Have you seen posts on social media claiming you can get a free Yeti backpack cooler from Dick’s Sporting Goods? At first glance, these giveaways may seem tempting. But don’t let FOMO (fear of missing out) cloud your judgment.
In this article, we will uncover the truth about the supposed Dick’s Yeti Backpack giveaway. You’ll learn exactly how the scam works, what to watch out for, and most importantly, how to protect yourself.
We’ll walk through all the red flags, explain the real motive behind these online scams, and provide actionable tips to avoid becoming a victim.
Overview of the Dick’s Yeti Backpack Cooler Giveaway Scam
Various posts have circulated on social media claiming that Dick’s Sporting Goods is giving away free Yeti backpack coolers. Often these posts allege some kind of special promotion, clearance deal, or employee loophole that allows you to claim a free $300 Yeti cooler for $14.95 shipping.
The scam posts appear on Facebook, Instagram, and other platforms. They typically contain:
- Claims that Dick’s is ending its contract with Yeti and needs to clear out inventory.
- Mentions of a “loophole” that lets people get a heavily discounted or free Yeti cooler.
- Comments from people who supposedly already claimed their free backpack.
- A link to claim your own Yeti backpack before it’s too late.
In reality, these social media posts are a scam designed to steal personal and financial information. Clicking the link will take you to a fake website masquerading as Dick’s Sporting Goods. Any credit card details entered will be stolen.
The scam follows the classic “too good to be true” formula. The promise of an expensive product for free or at a huge discount is enough to hook unsuspecting victims. But behind the scenes, scammers have set up an elaborate ruse to access your sensitive data.
How the Dick’s Yeti Backpack Cooler Scam Works
Now let’s break down exactly how this scam unfolds:
1. You See a Promising Social Media Post
It may appear in your Facebook feed, on Instagram, or another platform. The post will look something like this:
Do not, repeat DO NOT purchase a YETI hopper!! Because…
My sister works at Yeti and told me that most people don’t know that if they answer a short survey, they can get yeti bag
I’ve already checked it out and received my bag, I’m attaching a picture.
I will leave the link in the comments, she sent me, below, where you can fill out the survey.
I don’t think it will last long, so don’t wait, go in and fill it out now. Do repost this post or just share with your friends
The post seems believable enough. A large retailer ending a contract with a popular cooler brand? It’s certainly plausible. And who wouldn’t want a “free” $300 backpack?
2. You Click The Link in the Post
When you click the link, you’re taken to a website that looks eerily similar to the real Dick’s Sporting Goods online store. However, the URL will clearly show it’s a fake domain intended to steal your information.
3. You’re Asked to Complete a “Free Offer”
On the scam website, you’ll be asked to complete a “free offer” by answering survey questions or providing an email address. This is all just a ploy to gather your personal details.
4. You Have to Pay a Small “Shipping Fee”
After completing the “offer” requirements, you’ll be informed that a small $14.95 shipping fee is required to receive your free Yeti cooler backpack. In the excitement a $300 product for basically free, most people overlook this charge.
5. You Enter Your Credit Card Information
Scammers need your credit card details to charge the shipping fee. This is the crux of the whole scheme. When you input your card info, the scammers can steal and use the data for future fraudulent transactions.
6. Unexpected and Recurring Charges Appear
Not only is your card charged the $14.95, but you′ll likely see additional monthly subscriptions for unwanted services added without your consent. Some victims report fraudulent charges of $70 or more.
This happens when you unknowingly agree to an automatic renewal clause hidden in the fine print of the scam site. So that initial $15 shipping charge can spiral out of control fast.
7. You Never Receive a Free Yeti Backpack
Weeks go by without a cooler arriving on your doorstep. You contact customer service to find out why, only to be ghosted. That’s when it finally dawns on you that the too-good-to-be-true giveaway offer was a ruse to access your wallet.
Red Flags: How to Spot the Dick’s Yeti Backpack Scam
The best way to avoid this scam is to recognize the red flags early:
- Suspicious social media accounts – The giveaway posts come from accounts with no profile photo, no posts, and very few followers. These are fake accounts hastily set up by scammers.
- Sense of urgency – Scams try to make you act fast by claiming limited supply or a short deadline. This rush pressures you into overlooking glaring warning signs.
- Comments seem fake – Too many over-the-top comments from supposed winners makes it look like scammers are just posting as excited customers.
- Incorrect logo or branding – On the scam website, look closely at the logo. Often it’s slightly distorted or off-brand just enough to avoid copyright issues.
- Spammy website names – URLs like “dickssportinggiveaways” or “yetipromos” clearly show the site is fake. Dick’s official URL is dickssportinggoods.com.
- No HTTPS security – Unencrypted HTTP websites should immediately raise a red flag. Secure sites use HTTPS protocol and have a lock icon by the URL.
- Poor grammar and typos – Sloppy writing riddled with errors is a giveaway that scammers quickly set up the site.
