Beware: The $100 Amazon Gift Card Facebook Scam Explained
Written by: Thomas Orsolya
Published on:
Facebook is filled with scam ads promising free rewards like $100 Amazon gift cards. Unfortunately, these too-good-to-be-true offers are actually ploys to steal your personal information or sign you up for unwanted services. This article will provide an in-depth exposé on how the $100 Amazon gift card Facebook scam works, how to identify it, and most importantly, how to protect yourself.
Image: Tiplooklock.live Fake Amazon Survey
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Overview of the $100 Amazon Gift Card Facebook Scam
The $100 Amazon gift card scam on Facebook relies on classic social engineering tactics to lure unsuspecting victims. Here’s a quick rundown of how it works:
Scammers create fake ads or sponsored posts that pop up in your Facebook feed, promising a free $100 Amazon gift card. Often the ads claim you can get the gift card by clicking a link and taking a “short survey”.
If you click on the link, you are taken to a fake website that looks like an Amazon survey page. You are prompted to log in with your Amazon credentials to claim your “reward”.
Once you enter your login info, the scammers capture your credentials. They now have access to your Amazon account, including your personal details, saved payment methods, and order history.
In other variations of the scam, instead of collecting your Amazon info, the scammers sign you up for unwanted paid subscriptions, services, or even download malware to your device.
You never receive the promised $100 Amazon gift card because the offers are completely fake. Meanwhile, the scammers make off with your personal information or make money from fraudulent sign-ups.
This scam takes advantage of people’s desires to get something for nothing. The lure of free rewards like gift cards is used to override common sense. Unfortunately, these scams can result in identity theft, fraudulent charges, and the compromise of personal data.
How the $100 Amazon Gift Card Facebook Scam Works
The $100 Amazon gift card Facebook scam is orchestrated in a series of steps that play on human psychology. Here is a detailed breakdown of exactly how the scam unfolds:
Step 1 – You See the Ad on Facebook
The scam starts with a sponsored ad or post in your Facebook feed advertising a free $100 Amazon gift card. The ad is made to look official and will often use Amazon logos and gift card imagery. The text entices you to take a short survey to claim your free gift card.
Sometimes the ad will say the gift card is in celebration of an Amazon anniversary or as a thank you for being a loyal customer. Other versions claim you were randomly selected to win the gift card.
The key tactic is making an unbelievable offer (get $100 for free) that piques interest without raising alarm bells.
Step 2 – You Click on the Link in the Ad
Once your interest is sparked by the promise of a $100 Amazon gift card, the next step is getting you to click on the link. The scam relies on your desire for something free overriding your caution about links from ads.
The link will typically lead to a website designed to look like an Amazon customer survey page. Sometimes you are first sent to another intermediary page before reaching the fake survey page. The scammers try to mimic Amazon’s branding to look official.
Step 3 – You Attempt to Claim Your “Reward”
When you reach the website, you are greeted with text reinforcing that you have been selected to receive a $100 Amazon gift card. All you need to do is take a short survey.
You are instructed to log in with your Amazon account to verify your identity and claim your reward. This is where the real scam occurs.
Step 4 – You Enter Your Amazon Login Credentials
Once you enter your email/username and password on the fake website, you have fallen into the scammer’s trap.
Your Amazon login details are captured and sold or used by the scammers to access your account. They now have the keys to order items on your account, access your personal information, or even change your login credentials.
In other cases, by entering your information, you may be automatically signed up for unwanted subscriptions the scammers make money from.
Step 5 – Your Amazon Account is Compromised
After entering your information, you soon realize you were tricked. The promised $100 Amazon gift card never arrives.
Instead, you may discover unknown charges on your saved payment methods from the scammer’s purchases. Your personal information may be compromised. Or you may find that you were signed up for various paid services without your consent.
The scammers quickly monetize your stolen account details or make money from services you were unwittingly subscribed to. Meanwhile, you are left to deal with the aftermath.
Warning Signs of the $100 Amazon Gift Card Facebook Scam
While the $100 Amazon gift card scam can be convincing, there are usually some red flags that can tip you off:
Too good to be true offer – Free $100 gift cards are always going to be a scam. Amazon does not give these away randomly or for filling out basic surveys.
Sponsored ad format – Amazon does not advertise real promotions as sponsored ads or posts. Tread carefully with gift card offers in paid ads.
Request for personal info – Amazon never asks for your password or full account info to deliver a promotion. This is always a scam tactic.
Website URL looks suspicious – Check the URL you are directed to carefully. Scam sites often have a misspelled or slightly different URL.
