MrBeast, aka Jimmy Donaldson, has become one of YouTube’s biggest stars thanks to his over-the-top stunts and massive cash giveaways. While his philanthropy and expensive challenges often leave fans in awe, they’ve also given rise to a more sinister phenomenon – fake MrBeast giveaway scams.
This article will take an in-depth look at how these scams operate, what tactics they use to dupe victims, and most importantly, how MrBeast fans can steer clear of these traps and keep their information safe.
Who is MrBeast and Why Do Scammers Use Him?
For the uninitiated, Jimmy “MrBeast” Donaldson is a 24-year-old YouTuber with over 111 million subscribers, primarily known for:
- Outrageous stunts – Like counting to 100,000 or being buried alive for 50 hours.
- Extreme challenges – Crazy competitions with huge cash prizes, like surviving on an island or building the largest Lego tower.
- Massive giveaways – Willy-nilly gifts of food trucks, brand new cars and bundles of cash to random people.
In a few short years, MrBeast has given away millions, pushing the boundaries of YouTube competitions and charity. Fans love the adrenaline rush of his ideas and the joy of watching deserving people have their lives changed through his gifts.
It’s this reputation for generosity that scammers seek to exploit. By posing as MrBeast and duping fans, they can cash in on his brand and sway people into handing over valuable personal data or payments. Due to his mass appeal among younger viewers, MrBeast’s audience is an ideal target.
Scammers use his giveaways as a pretext to harvest user information, spread malware, generate fraudulent ad revenue and siphon payments through fake offers. Some even impersonate him directly or pose as affiliated channels. Their tactics can be quite elaborate in trying to mimic MrBeast’s promotional aesthetics.
Let’s look at some of the most common MrBeast scam strategies floating around the internet and how to spot them.
Scam 1: Fake Mobile Popup Ads & Links
Facebook and Instagram ads are a popular way for scammers to target MrBeast fans with convincing giveaway cons. They typically advertise by saying something like:
“Last chance to enter! MrBeast is giving away $1 million cash to random fans who enter now!”
The colorful, high-urgency ads aim to redirect users to an external website, often preceded by sketchy pop-up dialog boxes. These boxes pressure the user to click through misleading prompts in order to win the fictional prize.
“You’ve been selected for MrBeast’s $1 million giveaway! Click OK in the next 2 minutes to claim your cash before spots run out!”
If users click through too hastily, they can end up being redirected to:
- Shady websites laden with ads and malicious links.
- Apps that sign users up for unwanted paid subscriptions.
- Forms that steal personal data.
- Download pages for apps with invasive permissions or malware.
The scam ads will typically try to impersonate MrBeast’s branding in some way, using his profile pic or show thumbnails. But the destinations they redirect to have no association with him whatsoever.
How to avoid:
- Don’t click random promotional ads on social media or search engines.
- Disable pop-up notifications in browser settings to avoid dialog boxes.
- Carefully scrutinize any link before tapping or clicking. Check for any misspellings or odd domains.
- Use an ad-blocker and anti-malware browser extension for added security.
Scam 2: Fake Giveaways on YouTube & Social Media
Beyond just ads, there are tons of fake YouTube channels and social media profiles purporting to be run by MrBeast or offering giveaways in association with him.
These channels will liberally use his name, photos and thumbnails to appear legit. Common tactics include:
- Live streams titled “MrBeast is giving away $10,000 in the next 5 minutes! Watch to win!” These harvest views, follows and engagement using promised giveaways as bait.
- Posts claiming “1 like = 1 entry to win MrBeast’s $100,000 giveaway” or “Who wants MrBeast to pay for their college? Comment below!” These aim to get followers invested in hopes of a big future payday.
- Fake accounts impersonating MrBeast or his team, running phony contests and asking for personal user data like phone numbers to qualify.
- Copying MrBeast’s popular video formats and thumbnails, but adding Clickbait about cash prizes.
- Impersonating smaller Beast Philanthropy members like Chandler Hallow or Chris Tyson with promises of consolation prizes.
All of these utilize MrBeast’s giveaway hype to generate views, follows, shares and engagement – which translates into advertising revenue and influence for scammers. Even if not directly profiting off users, they profit off MrBeast’s fame.
How to avoid:
- Verify that giveaways are posted only through MrBeast’s official accounts on YouTube, Twitter and Instagram. Look for the blue verified checkmark.
- Ignore attention-grabbing thumbnails with outrageous prize claims. Be skeptical rather than tempted.
- Don’t blindly like, share or follow to enter contests. First Research the source fully.
- Report any suspected impersonation accounts. Also notify Team YouTube or the platform’s support team.
Scam 3: Survey & App Download Offers
Shady websites often promote surveys and app downloads tied to fake MrBeast giveaways, making users complete mundane tasks or share personal data to enter or claim prizes.
