Walmart ‘Free 85% Off Coupon’ Facebook Scam [Explained]

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Written by: Stelian Pilici

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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 Walmart ‘Free 85% Off Coupon’ Facebook scam. This article aims to shed light on what this scam is, how it works, what to do if you have fallen victim, and provide valuable insights to help readers protect themselves from falling prey to similar scams.

Scams

What is the Walmart ‘Free 85% Off Coupon’ Facebook Scam?

The Walmart ‘Free 85% Off Coupon’ Facebook scam is a deceptive scheme that aims to trick users into believing they can obtain a significant discount at Walmart by clicking on a link or participating in a survey. Scammers often create fake Facebook pages or posts that appear to be affiliated with Walmart, complete with the company’s logo and branding. These posts claim that users can receive an 85% discount coupon by following the provided instructions.

How Does the Scam Work?

The scam typically begins with a Facebook post or advertisement that catches the attention of users. The post may claim that Walmart is offering an exclusive deal, such as an 85% off coupon, to celebrate a special occasion or anniversary. Users are then prompted to click on a link or participate in a survey to claim the coupon.

Once users click on the link or engage in the survey, they are redirected to a website that appears to be legitimate. The website may ask users to provide personal information, such as their name, address, and email, or it may prompt them to download a file or install a browser extension. In reality, these actions are designed to collect sensitive information or install malware on the user’s device.

Examples of the Walmart ‘Free 85% Off Coupon’ Facebook Scam

  • A Facebook post claiming that Walmart is giving away 85% off coupons to celebrate its anniversary.
  • An advertisement on Facebook offering an exclusive deal for a limited time, enticing users to click on the link.
  • A sponsored post on Facebook that appears to be from Walmart, promising huge discounts for a limited number of users.

What to Do If You Have Fallen Victim

If you have fallen victim to the Walmart ‘Free 85% Off Coupon’ Facebook scam, it is important to take immediate action to protect yourself and minimize the potential damage.

  1. Disconnect from the internet: If you suspect that your device may have been compromised, disconnect from the internet to prevent further unauthorized access.
  2. Scan your device for malware: Run a scan with a reputable antivirus software, such as Malwarebytes Free, to detect and remove any malicious software.
  3. Change your passwords: Change the passwords for all your online accounts, especially those associated with sensitive information such as banking or email accounts.
  4. Monitor your accounts: Keep a close eye on your financial accounts and credit reports to detect any unauthorized activity.
  5. Report the scam: Report the scam to the appropriate authorities, such as your local law enforcement agency and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

Protecting Yourself from Similar Scams

While it is impossible to completely eliminate the risk of falling victim to scams, there are several steps you can take to protect yourself:

  • Be skeptical of too-good-to-be-true offers: If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Exercise caution and do your research before clicking on any suspicious links or providing personal information.
  • Verify the source: Before engaging with any online promotion or offer, verify the legitimacy of the source. Check the official website or social media accounts of the company to see if the promotion is mentioned.
  • Keep your software up to date: Regularly update your operating system, web browsers, and antivirus software to ensure you have the latest security patches and protection against known vulnerabilities.
  • Use strong, unique passwords: Create strong, unique passwords for each of your online accounts and consider using a password manager to securely store them.
  • Enable two-factor authentication: Enable two-factor authentication whenever possible to add an extra layer of security to your online accounts.

Summary

The Walmart ‘Free 85% Off Coupon’ Facebook scam is a deceptive scheme that aims to trick users into believing they can obtain a significant discount at Walmart. Scammers create fake Facebook pages or posts that appear to be affiliated with Walmart and prompt users to click on a link or participate in a survey. Once users engage with the scam, their personal information may be compromised, or malware may be installed on their devices.

If you have fallen victim to the scam, it is crucial to take immediate action by disconnecting from the internet, scanning your device for malware, changing your passwords, monitoring your accounts, and reporting the scam. To protect yourself from similar scams, be skeptical of too-good-to-be-true offers, verify the source, keep your software up to date, use strong, unique passwords, and enable two-factor authentication whenever possible.

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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