Recently, scammers have been taking advantage of beloved actor Matthew Perry’s tragic passing to run iPhone gift scams on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. They are showing fake ads featuring logos and branding from reputable news sites like TIME, Fox News, and CNN to trick people into believing the scam offer is real.
The ads claim that as part of Perry’s last will, he has set up a “Friend Fund” together with his Friends castmates to give away free iPhone 15 devices every month to fans, fulfilling his final wish to give back to the fans who loved the show.
While Perry did sadly pass away at age 54 on October 28th, 2023, these gift offers are completely fabricated by scammers looking to profit from his death. This article will provide an in-depth expose on how the Matthew Perry iPhone 15 gift scam works, what to do if you have fallen victim, and how to protect yourself moving forward.
Overview of the Scam
The Matthew Perry iPhone gift scam ads are designed intentionally to pull on people’s heartstrings. They focus on Perry’s untimely death and his fictional last wish to give gifts to his loyal fans as a token of appreciation for their support over the years. Many people feel a personal connection to actors or characters that have brought them joy, so these ads exploit those feelings of grief and loss.
The scam ads also put a sense of urgency and exclusivity around the offer, claiming only limited iPhone 15 devices are available for free each month. Phony quotes from Perry’s Friends co-stars like Jennifer Aniston and Courteney Cox help lend credibility to the story.
In reality, there is no “Friend Fund” set up to honor Perry, and no free iPhones being given away by his former castmates. But for victims who click through to claim their “free gift,” they are linked to shady websites collecting personal information and credit card details, often signing people up for unwanted paid subscriptions without their consent.
How the Scam Sites Work
The fake Matthew Perry gift offer pages users land on are designed to extract financial information while providing nothing of value in return. They first confirm shipping details to send an iPhone 15, then request credit card information by claiming a small $9.99 shipping and handling fee.
However, in the fine print of lengthy terms and conditions agreements clicked through, users actually sign up for unwanted monthly subscription services ranging from self-help book programs to adult video sites. Almost immediately after entering payment data, recipients are changed as much as $59.99 per month for services they didn’t agree to purchase up front.
No iPhone ever arrives, but the recurring subscription charges continue stacking up. Most people don’t even realize what has happened until they review their credit card statement days later. Attempting to cancel is often a headache as well, with some scam sites requiring written letters sent by postal mail. This allows more unauthorized charges to pile up in the meantime.
Red Flags to Recognize You’re Being Scammed
While the emotional pull of these Matthew Perry gift scams can blindside people into handing over personal information, there are some red flags that indicate the offer is not legitimate:
- Websites use fake branding mimicking reputable news sites like TIME and CNN. They are not actually affiliated.
- Perry’s Friends co-stars have not collaborated to set up any gift fund. Quotes are fabricated.
- Pages have spelling and grammar errors unfitting of a professional operation.
- $9.99 shipping for a free iPhone 15 makes no logical sense.
- Terms and conditions hide unrelated paid subscriptions you didn’t approve.
- Website was very recently registered and contact info is unavailable.
If an offer seems too good to be true around a recent celebrity death, proceed with extreme caution before inputting any sensitive personal data. Verify the claims being made and watch for these signs you may end up getting scammed.
How the Matthew Perry iPhone Scam Works
The scam relies on a step-by-step process to gradually gain the trust of victims before extracting their financial information. Here are the stages:
Stage 1: Fake Celebrity Death Story
Scammers first fabricate a believable story around Matthew Perry’s death. They combine facts like his actual passing on October 28th with fiction, claiming his last wishes included giving iPhone gifts to loyal fans. Using his name and quotes from Friends costars makes the story credible.
Stage 2: Urgent Limited Time Offer
The scam ads put urgency around the gift offer, saying only limited quantities are available this month from the fictional “Friend Fund” in Perry’s honor. Countdown timers, dwindling inventory numbers and other pressures encourage visitors to act fast before missing out.
Stage 3: Emotional Hooks and Credibility
Ads highlight Perry’s desire to appreciate his fans, playing on viewer emotions. Fake media brand logos like TIME, CNN and Fox News also build trust in the authenticity. Photos of Perry and quotes help viewers feel personally connected to the story.
Stage 4: Request Shipping Information
When visitors click through on gift offers, the first step requests their name, email address and home shipping address to send the promised free iPhone 15. Victims willingly provide data believing their gift is on the way.
Stage 5: Request Credit Card for “Shipping Fees”
On the next page, victims are asked for credit card information, but only to cover $9.99 shipping costs for their “free” device delivery. This gets financial account numbers the scammers want into their payment system.
Stage 6: Unauthorized Subscription Sign-Ups
Within the lengthy terms and conditions clicked through, users actually consent to paid monthly subscriptions for unwanted services without understanding what they agreed to. Recurring charges from $39 to $99 stack up quickly.
Stage 7: Difficult Cancellations and Credit Damage
Victims contacting banks and credit bureaus realize too late the damage done. Cancelling subscriptions often requires snail mail letters. Some have their credit trashed by overdraft fees if funds run out before seeing the scam charges pile up in their accounts.
