Amazon ‘$100 Gift Card’ Facebook Survey Scam [Explained]

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Written by: Stelian Pilici

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Scams have become increasingly prevalent in the digital age, with scammers constantly devising new tactics to deceive unsuspecting individuals. One such scam that has gained significant attention is the Amazon ‘$100 Gift Card’ Facebook Survey Scam. This scam preys on the desire for freebies and discounts, targeting users on the popular social media platform, Facebook.

Scams

What is the Amazon ‘$100 Gift Card’ Facebook Survey Scam?

The Amazon ‘$100 Gift Card’ Facebook Survey Scam is a fraudulent scheme that attempts to trick users into believing they have won a $100 gift card from Amazon. Scammers create fake Facebook posts or ads that claim Amazon is giving away gift cards to a select number of lucky winners. These posts often include enticing images and catchy captions to attract users’ attention.

Once users click on the post or ad, they are directed to a website that resembles the official Amazon website. The website prompts users to complete a survey or provide personal information in order to claim their gift card. However, the survey is a ruse, and the scammers are simply collecting users’ personal data for malicious purposes.

How Does the Scam Work?

The Amazon ‘$100 Gift Card’ Facebook Survey Scam operates through a series of deceptive steps designed to trick users into divulging their personal information. Here is a breakdown of how the scam typically unfolds:

  1. Users encounter a Facebook post or ad claiming they have won a $100 Amazon gift card.
  2. Curious or excited, users click on the post or ad, which redirects them to a fake Amazon website.
  3. The fake website prompts users to complete a survey or provide personal information to claim the gift card.
  4. Unsuspecting users fill out the survey or provide their personal details, believing they are one step closer to receiving the gift card.
  5. After submitting the information, users may be redirected to another page that claims they need to complete additional steps or share the offer with friends to receive the gift card.
  6. Meanwhile, scammers collect the personal information provided by users, which can be used for identity theft, phishing attacks, or sold on the dark web.

What to Do If You Have Fallen Victim?

If you have fallen victim to the Amazon ‘$100 Gift Card’ Facebook Survey Scam, it is crucial to take immediate action to protect yourself and minimize the potential damage. Here are the steps you should follow:

  1. Change your passwords: Start by changing the passwords for all your online accounts, especially if you provided any login credentials during the scam.
  2. Monitor your accounts: Keep a close eye on your bank accounts, credit cards, and other financial accounts for any suspicious activity. Report any unauthorized transactions to your bank or credit card company immediately.
  3. Enable two-factor authentication: Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible to add an extra layer of security to your accounts. This will help prevent unauthorized access even if your login credentials are compromised.
  4. Run a scan with Malwarebytes: Scammers often use these scams to distribute malware or viruses. It is essential to scan your device with a reliable antivirus software like Malwarebytes Free to ensure your system is clean.
  5. Report the scam: Report the scam to the appropriate authorities, such as your local law enforcement agency and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). This helps in raising awareness and potentially catching the scammers.

Technical Details of the Scam

The Amazon ‘$100 Gift Card’ Facebook Survey Scam utilizes various techniques to deceive users and appear legitimate. Here are some technical details of the scam:

  • URL spoofing: Scammers create fake websites that closely resemble the official Amazon website, using similar URLs and design elements to trick users into believing they are on a legitimate platform.
  • Social engineering: The scammers employ psychological manipulation techniques to exploit users’ emotions and curiosity, enticing them to click on the post or ad and provide their personal information.
  • Data harvesting: The surveys presented to users are designed to collect personal information, such as names, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses. This data can be used for various malicious purposes, including identity theft and phishing attacks.
  • Malware distribution: In some cases, the scam may involve the distribution of malware or viruses. Users who click on certain links or download files from the fake website may unknowingly infect their devices.

Statistics on Facebook Scams

Facebook scams, including the Amazon ‘$100 Gift Card’ Facebook Survey Scam, have become alarmingly common. Here are some statistics that highlight the prevalence of scams on the platform:

  • According to a report by the Better Business Bureau, Facebook scams accounted for over $117 million in reported losses in 2020.
  • A study conducted by the University of Warwick found that Facebook users are more likely to fall for scams compared to users of other social media platforms.
  • Facebook reported removing over 1.3 billion fake accounts between October and December 2020, indicating the scale of fraudulent activities on the platform.

Summary

The Amazon ‘$100 Gift Card’ Facebook Survey Scam is a deceptive scheme that preys on users’ desire for freebies and discounts. By creating fake posts and ads, scammers lure users to fake websites where they are prompted to provide personal information under the guise of claiming a gift card. It is crucial to remain vigilant and cautious while browsing social media platforms, and to report any suspicious activity to protect yourself and others from falling victim to such scams.

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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