Spelling and grammatical errors – Scam websites often contain typos, bad grammar, and other clues that something is amiss.
Page design looks unprofessional – Check that font, colors, branding, and page layout look crisp and professional. Scam sites are usually sloppy.
No secure checkout process – Legitimate Amazon login pages use HTTPS and have their certificate on display. Lack of this indicates a scam.
Stay vigilant for these red flags whenever you see gift card offers on Facebook or other platforms. If it looks at all suspicious, it is best to avoid clicking entirely.
What to Do If You Fell for the $100 Amazon Gift Card Scam
If you entered your Amazon account info into a scam website, here are the steps you should take to secure your account and personal information:
1. Change your Amazon password immediately
If scammers have your current login credentials, the first thing to do is change your password. Enable two-factor authentication as well for extra security. This will lock out the scammers.
2. Check your account activity for unauthorized changes
Sign into your Amazon account and thoroughly check recent orders, payment methods, account info, and subscriptions. Look for any unauthorized changes made by scammers.
3. Remove any unauthorized payment methods
Scroll through your saved credit cards, bank accounts, and gift cards. Remove any you don’t recognize or that were added without your permission after falling for the scam.
4. Cancel unwanted subscriptions or memberships
Check if the scammers signed you up for any subscriptions, Premium memberships, or other services without authorization. Immediately cancel any you did not agree to.
5. Contact your bank if you see suspicious charges
If the scammers used your Amazon account to make unauthorized purchases with your payment methods, report the charges to your bank or credit card company. Dispute the transactions as fraudulent.
6. Contact Amazon customer service for help securing your account
Alert Amazon of the scam and that your account was compromised. They can help lock it down and add extra protections. Provide any details about unauthorized access or changes.
7. Run anti-virus software to check for malware
Some gift card scams try to download malware onto your device when you click the link or submit your info. Run a full system scan using updated antivirus software to check for malicious programs.
8. Report the scam ad or website to Facebook
Help protect others by reporting the Facebook ad, page, or scam website to Facebook. Provide details on how the scam works so they can remove it.
9. Reset passwords on other accounts if you reused them
If you reused your Amazon password elsewhere, reset the passwords on those other accounts as well to protect them. Never reuse passwords between accounts.
Follow these steps as soon as possible after realizing you fell victim to the scam. Quick action is key to contain the damage and secure your accounts.
Is Your Device Infected? Check for Malware
If your device is running slowly or acting suspicious, it may be infected with malware. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free is a great option for scanning your device and detecting potential malware or viruses. The free version can efficiently check for and remove many common infections.
Malwarebytes can run on Windows, Mac, and Android devices. Depending on which operating system is installed on the device you’re trying to run a Malwarebytes scan, please click on the tab below and follow the displayed steps.
Malwarebytes For WindowsMalwarebytes For MacMalwarebytes For Android
Scan your computer with Malwarebytes for Windows to remove malware
Malwarebytes stands out as one of the leading and widely-used anti-malware solutions for Windows, and for good reason. It effectively eradicates various types of malware that other programs often overlook, all at no cost to you. When it comes to disinfecting an infected device, Malwarebytes has consistently been a free and indispensable tool in the battle against malware. We highly recommend it for maintaining a clean and secure system.
Download Malwarebytes for Windows
You can download Malwarebytes by clicking the link below.
After the download is complete, locate the MBSetup file, typically found in your Downloads folder. Double-click on the MBSetup file to begin the installation of Malwarebytes on your computer. If a User Account Control pop-up appears, click “Yes” to continue the Malwarebytes installation.
Follow the On-Screen Prompts to Install Malwarebytes
When the Malwarebytes installation begins, the setup wizard will guide you through the process.
You’ll first be prompted to choose the type of computer you’re installing the program on—select either “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer” as appropriate, then click on Next.
Malwarebytes will now begin the installation process on your device.
When the Malwarebytes installation is complete, the program will automatically open to the “Welcome to Malwarebytes” screen.
On the final screen, simply click on the Open Malwarebytes option to start the program.
Enable “Rootkit scanning”.
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware will now start, and you will see the main screen as shown below. To maximize Malwarebytes’ ability to detect malware and unwanted programs, we need to enable rootkit scanning. Click on the “Settings” gear icon located on the left of the screen to access the general settings section.
In the settings menu, enable the “Scan for rootkits” option by clicking the toggle switch until it turns blue.
Now that you have enabled rootkit scanning, click on the “Dashboard” button in the left pane to get back to the main screen.
Perform a Scan with Malwarebytes.