The emotional pull of the celebrity angle lowers defenses allowing this systematic process to access shipping details, payment info, and legal sign-off on inadvertent monthly fees – all without sending any free iPhone gift.
What to Do if You Have Fallen Victim
If you entered your information into one of these Matthew Perry iPhone gift scams and unknown subscription fees began hitting your credit card, don’t panic. Here are the steps experts recommend taking right away to minimize your losses and avoid further damages:
Step 1: Contact Your Credit Card Company
Call the customer service number on the back of your credit or debit card and explain unauthorized subscription charges have appeared that you did not approve. Request to have the charges reversed and new card issued to prevent additional fraudulent charges.
Step 2: Place Fraud Alert on Credit Reports
Since scammers have your personal information including name, address, and credit card details, put an initial 90-day fraud alert on all three major credit reports via Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. This flags your account and requires verification for new lines of credit to thwart identity theft.
Step 3: Monitor Statements and Credit Reports
Carefully review monthly bank and credit card statements looking for any unfamiliar transaction names or amounts. Also check incoming mail and email for notices about new accounts opened in your name. Order free annual credit reports to scan for loans or accounts fraudulently taken out under your identity.
Step 4: Change Passwords and Enable 2-Factor Authentication
Reset login credentials everywhere possible, especially financial accounts, email, and social media to lock out scammers. Turn on two-factor authentication using your mobile phone number for an added layer of security on important accounts whenever available.
Following these steps quickly can help halt the bleeding from these types of iPhone gift scams exploiting the names of deceased celebrities. Make sure to report the incident to local law enforcement, Federal Trade Commission, and anywhere else personal details were compromised as well. Stay vigilant moving forward and don’t enter data on sites you don’t fully trust.
Frequently Asked Questions on the Matthew Perry iPhone Scam
What is the Matthew Perry iPhone scam?
The Matthew Perry iPhone scam exploits the actor’s tragic death in October 2023. Scammers create fake promotions for free iPhone 15 giveaways, claiming to honor Perry’s legacy. Targeting grieving fans via social ads, users give personal information only to get signed up for recurring subscription fees.
Are the Matthew Perry iPhone giveaway offers legit?
No. Claims of a “Friends Fund” or cast tributes giving away iPhone 15 devices are completely fabricated. No free phones exist, despite press quotes and believable domain names. It is a scam tactic to harvest data and inflict financial fraud.
Who is responsible for the Matthew Perry iPhone scam ads?
It remains unknown exactly who creates these celebrity-tied scams, as sites provide untraceable registration info. Scammers hide behind false identities and domains anonymously registered offshore to avoid capture. Efforts to track them down typically hit dead ends internationally.
What happens when you provide info to claim Matthew Perry’s iPhone gift?
Victims asked for shipping and payment details to cover fake $9.99 delivery fees are actually enrolled in high-dollar monthly subscriptions. Unauthorized services ranging from books to pornography rapidly charge cards on file without consent once users enter details.
How much money do these Matthew Perry iPhone scams rake in?
With social ads reaching millions and using emotional triggers around beloved stars, these scams can generate thousands in fraudulent subscription revenues daily. Even at a 1% response rate, large profits pile up extracting payments from unwitting victims.
How can you delete account and stop charges from Matthew Perry iPhone scam sites?
Getting fraudulent sites to cancel subscriptions requires mailing physical letters, a lengthy process sometimes impossible if fake addresses are listed. Contact banks immediately upon seeing charges to halt further billing and reverse recent transactions applied.
What legal recourse exists against celebrity iPhone gift scam operations?
While sites hide origins complicating lawsuits, victims should file detailed complaints with the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) and IC3 (Internet Crime Complaint Center) to aid investigations. Strong advocacy also pressures social platforms and credit card firms to help combat such scams more actively.
How to avoid celebrity gift scams using names like Matthew Perry?
Apply skepticism rather than taking emotional appeals at face value. Verify legitimacy via independent search before providing data. Read all terms and conditions fully, looking for hidden clauses about subscriptions or payments unrelated to any giveaway or contest being touted to users.
The Bottom Line
The passing of beloved actor Matthew Perry has unfortunately become the basis for iPhone gift scams aiming to take advantage of grieving fans on social platforms. Fake promotions promising free phones turn out to be ploys stealing financial information and signing people up for recurring monthly fees.
While the emotional appeals of honoring a late star sound compelling, it’s wise to fact check claims and watch for shady website tactics before inputting sensitive data. If you have fallen victim already, immediately call card companies and credit bureaus to lock down accounts compromised by scammers.
When an offer related to a major news event or celebrity tragedy seems too good to be legit, make sure you verify its authenticity before providing personal details. Consider it a major red flag if free products actually require upfront payment info, and read all terms and conditions fully before accepting. Stay skeptical online and keep personal data protected to avoid gift scams exploiting your fandom.
