We Looked Into January Cash 25: Scam or Legit? The Verdict
Written by: Thomas Orsolya
Published on:
A new rewards scam called January Cash 25 has recently emerged, enticing victims with promises of easy cash in exchange for completing sponsored deals. But this website is just a ploy to steal personal information and money. Here’s what you need to know about how the January Cash 25 scam works, how to avoid it, and what to do if you became a victim.
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Overview of the January Cash 25 Scam
JanuaryCash25.com claims users can earn up to $750 in cash by completing 25 “sponsored deals” within 7 days. Deals involve downloading apps, signing up for subscriptions, free trials, and making purchases. The site also promises chances to win up to $1000 through additional deals.
To get your reward, you must complete ID verification too. But this is just a scheme to harvest your personal details. In reality, if you participate in any deals, you’ll be at high risk of identity theft. And you won’t receive any cash payouts despite completing all requirements.
This scam baits victims by promising easy rewards if they just complete a few activities. But it’s all a front to expose people’s data and make money from commissions, subscriptions, and selling your information. Here’s an in-depth look at how this predatory scam works.
How the January Cash 25 Scam Works
The January Cash 25 scam operates on deception at every step. Here are the key stages of how this scam ensnares victims:
1. Bait With Reward Offers
The January Cash 25 website prominently displays offers like:
Earn up to $750 cash for completing 25 deals in 7 days
Get a chance to win up to $1000 through additional deals
Complete deals by downloading apps, signing up for trials, making purchases, etc.
These attention-grabbing claims give the impression you can quickly earn hundreds of dollars in a week. This lures in people excited by the prospect of easy money.
2. Make Outrageous Promises
According to the site, you can earn the following rewards:
Download a mobile game or app – Earn $20
Sign up for a subscription service – Earn $30
Participate in a free trial – Earn $25
Make a product purchase – Earn $40
The promised payouts are absurdly high for simple actions. But people get blinded by dollar signs and don’t consider whether such claims can be real.
3. Collect Personal Information
To participate in deals, you first have to complete registration forms giving away sensitive personal data including:
Full name
Email address
Phone number
Home address
Date of birth
Payment information
This data allows scammers to steal identities and commit financial fraud.
4. Redirect to Shady Offer Walls
Clicking on deal links will redirect you to outside offer walls completely unrelated to January Cash 25. These sites get you to complete questionable subscriptions, trials, downloads, and purchases.
The external sites collecting your information are usually scams themselves. Their real purpose is harvesting data and exposing you to identity theft risks.
5. Prevent You From Withdrawing Winnings
After completing deals, if you try withdrawing your supposed earnings, you’ll face endless obstacles. You may be prompted to complete further offers, surveys, or purchases.
No matter how many hoops you jump through, you won’t be able to claim your “winnings”. Because in reality, there are no winnings to claim.
6. Sell Your Information
Once January Cash 25 acquires your personal details, this data gets sold to third-party scammers and fraudsters involved in ID theft.
Your information may also be used to bombard you with more scam offers or sold to shady marketing companies.
As you can see, this scam baits with tempting rewards before stealing your information, money, and peace of mind. Protect yourself by recognizing the red flags.
Warning Signs of the January Cash 25 Scam
Here are some clear warning signs that identify January Cash 25 as an untrustworthy scam:
No company details – The site lacks any address, contact info, business registration, or ownership details. Huge red flag.
Too good to be true claims – The promises of high earnings for simple tasks are clear bait hooks that are too good to be true.
High pressure tactics – Creating false urgency and scarcity with claims you must act now or lose out.
Spelling and grammar errors – Unprofessional errors show the site owners lack legitimacy.
Requires personal/financial information – Requests for private data like SSNs or bank account numbers are very suspicious.
Only positive reviews – The site lacks any objective reviews. All shown feedback seems fabricated.
Redirects to unsecure third-party sites – A clear sign of phishing and scamming when clicking links redirects to outside domains.
