‘Get A Free $75 Aldi 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 constantly finding new ways to deceive unsuspecting individuals. One such scam that has gained traction in recent times is the ‘Get A Free $75 Aldi 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 protect yourself from falling prey to similar scams.

Scams

What is the ‘Get A Free $75 Aldi Coupon’ Facebook Scam?

The ‘Get A Free $75 Aldi Coupon’ Facebook scam is a deceptive scheme that aims to trick users into believing they can obtain a free $75 coupon for the popular grocery store, Aldi. Scammers create fake Facebook pages or posts that appear to be from Aldi, enticing users with the promise of a generous coupon in exchange for their participation.

How the Scam Works

The scam typically begins with a Facebook post or advertisement that claims to offer a free $75 Aldi coupon. The post may include enticing images of the coupon or testimonials from supposed beneficiaries. Users are then instructed to click on a link or share the post to claim their coupon.

Once users click on the link or share the post, they are redirected to a fraudulent website that mimics the official Aldi website. On this fake website, users are prompted to provide personal information such as their name, address, phone number, and email address. Some variations of the scam may even ask for credit card details or request users to complete surveys.

By providing their personal information, users unknowingly hand it over to scammers who can then use it for various malicious purposes. This may include identity theft, unauthorized purchases, or selling the information to other cybercriminals on the dark web.

What to Do If You Have Fallen Victim

If you have fallen victim to the ‘Get A Free $75 Aldi Coupon’ Facebook scam or any similar scam, it is crucial to take immediate action to minimize the potential damage.

1. Change Your Passwords

The first step is to change your passwords for all your online accounts, especially if you have provided your login credentials on the fraudulent website. This will help prevent unauthorized access to your accounts and protect your personal information.

2. Monitor Your Accounts

Regularly monitor your bank accounts, credit card statements, and other financial accounts for any suspicious activity. If you notice any unauthorized transactions, report them to your bank or financial institution 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). Providing them with details of the scam can help in their efforts to track down and apprehend the scammers.

4. Run a Scan with Malwarebytes

Scammers often use deceptive websites to distribute malware or viruses. To ensure your device is free from any potential threats, it is recommended to run a scan with Malwarebytes Free or any reputable antivirus software.

Protecting Yourself from Similar Scams

While scams like the ‘Get A Free $75 Aldi Coupon’ Facebook scam can be convincing, there are several measures you can take to protect yourself from falling victim:

1. Be Skeptical of Too-Good-To-Be-True Offers

Exercise caution when encountering offers that seem too good to be true, especially on social media platforms. Genuine companies rarely give away large sums of money or valuable coupons without a valid reason.

2. Verify the Source

Before clicking on any links or providing personal information, verify the source of the offer. Check the official website or social media pages of the company in question to see if the offer is legitimate.

3. Check for Verified Badges

On social media platforms, look for verified badges next to the company’s name or handle. These badges indicate that the account has been verified by the platform and is likely to be authentic.

4. Educate Yourself

Stay informed about the latest scams and techniques used by scammers. Regularly read articles, blogs, and news updates related to online scams to familiarize yourself with their tactics.

Summary

The ‘Get A Free $75 Aldi Coupon’ Facebook scam is a deceptive scheme that preys on unsuspecting users by promising a generous coupon in exchange for their participation. Scammers create fake Facebook pages or posts, redirect users to fraudulent websites, and trick them into providing personal information. If you have fallen victim, it is crucial to change your passwords, monitor your accounts, report the scam, and run a scan with Malwarebytes to protect yourself from potential threats. To avoid falling prey to similar scams, be skeptical of too-good-to-be-true offers, verify the source, check for verified badges, and educate yourself about online scams. By staying vigilant and informed, you can protect yourself and others from falling victim to scams.

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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