To start a scan, click the Scan button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its antivirus database and begin scanning your computer for malicious programs.
Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will now scan your computer for browser hijackers and other malicious programs. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
Quarantine detected malware
Once the Malwarebytes scan is complete, it will display a list of detected malware, adware, and potentially unwanted programs. To effectively remove these threats, click the “Quarantine” button.
Malwarebytes will now delete all of the files and registry keys and add them to the program’s quarantine.
Restart your computer.
When removing files, Malwarebytes may require a reboot to fully eliminate some threats. If you see a message indicating that a reboot is needed, please allow it. Once your computer has restarted and you are logged back in, you can continue with the remaining steps.
Your computer should now be free of trojans, adware, browser hijackers, and other malware.
If your current antivirus allowed this malicious program on your computer, you may want to consider purchasing Malwarebytes Premium to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still having problems with your computer after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
Scan your computer with Malwarebytes for Mac to remove malware
Malwarebytes for Mac is an on-demand scanner that can destroy many types of malware that other software tends to miss without costing you absolutely anything. When it comes to cleaning up an infected device, Malwarebytes has always been free, and we recommend it as an essential tool in the fight against malware.
Download Malwarebytes for Mac.
You can download Malwarebytes for Mac by clicking the link below.
When Malwarebytes has finished downloading, double-click on the setup file to install Malwarebytes on your computer. In most cases, downloaded files are saved to the Downloads folder.
Follow the on-screen prompts to install Malwarebytes.
When the Malwarebytes installation begins, you will see the Malwarebytes for Mac Installer which will guide you through the installation process. Click “Continue“, then keep following the prompts to continue with the installation process.
When your Malwarebytes installation completes, the program opens to the Welcome to Malwarebytes screen. Click the “Get started” button.
Select “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer”.
The Malwarebytes Welcome screen will first ask you what type of computer are you installing this program, click either Personal Computer or Work Computer.
Click on “Scan”.
To scan your computer with Malwarebytes, click on the “Scan” button. Malwarebytes for Mac will automatically update the antivirus database and start scanning your computer for malware.
Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will scan your computer for adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious programs. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check on the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
Click on “Quarantine”.
When the scan has been completed, you will be presented with a screen showing the malware infections that Malwarebytes has detected. To remove the malware that Malwarebytes has found, click on the “Quarantine” button.
Restart computer.
Malwarebytes will now remove all the malicious files that it has found. To complete the malware removal process, Malwarebytes may ask you to restart your computer.
Your Mac should now be free of adware, browser hijackers, and other malware.
If your current antivirus allowed a malicious program on your computer, you might want to consider purchasing the full-featured version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still experiencing problems while trying to remove a malicious program from your computer, please ask for help in our Mac Malware Removal Help & Support forum.
Scan your phone with Malwarebytes for Android to remove malware
Malwarebytes for Android automatically detects and removes dangerous threats like malware and ransomware so you don’t have to worry about your most-used device being compromised. Aggressive detection of adware and potentially unwanted programs keeps your Android phone or tablet running smooth.
Download Malwarebytes for Android.
You can download Malwarebytes for Android by clicking the link below.
In the Google Play Store, tap “Install” to install Malwarebytes for Android on your device.
When the installation process has finished, tap “Open” to begin using Malwarebytes for Android. You can also open Malwarebytes by tapping on its icon in your phone menu or home screen.
Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the setup process
When Malwarebytes will open, you will see the Malwarebytes Setup Wizard which will guide you through a series of permissions and other setup options. This is the first of two screens that explain the difference between the Premium and Free versions. Swipe this screen to continue. Tap on “Got it” to proceed to the next step. Malwarebytes for Android will now ask for a set of permissions that are required to scan your device and protect it from malware. Tap on “Give permission” to continue. Tap on “Allow” to permit Malwarebytes to access the files on your phone.
Update database and run a scan with Malwarebytes for Android
You will now be prompted to update the Malwarebytes database and run a full system scan.
Click on “Update database” to update the Malwarebytes for Android definitions to the latest version, then click on “Run full scan” to perform a system scan.
Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will now start scanning your phone for adware and other malicious apps. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check on the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
Click on “Remove Selected”.
When the scan has been completed, you will be presented with a screen showing the malware infections that Malwarebytes for Android has detected. To remove the malicious apps that Malwarebytes has found, tap on the “Remove Selected” button.
Restart your phone.
Malwarebytes for Android will now remove all the malicious apps that it has found. To complete the malware removal process, Malwarebytes may ask you to restart your device.
