A growing number of social media ads are claiming that students can earn up to $1000 in Apple rewards simply by completing a few easy online tasks. The ads look professional and often use Apple’s logo, sleek website design, and convincing testimonials to create trust. They promise quick and easy rewards for anyone willing to “sign up” and complete a few “deals.”
But there’s one major problem: the Apple Student Rewards program doesn’t exist. These offers are fake, and they are part of a widespread scam designed to harvest personal information, generate revenue through affiliate marketing, and exploit Apple’s trusted reputation.
This article dives deep into the Apple Student Rewards Scam — what it is, how it works, the red flags to watch for, and what to do if you’ve already fallen victim.
Scam Overview
The Apple Student Rewards Scam is an elaborate online fraud campaign masquerading as an official Apple promotion. The scam claims that Apple is giving away up to $1000 toward Apple products to students who complete small online tasks like taking surveys, downloading apps, or signing up for free trials.
The goal of the scammers is not to reward you. It’s to make money from your clicks, collect your personal information, and in some cases, trick you into paid subscriptions or hidden charges.
How the Scam Presents Itself
At first glance, the fraudulent website looks strikingly authentic. It uses Apple’s signature minimalist aesthetic—white backgrounds, clean black text, and the Apple logo at the top of the page. The site includes headings like:
“Apple Student Rewards – Get $1000 Toward Apple Products”
“Join 50,000+ students who’ve already received their rewards”
“Safe & Secure. No Hidden Fees. Free to Start.”
It even features fake testimonials from supposed students at universities like UCLA, NYU, and MIT, claiming they successfully received a $1000 Apple gift card and used it for MacBooks or iPhones.
These details are all fabricated to instill trust and make the offer appear legitimate.
False Legitimacy Through Design and Language
Everything about the scam is crafted to look like a genuine Apple initiative. The typography mimics Apple’s San Francisco font, the buttons have Apple’s rounded corners, and the messaging is calm and professional.
The scammers even use phrases that sound like authentic marketing copy:
“Get rewarded for your honest feedback.” “It only takes a few minutes to claim your Apple Student Reward.”
This intentional mimicry is what convinces so many users to fall for it.
The “$1000 Apple Gift Card” Bait
The central lure of the scam is the $1000 Apple Gift Card offer. The site claims students can earn up to $1000 toward Apple products such as iPhones, MacBooks, AirPods, or Apple Watches. To “qualify,” users are told to complete a few simple online activities.
These activities might include:
Completing 2–3 “deals” such as surveys or app downloads.
Signing up for trial subscriptions.
Providing their name, email, and sometimes credit card information.
None of these steps ever result in a gift card. Instead, they generate revenue for the scammers through affiliate commissions.
The Target Audience
The scam specifically targets students and young adults—individuals who often seek discounts on tech products or side income opportunities. Phrases like “student rewards,” “exclusive offer,” and “limited time for students” are strategically used to create urgency and exclusivity.
Fake Social Proof
To make the site look trustworthy, scammers populate it with fake reviews from fabricated users. For example:
“Honestly didn’t think it was real, but I actually got the $1000 gift card lol.” – Sarah M., UCLA “The tasks weren’t bad, took me an hour, now I got my iPhone 17!” – James D., NYU
None of these people exist. The photos are stock images, and the reviews are scripted to give the illusion of authenticity.
Why It’s Effective
This scam works because it leverages three powerful psychological triggers:
Trust – Apple is one of the most trusted brands in the world.
Desire – Students genuinely want expensive Apple products at lower costs.
Simplicity – The tasks seem easy and risk-free.
When users see something that combines trust, reward, and convenience, they are more likely to engage without skepticism.
How the Apple Student Rewards Scam Works
The operation behind this scam follows a structured process designed to profit at every step while leaving victims with nothing of value.
Step 1: The Social Media Bait
The scam begins with eye-catching ads on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat. These ads feature smiling young people claiming to have just received their Apple reward. They often include fake screenshots of Apple Pay balances or Apple Cash transactions that look perfectly real.
