‘Free $30 Off Aldi Gift Card’ Facebook Survey Scam

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Written by: Stelian Pilici

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Scams have become increasingly prevalent in the digital age, with scammers constantly devising new tactics to deceive unsuspecting individuals. One such scam that has gained traction in recent times is the ‘Free $30 Off Aldi Gift Card’ Facebook survey scam. This article aims to shed light on this scam, providing a detailed overview of what it is, how it works, what to do if you have fallen victim, and the technical details behind it.

Scams

What is the ‘Free $30 Off Aldi Gift Card’ Facebook Survey Scam?

The ‘Free $30 Off Aldi Gift Card’ Facebook survey scam is a deceptive scheme that targets Facebook users by promising them a $30 discount on their next purchase at Aldi, a popular supermarket chain. The scam typically appears as a post or advertisement on Facebook, enticing users with the prospect of receiving a free gift card.

Upon clicking on the post or advertisement, users are redirected to a website that appears to be affiliated with Aldi. The website prompts users to complete a survey in order to claim their gift card. The survey often requests personal information, such as name, address, phone number, and email address, under the guise of verifying eligibility for the gift card.

How Does the Scam Work?

The ‘Free $30 Off Aldi Gift Card’ Facebook survey scam operates by exploiting users’ desire for freebies and discounts. The scammers behind the scheme use enticing language and appealing visuals to lure users into clicking on the post or advertisement. Once users are redirected to the fraudulent website, they are prompted to complete a survey, which serves as a means for the scammers to collect personal information.

After users submit their personal information, they are often required to share the scam with their Facebook friends or complete additional tasks, such as downloading suspicious software or subscribing to premium services. These actions not only help the scammers spread the scam further but also generate revenue for them through various means, such as affiliate marketing or pay-per-install schemes.

What to Do If You Have Fallen Victim?

If you have fallen victim to the ‘Free $30 Off Aldi Gift Card’ Facebook survey scam, it is crucial to take immediate action to protect yourself and minimize the potential damage:

  • Change your Facebook password: Scammers may have gained access to your account through the scam. Changing your password will help prevent further unauthorized access.
  • Report the scam: Inform Facebook about the scam by reporting the post or advertisement. This will help Facebook take appropriate action and potentially prevent others from falling victim.
  • Monitor your accounts: Keep a close eye on your bank accounts, credit cards, and other online accounts for any suspicious activity. If you notice any unauthorized transactions, contact your financial institution immediately.
  • Scan your device for malware: Run a scan with Malwarebytes Free or another reputable antivirus software to check for any malware that may have been installed on your device.
  • Be cautious of future offers: Exercise caution when encountering similar offers or promotions in the future. Remember that if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Technical Details of the Scam

The ‘Free $30 Off Aldi Gift Card’ Facebook survey scam utilizes various techniques to deceive users and collect their personal information:

  • URL spoofing: The scammers create websites that closely resemble the official Aldi website, tricking users into believing they are on a legitimate platform.
  • Social engineering: The scam employs persuasive language and appealing visuals to manipulate users’ emotions and entice them into participating in the survey.
  • Data harvesting: The survey serves as a means for the scammers to collect personal information, which can be used for identity theft, phishing attacks, or sold on the dark web.
  • Malware distribution: In some cases, users may be prompted to download software or applications as part of the scam. These downloads often contain malware or potentially unwanted programs.

Statistics on Facebook Scams

Facebook scams, including the ‘Free $30 Off Aldi Gift Card’ survey scam, have become alarmingly common. Here are some statistics that highlight the prevalence of scams on the platform:

  • According to a report by the Better Business Bureau, Facebook scams accounted for over $117 million in reported losses in 2020.
  • A study conducted by the University of Iowa found that Facebook users are more likely to fall for scams compared to users of other social media platforms.
  • In a survey conducted by NortonLifeLock, 1 in 5 respondents reported falling victim to a Facebook scam.

Summary

The ‘Free $30 Off Aldi Gift Card’ Facebook survey scam is a deceptive scheme that preys on users’ desire for discounts and freebies. By understanding how the scam works and taking necessary precautions, users can protect themselves from falling victim to such scams. It is crucial to remain vigilant, report suspicious posts or advertisements, and regularly scan devices for malware. Remember, if an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.

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.

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