Free Pizza Scam Post Circulating Via WhatsApp [Explained]

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Written by: Stelian Pilici

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WhatsApp has become one of the most popular messaging platforms worldwide, with over 2 billion users. While it offers a convenient way to stay connected with friends and family, it has also become a breeding ground for scams and fraudulent activities. One such scam that has been circulating recently is the “Free Pizza” scam. In this article, we will explore what this scam is, how it works, what to do if you have fallen victim, and provide valuable insights to help you stay safe online.

Scams

What is the Free Pizza Scam?

The Free Pizza scam is a deceptive scheme that targets WhatsApp users by promising them a free pizza from a popular restaurant chain. The scam typically starts with a message or post that claims the restaurant is celebrating its anniversary or some other special occasion and is giving away free pizzas to WhatsApp users. The message often includes a link that users are instructed to click on to claim their free pizza.

How the Scam Works

Once a user clicks on the link provided in the scam message, they are redirected to a website that appears to be legitimate. The website may even have the restaurant’s logo and branding, making it seem authentic. Users are then asked to provide their personal information, such as their name, address, and phone number, to claim the free pizza.

However, by providing their personal information, users unknowingly give scammers access to their sensitive data. This information can be used for various malicious purposes, including identity theft, phishing attacks, and even financial fraud.

Example:

Let’s say John receives a message on WhatsApp claiming that a popular pizza chain is giving away free pizzas to celebrate its anniversary. Excited about the offer, John clicks on the link provided in the message and is taken to a website that looks legitimate. He enters his personal information to claim the free pizza. Unbeknownst to John, the scammers now have access to his personal data and can use it for fraudulent activities.

What to Do if You Have Fallen Victim

If you have fallen victim to the Free Pizza scam or any other similar scam, it is important to take immediate action to protect yourself and minimize the potential damage.

  1. Change your passwords: Start by changing the passwords for all your online accounts, including social media, email, and banking accounts. Use strong, unique passwords that are difficult to guess.
  2. Monitor your accounts: Keep a close eye on your bank statements, credit reports, and any other financial accounts for any suspicious activity. Report any unauthorized transactions to your bank or credit card company immediately.
  3. Enable two-factor authentication: Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible to add an extra layer of security to your accounts. This will require you to provide a second form of verification, such as a code sent to your phone, in addition to your password.
  4. Scan for viruses and malware: Run a scan with a reputable antivirus software, such as Malwarebytes Free, to check if your device has been infected with any malware or viruses.
  5. Report the scam: Report the scam to the appropriate authorities, such as your local law enforcement agency and the platform where the scam originated (in this case, WhatsApp).

How to Stay Safe Online

While scams like the Free Pizza scam can be alarming, there are steps you can take to protect yourself and stay safe online:

  • Be skeptical of offers that seem too good to be true: If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Exercise caution and do your research before providing any personal information or clicking on suspicious links.
  • Verify the source: Before clicking on any links or providing personal information, verify the source of the message or post. Check the official website or contact the company directly to confirm the legitimacy of the offer.
  • Keep your software up to date: Regularly update your operating system, apps, and antivirus software to ensure you have the latest security patches and protection against known vulnerabilities.
  • Educate yourself: Stay informed about the latest scams and fraud techniques. Familiarize yourself with common red flags and warning signs to help you identify and avoid potential scams.

Summary

The Free Pizza scam is a deceptive scheme that targets WhatsApp users by promising them a free pizza from a popular restaurant chain. Users are lured into clicking on a link and providing their personal information, which can be used for malicious purposes. If you have fallen victim to this scam, it is crucial to take immediate action to protect yourself. Change your passwords, monitor your accounts, enable two-factor authentication, and scan for viruses and malware. To stay safe online, be skeptical of offers that seem too good to be true, verify the source of messages or posts, keep your software up to date, and educate yourself about the latest scams. By staying vigilant and taking proactive measures, you can protect yourself from falling victim to scams and frauds.

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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