The captions might read:
“Just got my $1000 Apple gift card for being a student! Claim yours here!”
When users click the link in the ad or bio, they’re redirected to the fraudulent site—usually Sidereward.com or a similar domain that looks like Apple’s student program.
Step 2: The Fake Landing Page
Once on the site, users are welcomed by an interface that mimics Apple’s design. The headline reads:
“Get $1000 towards Apple products.”
Below, a simple four-step process is displayed:
Click the button below.
Enter your email and basic info.
Complete 2–3 deals (surveys, games, trials).
Claim your reward.
The smooth design and familiar layout reduce suspicion, making visitors feel comfortable proceeding.
Step 3: Collecting Personal Information
The site then prompts users to provide personal details, including:
Full name
Email address
Phone number
Zip code
This information is the first layer of profit. Scammers can sell this data to marketing companies, data brokers, and spam networks.
Once users submit their information, they are told to complete a few “tasks” to unlock the reward.
Step 4: The Offer Wall Trap
The tasks, often called “deals,” involve:
Filling out surveys about brands or products.
Downloading and using mobile apps.
Signing up for free trials of subscription services.
These are all affiliate offers—meaning the scammers earn a commission each time a user completes one.
The problem? There is no real Apple gift card waiting at the end. Even if users complete every task, they receive nothing but follow-up spam.
Step 5: The Endless Loop
After completing the tasks, users are told they’re “almost done” and must complete one more step. This continues indefinitely, keeping users stuck in a loop that generates more affiliate revenue for the scammers.
Common phrases include:
“You’re 95% complete! One last offer to claim your reward.”
Victims who persist end up spending hours completing surveys and installing apps, all for nothing.
Step 6: Hidden Charges and Spam
Some of the “deals” ask for credit card information to start free trials. Many victims later discover hidden recurring charges from services they never intended to subscribe to.
Additionally, victims’ inboxes and phones become flooded with spam messages promoting unrelated scams or products. Their information is now part of massive marketing databases sold across the web.
Step 7: The Scam Repeats Under a New Name
Once enough users report the domain or it gets flagged by browsers, the scammers simply rebrand. They create a new website, slightly modify the design, and start promoting a “new” Apple or student offer.
This is why similar scams appear under names like:
Sidereward.com
RedReview.info
ReviewersCost.com
Cart700.com
They’re all operated by the same networks of affiliate fraudsters.
What to Do If You Have Fallen Victim
If you interacted with the scam, don’t panic. Acting quickly can minimize damage. Here’s exactly what to do.
1. Stop Using the Site Immediately
Exit the site and do not engage with it again. Close all open tabs related to it. Avoid clicking on follow-up messages or links from the same domain.
2. Change Your Passwords
If you used your email address on the scam site, change its password right away. Use a strong, unique password and enable two-factor authentication on all accounts linked to that email.
3. Check for Unauthorized Transactions
If you entered payment information, inspect your recent bank and credit card statements for suspicious charges. Contact your bank immediately if you see anything unfamiliar.
Request a new card to prevent future unauthorized payments.
4. Cancel Any Free Trials or Subscriptions
If you signed up for “free trials,” log in to those services and cancel them before they start billing you. Scammers often rely on victims forgetting to cancel.
5. Run a Security Scan
Use trusted antivirus or anti-malware software to check your device for unwanted programs, tracking cookies, or malicious extensions.
Apple Support: Notify them about unauthorized use of their logo and brand.
Reporting helps prevent others from being scammed.
7. Block and Filter Spam
If you’re receiving excessive spam emails or texts, mark them as spam and block the senders. Never click on links or attachments from unknown sources.
8. Consider Identity Protection
If you shared personal information like your address or date of birth, consider signing up for identity monitoring services. These tools can alert you to suspicious credit or data activity.
9. Educate Others
Scams like these spread because people don’t talk about them. Share what you’ve learned with friends and classmates so they can avoid making the same mistake.
10. Stay Vigilant
Be cautious of any future “reward” offers. Always verify opportunities directly on a company’s official website before providing any personal details.