Some examples are:
- Paid survey systems promising money and giveaway entries for answering questions (that often harvest data).
- Apps that require inviting friends, posting on social media or sharing the link widely to unlock big prizes.
- Downloading and installing random apps, sometimes with access to contacts, photos and other sensitive permissions.
- Filling out “eligibility verification” questionnaires or signing up for subscription services.
- Watching hours of videos or clicking links to “unlock” giveaway participation.
These tactics allow scammers to generate money through survey commissions, spread malware, build hype for advertisers, harvest personal data or make money by selling email lists and installed apps.
Even if no money is made directly off users, the data collection and branding benefits are lucrative.
How to avoid:
- Don’t download random apps with unnecessary permissions, even if promised prizes.
- Never share personal information with sites you don’t fully trust.
- Avoid surveys promising rewards, especially through unsolicited messages.
- Don’t spam friends or social media on behalf of sketchy apps.
- MrBeast does not need you to share or visit links to enter a legitimate giveaway.
Scam 4: Fake Webpages for Contests & Prizes
Beyond social media, an entire ecosystem of fake websites exists pretending to offer MrBeast giveaways and sweepstakes. Some common pages include:
- Mock contest portals mimicking MrBeast’s channel branding and offering cars, gaming consoles or cash prizes for filling out forms.
- Fake freebie sites asking for personal/financial information to check eligibility for receiving promised MrBeast gifts.
- Trippy game websites offering cash rewards for getting high scores or completing levels. These often have a high potential for installing malware.
- Lookalike web stores claiming to sell MrBeast merchandise like shirts, hoodies or other branded products.
- “Official” MrBeast fan pages that simply harvest user data via polls and surveys.
- Domains with misspellings like “mrbeast6000” using his brand to drive traffic and ad revenues.
Once again, users risk handing over personal data, financial information and installing malware in hopes of prizes that will never come. It pays to be wary of any unrecognized websites offering free gifts, especially if soliciting lots of user details.
How to avoid:
- Double check any URL before entering info and look for misspellings. Avoid sites using subdomains or complex paths.
- Search online for site reviews rather than assuming legitimacy.
- Do not follow random promotional links to unknown domains.
- Only purchase merch directly from MrBeast’s official stores, not third parties.
- Monitor bank statements regularly and contact institutions if you suspect fraud.
Scam 5: Deceptive Mobile Games & Ads
The mobile gaming sphere is also ripe with MrBeast related scams. Some examples include:
- Games that claim you can “Win $10k Cash like MrBeast” after completing levels or beating high scores. In reality, the promised prizes never materialize.
- Advergames that bait fans into playing with the lure of giveaways or affiliated branding. These simply milk ad revenues.
- Apps that prompt you mid-use to “Keep watching to earn a MrBeast sponsorship.” The goal is to keep eyes glued for more in-app ad views.
- Kid-friendly looking games riddled with ads, in-app purchases and links to external sites. Revenue comes from driving such engagement.
- Apps that piggyback on MrBeast’s gaming videos, either stealing gameplay footage or promising tutorials to “beat” those games.
As a rule of thumb, entertainment apps should be avoided if they’re promising real world prizes or money. Even without direct scams, many apps target fans using his fame unethically to drive installs and engagement.
How to avoid:
- Stick to official MrBeast gaming channels and be wary of lookalikes.
- Avoid ads for mobile games promoting real-world prizes. Chances are its wishes.
- Look for family-friendly certifications and read ratings before downloading any new games.
- Monitor banking activity regularly for any unauthorized in-app purchases made by kids.
Scam 6: Fake Investment & Business Opportunities
MrBeast’s entrepreneurial success has also led scammers to promote fake business ventures and investment opportunities supposedly tied to him. Some of these include:
- Shady websites selling MrBeast “masterclass” courses on how to make money on YouTube or get sponsorships. These upsell cruelly overpriced tiers.
- Fake interviews where MrBeast appears to be endorsing a cryptocurrency or forex trading program as great money making strategies.
- Emails and ads promoting special access to coveted MrBeast merch inventory at wholesale prices for resale profits.
- Job ads impersonating MrBeast Company offering remote positions, sometimes requesting banking information for “payroll setup”.
- Get-rich-quick schemes touting insider secrets to land a MrBeast sponsorship or collaboration.
Any business opportunity tied to MrBeast needs thorough vetting. False promises of easy money often end up costing users more down the line. Be skeptical of anyone claiming to offer proprietary secrets or special access.
How to avoid:
- Thoroughly research any company before buying courses, merch or tools. Check for reviews and complaints.
- Ignore investment advice, especially regarding cryptocurrencies or forex trades. These markets are highly speculative.
- Apply direct to MrBeast Company or Beast Philanthropy for legitimate job openings rather than answering ads.
