The Clientelehaul.com Product Reviewer Scam – What to Know
Written by: Thomas Orsolya
Published on:
Have you seen ads on social media or received texts offering the chance to become an Aritzia or Shine product reviewer? While it may sound tempting to get paid to test out clothes from the popular women’s fashion brand, scammers are using these fake offers to lure in victims and profit from their personal information.
This article will provide an in-depth look at how the Clientelehaul.com scam works, what to watch out for, and most importantly, how to protect yourself.
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An Overview of the Clientelehaul Scam
The scam works by directing unsuspecting social media users and recipients of text message spam to websites like Clientelehaul.com. These pages promise the chance to become an Aritzia product reviewer in exchange for store credit or a gift card. The website displays the Aritzia logo and text reading:
“Love Shopping at Aritzia? Become a Product Reviewer! Steps to Qualify: Click ‘APPLY HERE’ to get started, Enter your basic details, Complete some simple deals, Earn shopping credit! You Will Hear Back Within 24 Hours of Submitting Your Application.”
It all seems straightforward enough. Just provide some basic personal information, complete a few simple tasks, and then wait to receive a hefty Aritzia gift card in return. However, clicking that apply button leads victims down a deceptive rabbit hole designed to profit from their data and personal information.
In reality, there is no product reviewer position or gift card. The scammers do not represent or work with Aritzia in any capacity. Their only goal is to collect personal details and generate affiliate marketing commissions through deceptive offers.
Once victims click the call-to-action button, they are redirected to survey and offer websites like RewardsGiantUSA.com. Here, they are instructed to complete 15 “deals” in order to qualify for a $500 Aritzia gift card.
These “deals” consist of online surveys, downloading specific apps, signing up for subscriptions, or purchasing products. Each completed task earns the scammers affiliate commissions. Meanwhile, victims are providing sensitive information like their phone number, email, physical address, and more.
At no point do victims ever receive a gift card or product reviewer position. The Clientelehaul.com website simply earns money by redirecting people to offer websites under the false pretense of a reward. This is a textbook affiliate marketing scam designed to profit from unsuspecting social media users and those vulnerable to text message spam.
How the Clientelehaul Scam Actually Works
Now that you understand the general premise of the scam, let’s break down exactly how it works step-by-step:
1. You See an Ad or Receive a Text
The scam starts with an ad on social media or a text message sent to your phone. These ads are designed to mimic legitimate Aritzia promotions and target women who fit the brand’s demographic. Examples include:
Facebook/Instagram ads with the Aritzia logo offering a chance to become a product tester.
Tweets sharing a similar fake product tester opportunity.
Texts stating something like “Aritzia Product Reviewer: You’ve been selected for a $500 shopping credit. Click here to redeem.”
The goal is to grab your attention as a fan of Aritzia and make the offer appear credible. But the reality is that these ads and texts come from scammers, not the actual company.
2. You Click The Call-To-Action Link
Intrigued by the chance to earn $500 in free clothes from Aritzia, you click the call-to-action button or link in the ad or text. This immediately redirects you away from social media to a scam website like Clientelehaul.com.
These scam sites use the Aritzia logo and imagery to appear legitimate. However, they are completely unaffiliated with the real company. Their only purpose is to funnel victims into the scam.
3. You Are Instructed To Complete “Deals”
The scam website displays text promising the chance to become an Aritzia product reviewer and earn gift cards. It instructs you to click “Apply Now” or “Get Started” to begin qualifying for the offer.
Doing so redirects you again to a different website, often something along the lines of RewardsGiantUSA.com. This secondary scam site explains that you must complete 15 “deals” to earn a $500 Aritzia gift card.
These deals include surveys, downloading apps, signing up for subscriptions, or buying products. Each completed “deal” earns the scammers affiliate marketing commissions.
4. You Provide Personal Information
In order to complete the deal tasks, you have to hand over personal information like your name, email address, phone number, zip code, and sometimes even credit card details.
This data helps scammers identify potential victims, re-target them for future scams, sell to other fraudsters, or use in identity theft. Many of the apps you download also require intrusive permissions that could put your data at risk.
5. You Complete The Deals Without Receiving a Reward
After completing some or all of the required deals, you wait for the promised $500 Aritzia gift card. But unsurprisingly, it never arrives.
You’ve provided scammers with personal information and helped them generate affiliate commissions through surveys and offers. In return, you receive nothing.
The Clientelehaul.com website and its “deals” partners have no intention of sending gift cards or assigning product reviewer positions. The entire premise is a ruse to profit from your data and participation in affiliate offers under false pretenses.
6. The Scammers Disappear or Try Again
At this point, the scammers behind Clientelehaul.com have what they wanted. They move on to targeting new potential victims.
You may also notice an increase in spam calls, texts, and emails after providing your information. Scammers often share or sell data within fraud rings to help facilitate future scams.
Some victims report receiving more texts days or weeks later with similar fake Aritzia product tester offers. Persistent scammers may attempt to string you along with additional deals, still dangling the promise of a gift card that never materializes. Their goal is to scam you out of as much time, information, and money as possible.
What To Do If You Are a Victim of the Clientelehaul Scam
If you suspect you have fallen for the Clientelehaul.com scam, there are a few important steps to take right away:
Report it. File a scam report with the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. You can also report the scam ads or texts to the social media platforms where you saw them. The more reports that come in, the quicker these scams will be shut down.