No record of payouts – No evidence that anyone has ever been paid out earnings as claimed.
Trust your gut. If something seems fake, it probably is. Avoid sites using carrots of quick cash to harvest your personal data.
How to Avoid the January Cash 25 Scam
Here are some tips to avoid falling victim to this scam:
Avoid unfamiliar websites promoting easy earnings. Only use reputable platforms.
Research websites thoroughly before providing any personal information. Search for reviews and complaints.
Never pay money upfront for promised rewards. This is a common scam tactic.
Don’t follow links to external domains. Stay on the main site you researched.
Watch for grammatical and spelling errors. Poor writing indicates amateur scam artists.
Verify business addresses using Google Maps. Many scams list fake addresses.
Avoid disclosing sensitive information like SSNs, bank details, etc unless absolutely necessary.
Use prepaid cards when shopping online to limit exposure of your real payment cards.
Don’t be pressured into acting fast with claims you’ll lose out on the deal. Scammers create false urgency.
Your best protection is remaining vigilant. Take time to thoroughly vet any website before you provide personal information or payment details.
What To Do If You Already Fell Victim
If you already got scammed by January Cash 25, here are important next steps:
Contact your bank to monitor accounts for suspicious charges. Dispute unauthorized transactions.
Place fraud alert with credit bureaus to be notified of any new accounts opened in your name.
Change account passwords everywhere you used the same password as on the scam site.
Cancel accounts created if you were tricked into signing up for paid subscriptions or trials.
Watch out for phishing attempts now that scammers have your email address and other details.
Report the scam to the FTC, IC3, BBB, and other organizations warning consumers.
Warn your friends and community by sharing your experience to prevent others from falling victim too.
If you suspect your device is infected with malware, you should run a scan with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware.
By taking proactive measures, you can contain some of the damage caused by this scam. But prevention is the best option by staying vigilant against too-good-to-be-true offers online.
Is Your Device Infected? Check for Malware
If your device is running slowly or acting suspicious, it may be infected with malware. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free is a great option for scanning your device and detecting potential malware or viruses. The free version can efficiently check for and remove many common infections.
Malwarebytes can run on Windows, Mac, and Android devices. Depending on which operating system is installed on the device you’re trying to run a Malwarebytes scan, please click on the tab below and follow the displayed steps.
Malwarebytes For WindowsMalwarebytes For MacMalwarebytes For Android
Scan your computer with Malwarebytes for Windows to remove malware
Malwarebytes stands out as one of the leading and widely-used anti-malware solutions for Windows, and for good reason. It effectively eradicates various types of malware that other programs often overlook, all at no cost to you. When it comes to disinfecting an infected device, Malwarebytes has consistently been a free and indispensable tool in the battle against malware. We highly recommend it for maintaining a clean and secure system.
Download Malwarebytes for Windows
You can download Malwarebytes by clicking the link below.
After the download is complete, locate the MBSetup file, typically found in your Downloads folder. Double-click on the MBSetup file to begin the installation of Malwarebytes on your computer. If a User Account Control pop-up appears, click “Yes” to continue the Malwarebytes installation.
Follow the On-Screen Prompts to Install Malwarebytes
When the Malwarebytes installation begins, the setup wizard will guide you through the process.
You’ll first be prompted to choose the type of computer you’re installing the program on—select either “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer” as appropriate, then click on Next.
Malwarebytes will now begin the installation process on your device.
When the Malwarebytes installation is complete, the program will automatically open to the “Welcome to Malwarebytes” screen.
On the final screen, simply click on the Open Malwarebytes option to start the program.
Enable “Rootkit scanning”.
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware will now start, and you will see the main screen as shown below. To maximize Malwarebytes’ ability to detect malware and unwanted programs, we need to enable rootkit scanning. Click on the “Settings” gear icon located on the left of the screen to access the general settings section.