Stay vigilant for these red flags, and you can avoid being reeled in by the fake freebie offers.
What To Do If You Fell Victim to the Dick’s Yeti Backpack Scam
If you already entered your information and credit card details into one of these scam websites, take these steps right away:
- Contact your credit card company – Report the charges as fraudulent and have a new card issued. This will prevent additional recurring charges.
- Check statements carefully – Closely review current and past statements for any unauthorized transactions and contest them.
- Update payment info – If scammers have your card on file for subscriptions, update that info so they cannot continue charging you.
- Set up transaction alerts – Have your bank notify you of every purchase in real time so you can stay on top of things.
- Change passwords – Reset all account passwords scammers may have access to just to be safe. Enable two-factor authentication when possible.
- Run antivirus software – Check your devices for any spyware or malware used to steal financial information.
- Monitor your credit – Use a service like Credit Karma to watch for signs of identity theft and request your free annual credit reports.
- Report the scam – File a complaint with the FTC and Better Business Bureau to help warn others.
By taking quick action, you can contain the damage and prevent further fraudulent activity. But your best defense is avoiding the scam from the outset.
The Bottom Line
We all love an amazing deal. But false promises of free high-ticket items should make you think twice. The supposed Dick’s Yeti backpack giveaway currently circulating online is a textbook scam with the sole intent of stealing your personal and credit card information.
These scammers exploit the fear of missing out to convince unsuspecting victims to hand over financial details willingly. Don’t let the prospect of a free $300 cooler cloud your judgment. When examining giveaways, balance healthy skepticism with wishful thinking.
To recap, watch for these definite giveaways that something is a scam:
- Brand new social media accounts spreading the deal
- High-pressure tactics pushing you to act fast
- Fake comments and reviews trying to manufacture FOMO
- Typos, grammatical errors, and other signs of quick scam setup
- Non-secure website lacking HTTPS protocol
By spotting the red flags early, you can protect your sensitive information and avoid becoming the victim of credit card fraud or identity theft. Don’t take the bait of too-good-to-be-true freebies. Guard your data and your wallet!
Frequently Asked Questions about the Dick’s Yeti Backpack Cooler Giveaway Scam
Wondering if those social media posts about scoring a free Yeti cooler from Dick’s Sporting Goods are legit or a scam? This FAQ has all the answers.
Is the Dick’s Yeti Backpack Giveaway real?
No, this is a scam. Dick’s Sporting Goods is not giving away free Yeti backpack coolers. The social media posts are fake, created by scammers to steal your personal and credit card information.
How does the Dick’s Yeti Backpack scam work?
The scam posts claim Dick’s is ending its contract with Yeti and offering free backpack coolers through an employee loophole or clearance deal. People are enticed by the lure of getting a $300 product for free. Clicking the link goes to a fake website asking for credit card details to pay $14.95 “shipping.” Victims end up with stolen financial data and recurring monthly charges.
What are some red flags of the Dick’s Yeti Backpack scam?
Watch for brand new social media accounts spreading the deal, fake comments hyping up the giveaway, incorrect Dick’s logo, non-HTTPS website, poor grammar, and high-pressure tactics urging you to act fast. These are clear signs it’s a scam.
I entered my information on the fake Dick’s website. What now?
If you already fell victim, contact your credit card company immediately to report fraudulent charges. Monitor statements closely for any unauthorized transactions. Update payment information on any subscriptions to prevent future billing. Reset all account passwords that may have been compromised. Run antivirus scans to check for any malware. Sign up for transaction alerts and credit monitoring to catch any suspicious activity.
How can I spot online shopping scams?
Be wary of offers too good to be true, like free high-ticket items. Check site URLs for accuracy – misspellings are a dead giveaway. Look for https protocol and the lock icon indicating security. Avoid entering info on sites riddled with grammatical errors. Be skeptical of new social media accounts with minimal followers. Don’t rush into deals; scammers want you to act first and think later. When in doubt, search online to verify legitimacy. Trust your gut if something seems fishy.
What security steps should I take when shopping online?
Only enter payment details on encrypted, secure websites. Use unique complex passwords for each online account. Never reuse passwords across multiple sites. Enable two-factor authentication when available. Only access retail sites by directly typing the URL – avoid clicking links which may lead to fakes. Beware of spoofed emails pretending to be from real retailers. Always log out completely after making purchases. Keep software updated and run regular antivirus scans.
How do I report online shopping scams?
File detailed complaints with the Federal Trade Commission at ftc.gov and the Better Business Bureau at bbb.org. Report fake social media accounts to the platforms where they appear. Contact your state attorney general. Warn others about specific scams on anti-fraud forums and consumer sites to prevent more victims. The more alert consumers who speak out, the less power scammers have.
Stay vigilant, trust your instincts, and avoid falling for tempting “freebie” offers. Outsmarting scammers takes awareness and healthy skepticism. Follow these tips, and your data will stay secure during online shopping.
