready’ HMRC Phishing Scam Email