In the settings menu, enable the “Scan for rootkits” option by clicking the toggle switch until it turns blue.
Now that you have enabled rootkit scanning, click on the “Dashboard” button in the left pane to get back to the main screen.
Perform a Scan with Malwarebytes.
To start a scan, click the Scan button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its antivirus database and begin scanning your computer for malicious programs.
Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will now scan your computer for browser hijackers and other malicious programs. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
Quarantine detected malware
Once the Malwarebytes scan is complete, it will display a list of detected malware, adware, and potentially unwanted programs. To effectively remove these threats, click the “Quarantine” button.
Malwarebytes will now delete all of the files and registry keys and add them to the program’s quarantine.
Restart your computer.
When removing files, Malwarebytes may require a reboot to fully eliminate some threats. If you see a message indicating that a reboot is needed, please allow it. Once your computer has restarted and you are logged back in, you can continue with the remaining steps.
Your computer should now be free of trojans, adware, browser hijackers, and other malware.
If your current antivirus allowed this malicious program on your computer, you may want to consider purchasing Malwarebytes Premium to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still having problems with your computer after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
Scan your computer with Malwarebytes for Mac to remove malware
Malwarebytes for Mac is an on-demand scanner that can destroy many types of malware that other software tends to miss without costing you absolutely anything. When it comes to cleaning up an infected device, Malwarebytes has always been free, and we recommend it as an essential tool in the fight against malware.
Download Malwarebytes for Mac.
You can download Malwarebytes for Mac by clicking the link below.
When Malwarebytes has finished downloading, double-click on the setup file to install Malwarebytes on your computer. In most cases, downloaded files are saved to the Downloads folder.
Follow the on-screen prompts to install Malwarebytes.
When the Malwarebytes installation begins, you will see the Malwarebytes for Mac Installer which will guide you through the installation process. Click “Continue“, then keep following the prompts to continue with the installation process.
When your Malwarebytes installation completes, the program opens to the Welcome to Malwarebytes screen. Click the “Get started” button.
Select “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer”.
The Malwarebytes Welcome screen will first ask you what type of computer are you installing this program, click either Personal Computer or Work Computer.
Click on “Scan”.
To scan your computer with Malwarebytes, click on the “Scan” button. Malwarebytes for Mac will automatically update the antivirus database and start scanning your computer for malware.
Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will scan your computer for adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious programs. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check on the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
Click on “Quarantine”.
When the scan has been completed, you will be presented with a screen showing the malware infections that Malwarebytes has detected. To remove the malware that Malwarebytes has found, click on the “Quarantine” button.
Restart computer.
Malwarebytes will now remove all the malicious files that it has found. To complete the malware removal process, Malwarebytes may ask you to restart your computer.
Your Mac should now be free of adware, browser hijackers, and other malware.
If your current antivirus allowed a malicious program on your computer, you might want to consider purchasing the full-featured version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still experiencing problems while trying to remove a malicious program from your computer, please ask for help in our Mac Malware Removal Help & Support forum.
Scan your phone with Malwarebytes for Android to remove malware
Malwarebytes for Android automatically detects and removes dangerous threats like malware and ransomware so you don’t have to worry about your most-used device being compromised. Aggressive detection of adware and potentially unwanted programs keeps your Android phone or tablet running smooth.
Download Malwarebytes for Android.
You can download Malwarebytes for Android by clicking the link below.
In the Google Play Store, tap “Install” to install Malwarebytes for Android on your device.
When the installation process has finished, tap “Open” to begin using Malwarebytes for Android. You can also open Malwarebytes by tapping on its icon in your phone menu or home screen.
Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the setup process
When Malwarebytes will open, you will see the Malwarebytes Setup Wizard which will guide you through a series of permissions and other setup options. This is the first of two screens that explain the difference between the Premium and Free versions. Swipe this screen to continue. Tap on “Got it” to proceed to the next step. Malwarebytes for Android will now ask for a set of permissions that are required to scan your device and protect it from malware. Tap on “Give permission” to continue. Tap on “Allow” to permit Malwarebytes to access the files on your phone.
