So you received an email with exciting news – as a loyal REI customer, you’ve been selected to receive a free Yeti Rambler Tumbler! All you have to do is take a short survey and the coveted tumbler is yours, absolutely free.
This is one deal that seems too good to be true… because it is! Don’t let this phony offer hook you.
In this eye-opening article, we’ll reveal the tricks used by scammers to reel in unsuspecting readers just like you. Once you recognize their scam techniques, you can steer clear of this scam’s tangled web.
So read on to learn all the scandalous secrets that scam artists don’t want you to know. Let’s shed light on their sketchy scams!
Scam Overview
The email promoting the supposed REI freebie claims you’ve been “chosen” to participate in a loyalty program survey. All you need to do is answer a few short questions to receive a free Yeti Rambler tumbler.
Don’t let the promise of a “fantastic prize” lure you in. This is just a ruse designed to get you to click the link and take a “survey,” which asks for your personal information.
Rather than rewarding you with a free tumbler, the survey link leads down a rabbit hole to a network of scam websites. You’ll never get the promised freebie or any other reward. The “survey” does not collect or tally your answers in any way. It’s merely a front to harvest your personal details.
The scam email includes some key details that seem convincing on the surface:
- The REI logo and branding, making it appear to come directly from the outdoor retailer. Scammers often spoof legitimate company logos and designs.
- An address in Hutto, Texas along with the zip code. This gives the impression that the offer originates somewhere official. Don’t be fooled by appearances.
- Details on the specific tumbler being given away – the Yeti Rambler 20 oz model. The inclusion of a sought-after product helps convince readers the offer is real.
- A prompt to “get started now” and claim the gift before it’s gone. This creates manufactured urgency to entice recipients to click without thinking it through.
Clicking the email link sends victims down a rabbit hole of sketchy websites designed to disguise the scam’s ultimate purpose.
First you may land on an empty site that claims the survey is “loading.” This is a fake front to make the link appear legitimate before redirecting elsewhere.
Next you’ll be bounced through various shady domains littered with typos, grammatical errors, misspellings, and other red flags of fraud. The more redirects, the harder it becomes to track the scam back to its source.
This network of fraudulent sites works together to bait and hook unsuspecting readers. The promised freebie is just a lure to capture your personal details and sign you up for recurring charges without your consent.
Anatomy of a Scam: How The Bogus REI Promo Ensnares Readers
The genius of this tumbler scam is using the reputation and trustworthiness of the REI brand against their loyal customers. Spoofing the company’s logo and graphics builds a false sense of legitimacy that disarms reader skepticism.
But make no mistake – REI is in no way associated with these fake gift offers. Scammers are simply masquerading as the retailer to get you to lower your guard and click their links.
The bait promises an FREE Yeti Rambler, knowing REI shoppers will find that item highly desirable. Dangling a $30 mug for zero cost overrides critical thinking – a principle scammers depend on.
Once you click through, a funnel of sketchy websites awaits, designed to scrub away traces of the original source. Buried terms and conditions enroll you in high-cost monthly plans that are nearly impossible to cancel.
Recurring Fees: How They Really Make Money Off This Con
Although the email and sites promise a “free” tumbler, make no mistake – the scammers behind this have no intention of sending you anything. Their end goal is to collect your payment details and sign you up for expensive monthly subscription plans without your informed consent.
They may charge a small $1 “verification” fee at first to get your credit card on file. But shortly thereafter you’ll see exorbitant recurring fees around $79 – $99 monthly for mystery services never agreed to and never received.
Canceling these bogus plans is an uphill battle too, with some victims reporting months of being stonewalled and unable to stop the hidden billings.
This scam has been also investigated by Jordan Liles on his YouTube channel, where he offers a detailed video on the subject. We recommend watching his content for a comprehensive understanding of the scam.
Next, let’s break down exactly how scammers carry out this scam from start to finish.
