‘Alton Towers 5 Free Tickets’ Facebook Survey Scam

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Written by: Stelian Pilici

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Scams have become increasingly prevalent in the digital age, with scammers constantly finding new ways to deceive unsuspecting individuals. One such scam that has recently gained traction is the ‘Alton Towers 5 Free Tickets’ Facebook survey scam. This article aims to shed light on this scam, explaining what it is, how it works, and what to do if you have fallen victim to it.

Scams

What is the ‘Alton Towers 5 Free Tickets’ Facebook survey scam?

The ‘Alton Towers 5 Free Tickets’ Facebook survey scam is a fraudulent scheme that targets Facebook users by promising them the chance to win five free tickets to the popular amusement park, Alton Towers. Scammers create fake Facebook pages or posts that appear to be affiliated with Alton Towers, enticing users to participate in a survey in exchange for the chance to win the tickets.

How does the scam work?

The scam typically begins with a Facebook post or advertisement that claims to offer five free tickets to Alton Towers. The post often includes an eye-catching image or video to grab the user’s attention. When users click on the post, they are redirected to a website that appears to be an official Alton Towers survey page.

Once on the survey page, users are asked to answer a series of questions, such as their age, gender, and contact information. These questions are designed to gather personal data that can be used for malicious purposes, such as identity theft or phishing attacks.

After completing the survey, users are then asked to share the post with their Facebook friends or groups in order to claim their prize. This helps the scammers spread the scam to a wider audience and increases their chances of obtaining more personal information.

What to do if you have fallen victim to the scam?

If you have fallen victim to the ‘Alton Towers 5 Free Tickets’ Facebook survey scam, it is important to take immediate action to protect yourself and your personal information. Here are some steps you can take:

  1. Change your Facebook password: Scammers may have gained access to your Facebook account through the scam. Changing your password will help prevent further unauthorized access.
  2. Scan your device for malware: It is possible that the scam website or survey page contained malware that could have infected your device. Run a scan with a reliable antivirus software, such as Malwarebytes Free, to detect and remove any potential threats.
  3. Monitor your accounts: Keep a close eye on your bank accounts, credit cards, and other online accounts for any suspicious activity. If you notice any unauthorized transactions or changes, report them immediately to the respective institutions.
  4. Report the scam: Report the scam to Facebook by clicking on the three dots in the top right corner of the post and selecting “Report post.” This will help Facebook take action against the scammers and prevent others from falling victim.
  5. Spread awareness: Share your experience with family and friends to raise awareness about the scam. By educating others, you can help prevent them from falling into the same trap.

How to avoid falling victim to Facebook survey scams?

Prevention is always better than cure when it comes to scams. Here are some tips to help you avoid falling victim to Facebook survey scams:

  • Be skeptical of too-good-to-be-true offers: If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Exercise caution and do your research before participating in any surveys or giveaways.
  • Verify the source: Before providing any personal information or clicking on any links, verify the legitimacy of the source. Check for official verification badges or contact the company directly to confirm the offer.
  • Check the URL: Scammers often create fake websites that mimic legitimate ones. Always double-check the URL of the website you are visiting to ensure it is secure and trustworthy.
  • Use strong, unique passwords: Create strong and unique passwords for your online accounts to minimize the risk of unauthorized access. Avoid using the same password for multiple accounts.
  • Enable two-factor authentication: Enable two-factor authentication whenever possible to add an extra layer of security to your online accounts.

Summary

The ‘Alton Towers 5 Free Tickets’ Facebook survey scam is a deceptive scheme that preys on Facebook users’ desire for freebies. By understanding how the scam works and taking necessary precautions, such as changing passwords and scanning for malware, users can protect themselves from falling victim to such scams. Remember to always be skeptical of offers that seem too good to be true and verify the legitimacy of the source before providing any personal information. By staying vigilant and spreading awareness, we can collectively combat scams and protect ourselves and others from falling into their traps.

How to Stay Safe Online

Here are 10 basic security tips to help you avoid malware and protect your device:

  1. Use a good antivirus and keep it up-to-date.

    Shield Guide

    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.

  2. Keep software and operating systems up-to-date.

    updates-guide

    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.

  3. Be careful when installing programs and apps.

    install guide

    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."

  4. Install an ad blocker.

    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.

  5. Be careful what you download.

    Trojan Horse

    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.

  6. Be alert for people trying to trick you.

    warning sign

    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.

  7. Back up your data.

    backup sign

    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.

  8. Choose strong passwords.

    lock sign

    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.

  9. Be careful where you click.

    cursor sign

    Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. These could potentially contain malware or phishing scams.

  10. Don't use pirated software.

    Shady Guide

    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.

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