Update database and run a scan with Malwarebytes for Android
You will now be prompted to update the Malwarebytes database and run a full system scan.
Click on “Update database” to update the Malwarebytes for Android definitions to the latest version, then click on “Run full scan” to perform a system scan.
Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will now start scanning your phone for adware and other malicious apps. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check on the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
Click on “Remove Selected”.
When the scan has been completed, you will be presented with a screen showing the malware infections that Malwarebytes for Android has detected. To remove the malicious apps that Malwarebytes has found, tap on the “Remove Selected” button.
Restart your phone.
Malwarebytes for Android will now remove all the malicious apps that it has found. To complete the malware removal process, Malwarebytes may ask you to restart your device.
Your phone should now be free of adware, browser hijackers, and other malware.
If your current antivirus allowed a malicious app on your phone, you may want to consider purchasing the full-featured version of Malwarebytes to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still having problems with your phone after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
Restore your phone to factory settings by going to Settings > General management > Reset > Factory data reset.
Frequently Asked Questions About the January Cash 25 Scam
Is January Cash 25 a real way to earn money online?
No, January Cash 25 is a scam website that uses false promises of rewards to trick people into handing over their personal and financial information which can lead to identity theft. No actual money can be earned from this shady platform.
What are some of the warning signs that indicate January Cash 25 is a scam?
Red flags include exaggerated earnings claims, high-pressure tactics, lack of company details, positive reviews that appear fake, requests for sensitive personal data, redirects to sketchy third-party sites, and no evidence of anyone receiving payouts.
Can I trust third-party offer walls and downloads on January Cash 25?
No, all third-party offers are highly dubious. These sites are usually scams themselves focused on harvesting data. Never provide your information or download files from the offer walls January Cash 25 redirects to.
Is it possible to make money taking paid surveys and downloads?
While you can earn a bit of extra money with some legitimate survey panels and rewards apps, they will never pay the absurdly high amounts promised by January Cash 25. Most sites advertising get-rich-quick schemes are scams.
What should I do if I already gave my information to January Cash 25?
Immediately contact your bank, monitor your credit reports and accounts for suspicious activity, change online account passwords, and report the incident to the FTC, BBB, and other organizations dedicated to combating fraud.
How can I spot similar scams in the future?
Research websites thoroughly, look for exaggerated claims, verify company details, avoid disclosing personal details, use prepaid cards for purchases, and trust your instincts to identify too-good-to-be true schemes. When in doubt, avoid participating.
Conclusion – Verify Before Participating
The January Cash 25 scam reveals how scammers use tempting reward offers to lower people’s guard and steal personal information. By appearing legitimate on the surface, they fool victims into willingly giving up data and money.
This scam goes to show you should carefully verify any website before providing sensitive information or completing dubious offers. Take time to research the company, look for warning signs, and consult objective reviews before participating.
When evaluating money-making opportunities online, use common sense measures. If something appears outrageously easy or risk-free, it’s likely a scam. Maintain healthy skepticism, do your homework, and don’t let desires for quick cash put your identity and finances in jeopardy.
How to Stay Safe Online
Here are 10 basic security tips to help you avoid malware and protect your device:
Use a good antivirus and keep it up-to-date.
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.
Keep software and operating systems up-to-date.
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.
Be careful when installing programs and apps.
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."
Install an 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.
Be careful what you download.
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.
Be alert for people trying to trick you.
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.
Back up your data.
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.
Choose strong passwords.
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.
Be careful where you click.
Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. These could potentially contain malware or phishing scams.
Don't use pirated software.
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.
Meet Thomas Orsolya
Thomas is an expert at uncovering scams and providing in-depth reporting on cyber threats and online fraud. As an editor, he is dedicated to keeping readers informed on the latest developments in cybersecurity and tech.