Is Your Device Infected? Scan for Malware
If your computer or phone is slow, showing unwanted pop-ups, or acting strangely, malware could be the cause. Running a scan with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free is one of the most reliable ways to detect and remove harmful software. The free version can identify and clean common infections such as adware, browser hijackers, trojans, and other unwanted programs.
Malwarebytes works on Windows, Mac, and Android devices. Choose your operating system below and follow the steps to scan your device and remove any malware that might be slowing it down.
Malwarebytes for WindowsMalwarebytes for MacMalwarebytes for Android
Run a Malware Scan with Malwarebytes for Windows
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
Download the latest version of Malwarebytes for Windows using the official link below. Malwarebytes will scan your computer and remove adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious software for free.
(The above link will open a new page from where you can download Malwarebytes)
Install Malwarebytes
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.
Once the scan completes, remove all detected threats. Your Windows computer should now be clean and running smoothly again, free of trojans, adware, 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:
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.
After scanning, delete any detected threats. Your Mac should now be free from adware, unwanted extensions, and other potentially harmful software.
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.
Run a Malware Scan with Malwarebytes for Android
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.
When the scan is finished, remove all detected threats. Your Android phone should now be free of malicious apps, adware, and unwanted browser redirects.
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.
After cleaning your device, it’s important to protect it from future infections and annoying pop-ups. We recommend installing an ad blocker such as AdGuard. AdGuard blocks malicious ads, prevents phishing attempts, and stops dangerous redirects, helping you stay safe while browsing online.
The Bottom Line
The Apple Student Rewards Scam is one of the most convincing online scams circulating today. It capitalizes on Apple’s trusted reputation and the appeal of easy rewards to trick students into completing tasks that earn money for scammers—not for them.
Despite its polished appearance, this program has no affiliation with Apple. The promises of $1000 gift cards, simple surveys, and instant payouts are all fake. The only thing you’ll get from engaging with these sites is spam, potential financial loss, and exposure to data theft.
Apple does not run third-party reward programs, giveaways, or promotions outside of its verified channels. Any legitimate student discounts or promotions can only be found on Apple’s official Education Store or Apple.com.
If you come across an “Apple Student Reward” ad online, don’t click it—report it. Scammers are getting more sophisticated, but staying informed is your best defense. Always question offers that seem too good to be true, especially when they use big brand names like Apple to build credibility.
By staying alert, educating others, and reporting fraudulent pages, you can help stop the spread of scams like this and protect yourself and your data from exploitation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Apple Student Rewards Scam?
The Apple Student Rewards Scam is a fraudulent online scheme that falsely claims Apple is offering students up to $1000 in rewards or gift cards for completing simple online tasks such as surveys, app downloads, or sign-ups. These scams typically appear as social media ads on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, or Facebook and link to professional-looking websites such as Sidereward.com. The design mimics Apple’s branding to create a sense of legitimacy. However, these sites have no connection to Apple. Instead, they are run by scammers who collect personal information and generate affiliate revenue when users complete so-called “deals” or “offers.” The promised Apple gift card never arrives, and the user ends up exposed to spam, data tracking, or even hidden charges.
Does Apple really have a Student Rewards program?
No. Apple does not operate any “Student Rewards” or “Apple Gift Card for Tasks” program. The real Apple offers student discounts and promotions through its official Education Store on Apple.com. These legitimate deals require no surveys, personal information, or third-party “offers.” Any website claiming to provide Apple gift cards or payments in exchange for completing tasks is fraudulent and not affiliated with Apple in any way.
How does the Apple Student Rewards scam work?
The scam works through a carefully designed process intended to appear trustworthy while profiting from user activity. First, users see a social media ad promising a $1000 Apple reward for students. When they click the ad, they are redirected to a fraudulent site like Sidereward.com. The site explains that to claim the gift card, users must provide basic personal details such as their name, email, or phone number and then complete 2–3 “offers.” These offers involve downloading apps, completing surveys, or signing up for trials. In reality, every click and signup generates affiliate income for the scammers. Users never receive the promised reward but often end up with spam, unwanted subscriptions, and compromised personal data.