How the Scam Works
Let’s break down the step-by-step process the scammers use to reel in victims with the illusion of an REI freebie:
Step 1: Entice With a “Free” Gift
The scam starts with an email appearing to come from REI, congratulating you on being selected to receive a gift. This immediately grabs attention by suggesting you’ve won or earned something for free. They promise a specific, high-value prize – in this case, a Yeti Rambler tumbler. The detailed product description builds legitimacy and gets readers excited about scoring the expensive item.
Step 2: Gather Personal Information Through a “Survey”
To claim your “prize,” you’re instructed to take a short survey first. This phishing technique is designed to harvest your personal details – name, email, phone number, home address, etc. The scam site needs this info to process fraudulent charges to your payment method later on.
The survey questions are irrelevant and not actually tabulated or stored. The site merely collects and retains any personal data you enter. No prize will be shipped out based on your “survey” responses.
Step 3: Redirect Through a Network of Scam Websites
Clicking the link redirects victims through a daisy chain of fraudulent sites, typically ending at a hidden subscription scam. This is done to disguise the end destination and make the link seem more legitimate.
Often, the redirect domains will have been registered very recently under privacy protection. This makes it harder to track down the actual scammer.
Step 4: Offer the Gift at a Low Price
Once you land on the final scam site, you’ll see the promised free gift suddenly has a minimal price tag – say, $5.99 for shipping and handling. This gets your credit card info on file under the guise of covering a small fee.
In reality, there are no gifts to ship out. But now the scammers have your payment details for future fraudulent use.
Step 5: Sign You Up for Recurring Charges
Buried in tiny print somewhere on the site will be terms and conditions that enroll you in hidden subscription plans or memberships when you enter your payment info. This grants them authorization to start billing your card recurring, exorbitant fees each month.
You won’t receive any products or services in exchange for these unauthorized charges. The scammers profit by siphoning money from your account without providing anything of value in return.
Step 6: Disappear Once You Catch On
Eventually you’ll notice the fraudulent charges and contact your bank or credit card company to report the fraud. The scammers will likely abandon the dummy sites once their scam starts getting flagged.
Then they’re on to the next scam campaign, leaving victims like you fighting to get fraudulent charges reversed and personal data secured.
What to Do if You’ve Fallen Victim to This Scam
If you entered any personal information or payment details into the REI free tumbler scam website, here are important steps to take right away:
1. Contact your credit card company or bank. Report the charges as fraudulent right away. Ask them to reverse any unauthorized transactions and block future charges from the same scammers. Monitor statements closely for continuing bogus charges.
2. Change login credentials. If you used the same password anywhere else as you did on the scam site, change it immediately on all your other accounts. Assume your email and passwords are compromised. Enabling two-factor authentication provides an extra layer of security on logins.
3. Place a fraud alert. Contact one of the three credit bureaus – Equifax, Experian or TransUnion – to put an initial 90-day fraud alert on your credit file. This makes it harder for scammers to open new credit in your name. Consider freezing your credit entirely to block access.
4. Watch for suspicious activity. Keep an eagle eye out for any signs your personal info is being misused, including:
- Bills for products/services you didn’t sign up for
- Debt collection calls regarding purchases you never made
- Unexpected credit cards or loans opened in your name
- Suspicious transactions on your financial accounts
5. Scan for viruses. If you entered sensitive info directly into the scam website, scan all your devices for malware and viruses just to be safe. Scam sites may try to secretly install spyware. Use trusted antivirus software to check for anything malicious.
6. Submit complaints. File formal complaints with the FTC, FBI, BBB, and IC3 to help authorities track and stop these scams. Reporting fraud helps protect other potential victims. Contact REI as well if their branding was misused.
7. Warn others. Alert friends, family, and social networks about the precise scam you encountered. Describe the red flags so others don’t get similarly tricked. Share this article to spread awareness of their tactics.
By taking quick action and remaining vigilant, you can minimize the damage from this scam. Don’t let them get away with deceiving you!