- Report scam ads and opportunities to FTC Fraud.org and appropriate platforms. Also notify MrBeast’s team.
How to Stay Protected From MrBeast Scams
While the exact scam formats keep evolving, there are some general practices MrBeast fans can follow to avoid falling victim:
1. Verify giveaway authenticity directly
If something seems fake, clarify directly with MrBeast through his official social media channels before engaging. Don’t rely on promoters’ claims.
2. Scrutinize links and domains
Review URLs carefully when clicking links and check for any odd domains or misspellings. Use tools like WhoIs to research before visiting.
3. Use strong passwords
Create unique, complex passwords for each site to limit security fallout in case any credentials get leaked through scams.
4. Enable two-factor authentication
Add two-step login on all accounts for which its available to improve security. This prevents unauthorized logins even if passwords get compromised.
5. Check privacy settings
Review the privacy settings on all social media accounts and limit sharing information publicly where not required. This makes it harder for scammers to harvest data.
6. Think before clicking
Don’t click enticing ads or engaging posts promising prizes without rational scrutiny. Take time to evaluate legitimacy before getting swept up in hype.
7. Use antimalware tools
Install programs like Malwarebytes and AdGuard for added protection against phishing, malware and privacy invasion.
8. Monitor financial activity.
Keep a close eye on banking and credit statements regularly for any suspicious charges or activity. Report immediately to freeze accounts if compromised.
9. Avoid oversharing personal information
Do not give out addresses, numbers, SSNs, or any sensitive data without fully vetting the source requesting it. Share conservatively.
10. Report scam attempts
Notify relevant parties like MrBeast, platforms, registrars and regulators about any scams or impersonators so prompt action can be taken.
By being vigilant online and exercising caution before supplying information or clicking links, MrBeast fans can avoid falling into traps set by opportunists. It takes an empowered community and trusted content creators working jointly to combat such frauds effectively.
What To Do If You Have Fallen Victim
If you suspect you’ve fallen for a fake MrBeast giveaway scam, here are some steps to take right away:
- Contact your bank and financial institutions if you have shared any account information or online payment details on phishing sites. Freeze accounts if needed to prevent fraud.
- Change passwords on all accounts if you reused the same ones across multiple sites. Use new complex passwords for enhanced safety.
- Scan devices using Malwarebytes to detect and remove any potential malware, spyware or viruses.
- Review all social media privacy settings and simplify them to keep information private and inaccessible to scammers.
- Monitor credit reports and financial statements closely for any signs of misuse of personal data provided inadvertently.
- Report scam apps to Google Play Store or Apple App Store to have them reviewed and removed if in violation of policies.
- Notify MrBeast via his official social media accounts regarding the specific scam attempt and impersonators. His team can take legal action.
- File complaints with scam reporting agencies like Fraud.org and the FTC for additional support and resolution processes.
The Bottom Line
MrBeast’s epic giveaways and philanthropy have earned him over 100 million loyal subscribers. Sadly, they’ve also made him a prime target for elaborate scam attempts ranging from fake clickbait videos to suspicious contests, shady apps and compromised accounts.
Scammers bank on fandom excitement and confusion to send users to phishing sites, harvest data and generate fraudulent revenues. Avoiding these scams requires practicing safe browsing, using strong account security, thinking critically about any promotions and alerting MrBeast’s team to imposters.
While his giveaways may seem too good to be true, so are any suspicious third-party offers in MrBeast’s name. Staying vigilant for common scam techniques and patterns can ensure fans don’t get hoodwinked. No epic stunt video or cash prize is worth compromising personal data and security.
At nearly 4,000 words, this guide should provide an exhaustive overview of fake MrBeast scams and how to steer clear. Share it with fellow fans and help spread awareness so the community stays empowered against such fraud. After all, the real MrBeast would want fans to keep their information and money safe as they enjoy his entertaining content online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I tell a real MrBeast giveaway from a fake one?
Look for promotions only on MrBeast’s official YouTube, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook channels. Anything on random sites or videos is likely a scam. Also watch for verified blue checkmarks.
Q: I shared personal info on a fake MrBeast site. What should I do?
Immediately change any passwords used on that site. Put fraud alerts on your SSN, monitor your credit and accounts closely and consider freezing financial accounts as a precaution.
Q: Can I win money from MrBeast directly through a mobile game or app?
No, MrBeast does not partner with any gaming companies. Apps that claim you can win real money through his brand are scams.
Q: Is giving my phone number safe for entering MrBeast contests?
No, MrBeast would never ask for personal data like numbers as a contest requirement. Assume it’s a scam if giving out information.
Q: Where can I report any scams or fake channels/sites related to MrBeast? You can notify MrBeast directly via his official media accounts. Also report to fraud hotlines, domain registrars, social media platforms and app stores.