Why is the Apple Student Rewards offer fake?
The Apple Student Rewards offer is fake because it is not sanctioned or operated by Apple. The website uses Apple’s logo and brand identity without authorization, a clear sign of deception. No real Apple job, scholarship, or gift card promotion requires users to complete surveys or third-party tasks. The entire system exists to gather user data and profit from affiliate marketing networks. Apple has publicly warned consumers to only trust promotions on its official website or verified retail partners.
What are the signs that an Apple Student Rewards website is a scam?
There are several red flags that reveal a fake “Apple Student Rewards” site:
The web address is not Apple.com and often contains unrelated domain names like Sidereward.com or Cart700.com.
The offer promises large rewards ($500–$1000) for simple tasks.
There are fake testimonials and reviews from nonexistent users.
The site lacks clear contact information, company details, or privacy policies.
You are asked to complete unrelated “deals” or “offers” to receive your reward.
The design mimics Apple’s branding but small elements like fonts or URLs appear off.
No confirmation email from an official Apple domain is ever received.
Who is behind the Apple Student Rewards scam?
The Apple Student Rewards scam is part of a larger affiliate fraud network that operates under many names and domains. These groups run similar schemes under brands like Target, Costco, or TikTok. They exploit trusted brand identities to gain clicks and personal information from users. The people behind these scams remain anonymous because they use cloaked domains, private hosting, and affiliate redirects to hide their identities. The scams are global and constantly shift to new domains once old ones are reported or blocked.
What happens when you enter your information on these scam sites?
When you submit your details, you immediately become part of a marketing database. Scammers use your name, email, and phone number to target you with future scams, spam messages, and fake promotional offers. Your information can also be sold to third-party data brokers who distribute it to advertisers and other scam networks. If you entered credit card information for “trial offers,” you could face unauthorized charges or recurring subscriptions you didn’t agree to. In some cases, this can lead to identity theft or financial loss.
Are the testimonials on these sites real?
No. The testimonials on fake Apple Student Rewards websites are completely fabricated. They typically feature names and photos of supposed students from well-known universities who claim they received their $1000 gift card. These are stock images paired with scripted reviews written by the scammers themselves. Their purpose is to add false credibility and convince users that the program has worked for others. None of the users or reviews are real.
Can these scams steal my personal data?
Yes. These scams are specifically designed to collect personal data that can later be monetized. Once you enter your email address, phone number, or credit card details, scammers can use them for:
Targeted phishing campaigns
Selling your data to third parties
Signing you up for paid services
Spamming your inbox with fake offers
Attempting unauthorized charges on your cards Data breaches like this can also make you vulnerable to identity theft.
What should I do if I fell for the Apple Student Rewards scam?
If you interacted with the scam, take immediate action to protect yourself:
Stop visiting the site and close all related pages.
Change your passwords for all online accounts, especially your email and Apple ID.
Monitor your bank and credit card statements for suspicious charges.
Cancel any “free trials” you signed up for through the scam site.
Run a malware scan on your device to detect potential trackers or viruses.
Notify Apple Support about the fraudulent use of their name and branding.
Consider credit monitoring or freezing your credit report if you shared sensitive personal data.
Will I ever receive the $1000 gift card?
No, you will never receive any real Apple gift card or payment from this scam. The “reward” is a fabricated promise meant to encourage user engagement. Once you complete the required steps, the site will continue to prompt you with more tasks or say your submission is being “verified.” This endless loop is designed to keep you clicking while generating profit for the scammers.
Can I get my money back if I was charged?
If you provided payment details and were billed for “free trials” or unauthorized charges, contact your bank or credit card provider immediately. Explain that you were misled by an online scam. Many financial institutions can help dispute the charges or issue new cards to prevent further unauthorized transactions.
Apple Support: Report any misuse of Apple branding or domains pretending to be Apple. Providing screenshots, links, or descriptions helps investigators identify and shut down similar scams.
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.