Contact your bank or credit card company. If you provided any financial information or made purchases as part of the “deals”, report these fraudulent transactions to your bank or credit card company immediately. They can help reverse the charges and block future unwanted charges.
Change passwords. If you used the same email address/password combination on survey and deal sites that you use for financial or other sensitive accounts, change those passwords immediately. Scammers can use credential stuffing techniques to test stolen logins across other sites.
Warn others. Share your experience and warn friends, family members, and your wider social media network about the scam. Posting about it can help prevent others from falling victim too.
Watch out for future scams. Sign up for the FTC’s scam alerts at ftc.gov/scams to stay updated on the latest frauds. Be extra cautious about text messages, emails, and social media ads going forward. Scammers often target those who already fallen victim since they know they’re willing to engage.
Monitor your accounts. Keep an eye out for any suspicious charges or activity on your accounts in the coming weeks. Ongoing monitoring helps detect fraud and identity theft early. Consider signing up for a credit monitoring service as well.
Seek legal counsel. For serious cases of fraud, legal action may be warranted. An attorney can advise you on options like pressing charges or recovering lost money.
Falling victim to scams leads to feelings of anger, embarrassment, and vulnerability. But try not to blame yourself. These scammers are experts in manipulation and prey on people’s trust. With the right precautions, you can avoid these traps and help stop others from being scammed too.
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 Clientelehaul.com Scam
1. What is Clientelehaul.com?
Clientelehaul.com is a scam website that pretends to offer a chance to become an Aritzia product reviewer and earn gift cards. It uses fake ads and texts to lure victims into providing personal information and completing affiliate offer “deals”. There is no actual product reviewer opportunity or rewards.
2. How does the Clientelehaul.com scam work?
The scammers behind Clientelehaul.com run fake ads on social media and send text spam that mimic real Aritzia promotions. When victims click on these, they are redirected to Clientelehaul.com. This site promises a $500 gift card in exchange for applying to become a product reviewer. Applicants are then sent to secondary scam sites and instructed to complete surveys, downloads, subscriptions and purchases in order to earn the supposed gift card. In reality, it’s just an affiliate marketing scam to generate commissions and harvest personal information. No gift card is ever provided.
3. What are some examples of Clientelehaul.com ads?
Some examples of Clientelehaul.com scam ads include:
Facebook and Instagram ads with the Aritzia logo offering a product tester position.
Tweets sharing a similar fake Aritzia product tester opportunity.
Text messages stating “Aritzia Product Reviewer – You’ve been selected for a $500 shopping credit. Click here to redeem.”
4. What happens when you click on Clientelehaul.com ads?
Clicking on a Clientelehaul.com ad redirects you to the Clientelehaul.com website. This site uses Aritzia’s logos and imagery illegally to appear credible. It offers an application to become a product tester. Starting the application sends you to secondary scam websites that require completing multiple “deals”. These deals earn scammers commissions but never results in a gift card reward.
5. What types of deals do they require you to complete?
The Clientelehaul.com scam tricks people into completing deals like:
Online surveys that collect personal information
Downloading specific mobile apps
Signing up for subscriptions
Making purchases
Each deal completed earns affiliate commissions for the scammers. But no reward is ever provided.
6. What personal information do these scammers obtain?
To complete the deal tasks, victims must provide information like:
Full name
Email address
Phone number
Home address
Credit card details
This sensitive data is used to facilitate identity theft or sold to other scammers. The downloaded apps also can access contacts, messages, and other data.
7. Why does Clientelehaul.com specify Aritzia in their scam?
Clientelehaul.com uses Aritzia’s brand because they know the company has a large following among their target demographic. Aritzia fans are more likely to engage with offers related to the brand rather than general rewards programs. Spoofing real companies makes the scam appear credible.
8. How can I spot Clientelehaul.com scam ads?
Warning signs of the Clientelehaul.com scam include:
Ads and texts offering free gifts or rewards from specific brands.
Use of logos and branding without permission.
Vague language about becoming a product tester.
Requirements to complete multiple deals or offers.
Requests for personal information.
9. What should I do if I suspect a Clientelehaul.com scam ad or text?
If you suspect a scam ad or text related to Clientelehaul.com, you should:
Avoid clicking on any links or call-to-action buttons.
Report the ad or text to the appropriate social media platform.
Warn friends and followers about the scam.
Monitor accounts closely for any suspicious activity just to be safe.
10. How can I protect myself from Clientelehaul.com scams in the future?
To avoid falling victim to Clientelehaul.com and similar scams:
Be wary of unsolicited texts or social media ads with free gift offers.
Do not click on suspicious links or provide personal information to unfamiliar sites.
Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication on all accounts.
Monitor bank statements routinely for any unauthorized charges.
Set social media profiles to private to limit data access.
Stay informed about the latest online scams and threats.
The Bottom Line on the Clientelehaul Scam
The bottom line is that Clientelehaul.com and any other website promising rewards or gift cards in exchange for completing deals should be avoided. They do not represent or work with Aritzia in any way.
These scammers only goal is to generate affiliate commissions and collect personal data under false pretenses. The ads and texts are designed to manipulate fans of brands like Aritzia who may find the offers appealing. But no product reviewer job or gift card will ever materialize.
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.