Frequently Asked Questions About the REI Yeti Tumbler Scam
1. I got an email saying I can get a free Yeti tumbler from REI. Is it real?
No, this is a scam designed to steal your personal and payment information. REI is not sending out emails offering free Yeti products. Any message promising you have “won” a gift is always suspicious and likely fraudulent phishing.
2. The email looks so official though, with the REI logo and branding. Could it be real?
Scammers are very adept at spoofing legitimate branding to make their messages look authentic. Never trust an unsolicited email just based on logos and graphics. Contact the company directly to verify an offer before clicking any links or providing personal information.
3. What happens if I click the link in the email to claim my “prize”?
The link goes to a series of fraudulent websites designed to harvest your details and sign you up for recurring credit card charges without consent. No free gift will be shipped. This is a phishing scam to steal both money and personal data.
4. How much could the scammers charge me if I enter my payment information?
You may see an initial small charge around $5.99, but in reality you are signing up for expensive recurring monthly fees around $60 – $90. The terms allowing recurring billing are buried in tiny print on the site.
5. I entered my information but haven’t been charged yet. Am I safe?
No, consider your personal and payment details compromised. The scammers may wait before processing the fraudulent charges. Monitor bank/credit card statements closely and report any suspicious activity immediately.
6. Is there anything I can do if I shared my information through the scam site?
Yes, take actions like placing fraud alerts on your credit, changing account passwords, scanning for malware, and submitting complaints. The longer your data is out there, the more risk of identity theft. Refer to the “What To Do” section above for next steps.
7. How can I avoid falling for the REI free tumbler scam in the future?
Go directly to REI.com to verify giveaways rather than trusting unsolicited messages. Legitimate prizes never require an upfront “fee.” Avoid entering your details on sites you don’t recognize. And never click links in unexpected emails promising free gifts.
8. Who is behind this sneaky scam and where are they located?
It’s unclear exactly who is responsible as they use proxy sites and hidden registration info. However, many online scams originate domestically in the US despite appearing to come from overseas.
9. Can anything be done to hold the scammers accountable for their actions?
Reporting them to the FTC, IC3, BBB and other authorities helps build cases against them. The more victims who speak up, the higher likelihood they will face legal consequences for their deceptive tactics and fraud.
10. How can I help warn others about the fake REI free tumbler scam?
Share this article online to spread awareness of the precise red flags and tactics used in this phishing campaign. Reporting specific details prevents others from falling victim too.
The Bottom Line
The promise of free gifts is always enticing, but you must be wary anytime you get an unsolicited email offering you something for nothing. Rest assured, the REI free Yeti tumbler offer is 100% a scam.
Telltale signs of this online trickery include:
- An urgent call to action insisting you “act now” before missing out. This is manufactured FOMO, intended to short-circuit your critical thinking.
- Too-good-to-be-true offers of high-value products for free or at a deep discount. If it seems fake, it almost certainly is.
- Requests for personal info upfront before you can claim the “prize.” Don’t hand over your details.
- Recently registered or nonsense web domains. Legitimate businesses don’t use sketchy looking sites.
- Misspellings, grammatical errors, and overall shoddy website quality. Scam sites tend to be slipshod.
- Lack of contact details for inquires or support. Make sure a business provides ways to reach out.
- Buried terms and conditions with shady recurring billings and mystery fees. Never enter payment info without reading the fine print first.
- Use of excessive ALL CAPS, urgent demands, and threatening language. This is a heavy-handed way to override your own judgment.
The bottom line is you should never have to pay anything upfront to receive a legitimate giveaway or prize. And no reputable company will ever call or email demanding immediate payment or personal details.
When in doubt, go directly to the business website or call customer service to verify an offer is real before handing over any of your information or money. Home in on shady requests, be wary of freebie scams, and trust your instincts.
For more great information on spotting and avoiding the latest scams, be sure to check out the rest of the articles here. Stay safe out there, and happy scam-spotting!