Your phone should now be free of adware, browser hijackers, and other malware.
If your current antivirus allowed a malicious app on your phone, you may want to consider purchasing the full-featured version of Malwarebytes to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still having problems with your phone after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
Restore your phone to factory settings by going to Settings > General management > Reset > Factory data reset.
Frequently Asked Questions about the $100 Amazon Gift Card Scam
1. How do I recognize the $100 Amazon gift card scam on Facebook?
The most common red flags include an ad promising a free $100 Amazon gift card, claims you must complete a survey or provide personal information to get the gift card, and links to suspicious or sketchy-looking websites. The ads are designed to look like real Amazon promotions. Always be wary of “free” gift cards requiring you to submit sensitive information.
2. What happens if I click on the link in the $100 Amazon gift card ad?
The links usually take you to a fake website disguised as Amazon and asking for your login credentials or sign-up information. Providing any personal or account information will allow scammers to steal your Amazon identity or sign you up for unwanted services. Never enter your Amazon login on unfamiliar websites.
3. How do the scammers profit from the fake $100 Amazon gift card ads?
Most commonly, they steal your Amazon account login details to access your account, personal info, and payment methods. Others sign you up for subscriptions, services, or even install malware. The scammers make quick money from either stealing your Amazon identity or making money off unauthorized sign-ups.
4. What should I do if I entered my Amazon account info into one of these scam websites?
Immediately change your Amazon password and enable two-factor authentication. Check your account for unauthorized changes, cancel any unknown subscriptions, remove unfamiliar payment methods, and contact Amazon customer service. You may also need to contact your bank about any fraudulent charges.
5. How can I get a real free $100 Amazon gift card?
Unfortunately, Amazon does not give away $100 gift cards for free legitimately. If you see ads offering this, it is always a scam attempt. Any promotions for free Amazon gift cards will never ask you to provide your Amazon credentials or other sensitive info. Always be leery of these.
6. What steps can I take to avoid the $100 Amazon gift card scam?
Be skeptical of any offer that seems too good to be true, look closely at the ad and landing page URL for red flags, avoid clicking questionable links, never provide your Amazon login or financial details, use unique passwords, and enable two-factor authentication on your accounts.
7. Where should I report fake $100 Amazon gift card scams?
You can report the ads or landing pages to Facebook and Amazon directly to get them taken down. Provide screenshots and details on the scam tactics used. Also report to the FTC to help warn others and support scam investigation efforts.
8. How do I recover or cancel if I was signed up for unwanted services?
If you provided your payment information, contact your credit card company or bank to reverse the charges and cancel payments to any unauthorized subscription services. You can also contest them directly with the companies by phone, email, or on their websites.
9. Could scammers do more harm to me than just stealing my Amazon account?
Yes, they can use your email and passwords to access other accounts if you reused them elsewhere. Always use unique passwords for every site. The scammers may also have obtained enough personal info from your Amazon account to engage in identity theft.
10. What are some other “free gift card” scams I should look out for?
Scammers use similar tactics for fake gift cards from Target, Walmart, Best Buy, Starbucks, and other brands. Be vigilant and never provide your login or financial information to unfamiliar sites promising free gift cards. If it seems questionable, it’s best to avoid entirely.
The Bottom Line on the $100 Amazon Gift Card Facebook Scam
The promise of free money via an Amazon gift card is powerfully tempting. But any offer like this on Facebook should raise immediate red flags.
Scammers rely on the principle that people will toss caution aside for a big potential payoff. By mirroring official branding and creating a convincing facade, they trick unsuspecting victims into giving up login credentials or signing up for unwanted services.
The result is accounts being compromised, identities being stolen, and unwanted charges occurring. But armed with the insights on how this scam works, you can identify the red flags early and avoid being ensnared. Always be wary of unbelievable free offers. If it seems fake, it almost always is.
How to Stay Safe Online
Here are 10 basic security tips to help you avoid malware and protect your device:
Use a good antivirus and keep it up-to-date.
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.
Keep software and operating systems up-to-date.
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.
Be careful when installing programs and apps.
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."
Install an 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.
Be careful what you download.
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.
Be alert for people trying to trick you.
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.
Back up your data.
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.
Choose strong passwords.
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.
Be careful where you click.
Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. These could potentially contain malware or phishing scams.
Don't use pirated software.
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.
Meet Thomas Orsolya
Thomas is an expert at uncovering scams and providing in-depth reporting on cyber threats and online fraud. As an editor, he is dedicated to keeping readers informed on the latest developments in cybersecurity and tech.
