Virgin Airways ‘Complimentary First Class Flights’ Facebook Survey Scam

Photo of author

Written by: Stelian Pilici

Published on:

Scams have become increasingly prevalent in the digital age, with scammers finding new and creative ways to deceive unsuspecting individuals. One such scam that has gained traction in recent years is the Virgin Airways ‘Complimentary First Class Flights’ Facebook survey 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 Virgin Airways ‘Complimentary First Class Flights’ Facebook Survey Scam?

The Virgin Airways ‘Complimentary First Class Flights’ Facebook survey scam is a fraudulent scheme that targets Facebook users by promising them free first-class flights with Virgin Airways. Scammers create fake Facebook pages or posts that appear to be from Virgin Airways, enticing users with the opportunity to win these luxurious flights. The scam typically involves a survey or questionnaire that users are required to complete in order to qualify for the prize.

How Does the Scam Work?

The scam begins with a Facebook post or advertisement that claims to offer complimentary first-class flights with Virgin Airways. The post often includes enticing images of luxurious cabins and promises of an unforgettable travel experience. Users who click on the post are directed to a website or landing page that mimics the official Virgin Airways website, complete with logos and branding to appear legitimate.

Once on the fake website, users are prompted to complete a survey or questionnaire. The questions may vary, but they typically request personal information such as name, address, phone number, and email address. Some surveys may also ask for sensitive information like credit card details or social security numbers, claiming it is necessary for verification purposes or to cover taxes and fees.

After completing the survey, users are often asked to share the post or tag friends to increase the reach of the scam. This helps the scammers gain more victims and perpetuate the fraudulent scheme. In some cases, users may be redirected to another website that claims to offer additional prizes or discounts, further enticing them to engage with the scam.

What to Do If You Have Fallen Victim?

If you have fallen victim to the Virgin Airways ‘Complimentary First Class Flights’ Facebook survey scam, it is important to take immediate action to protect yourself and minimize the potential damage.

  1. Change your passwords: Start by changing your passwords for all your online accounts, especially if you provided any sensitive information during the scam.
  2. 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 credit card company immediately.
  3. Report the scam: Report the scam to the relevant authorities, such as your local law enforcement agency and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Provide them with as much information as possible, including screenshots of the scam posts or websites.
  4. Scan for malware: Run a scan with Malwarebytes Free or another reputable antivirus software to ensure that your device is not infected with any malware or viruses.
  5. Be cautious in the future: Learn from the experience and be more vigilant when engaging with online promotions or offers. Be skeptical of any too-good-to-be-true offers and always verify the legitimacy of the source before providing any personal information.

Technical Details of the Scam

The Virgin Airways ‘Complimentary First Class Flights’ Facebook survey scam utilizes various techniques to deceive users and appear legitimate. Some of the technical details of the scam include:

  • Phishing websites: The scammers create websites that closely resemble the official Virgin Airways website, using similar logos, colors, and fonts to trick users into believing they are interacting with a legitimate platform.
  • Social engineering: The scammers use persuasive language and enticing visuals to manipulate users into providing their personal information willingly.
  • URL manipulation: The URLs used in the scam may be slightly altered to mimic the official Virgin Airways website. Users who do not carefully examine the URL may not notice the subtle differences.
  • Malware distribution: In some cases, the scam may involve the distribution of malware or viruses. Users who click on certain links or download files from the scam website may unknowingly infect their devices.

Statistics on Facebook Scams

Facebook scams, including the Virgin Airways ‘Complimentary First Class Flights’ survey scam, have become a widespread issue affecting millions of users worldwide. Here are some statistics that highlight the prevalence of Facebook scams:

  • In 2020, Facebook reported that it took down over 1.3 billion fake accounts, many of which were involved in scams and fraudulent activities.
  • A study conducted by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) found that Facebook scams accounted for 30% of all reported online scams in 2020.
  • According to a survey by NortonLifeLock, 1 in 10 Facebook users have fallen victim to a scam on the platform.

Summary

The Virgin Airways ‘Complimentary First Class Flights’ Facebook survey scam is a deceptive scheme that preys on unsuspecting users by promising them free first-class flights. The scam involves fake Facebook posts or advertisements that lead users to fraudulent websites where they are prompted to complete surveys and provide personal information. If you have fallen victim to this scam, it is crucial to take immediate action by changing passwords, monitoring accounts, reporting the scam, and scanning for malware. By being cautious and vigilant, users can protect themselves from falling victim to such scams in the future.

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

Lottery Cheque Scams: What You Need To Know!

Next

Virgin Airlines Australia “Holiday Giveaway” Facebook Scam