BMW Giveaway Like-Farming Scam: What You Need To Know!

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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 exploit unsuspecting individuals. One such scam that has gained significant attention is the BMW Giveaway Like-Farming Scam. This deceptive scheme preys on people’s desire to win a luxury car and uses social media platforms as a tool for its execution.

Scams

What is the BMW Giveaway Like-Farming Scam?

The BMW Giveaway Like-Farming Scam is a type of online fraud that aims to trick users into engaging with a Facebook post or page by promising them a chance to win a brand new BMW. The scammers create a post or page that appears to be affiliated with BMW, complete with the company’s logo and branding. They then ask users to like, share, and comment on the post in order to enter the giveaway.

By encouraging users to engage with the post, scammers are able to increase its visibility and reach a larger audience. This tactic is known as “like-farming,” as the scammers are essentially farming likes and shares to boost their online presence. Once the post has gained a significant number of likes and shares, the scammers can then modify the post to include malicious links or content.

How Does the Scam Work?

The BMW Giveaway Like-Farming Scam works by exploiting people’s desire to win a luxury car. The scammers create a post or page that appears to be legitimate, using BMW’s branding and imagery to make it seem authentic. They often use enticing captions such as “Win a BMW by liking and sharing this post!” to attract attention.

Once users engage with the post by liking, sharing, and commenting, the scammers are able to gather a large number of likes and shares. This increases the visibility of the post, making it more likely to appear on users’ newsfeeds and reach a wider audience. The scammers may also ask users to provide personal information, such as their email address or phone number, under the guise of contacting the winners.

After the post has gained a significant number of likes and shares, the scammers modify the content to include malicious links or content. These links may lead to phishing websites that attempt to steal personal information or install malware on the user’s device. In some cases, the scammers may even ask users to pay a fee or provide payment information in order to claim their prize, only to disappear once the payment is made.

What to Do If You Have Fallen Victim

If you have fallen victim to the BMW Giveaway Like-Farming Scam, it is important to take immediate action to protect yourself and your personal information. Here are some steps you can take:

  1. Scan your device for viruses or malware using a reputable antivirus software. We recommend using Malwarebytes Free, a trusted and effective tool for detecting and removing malware.
  2. Change your passwords for all online accounts, especially if you have provided any personal information to the scammers.
  3. Monitor your bank accounts and credit card statements for any suspicious activity. If you notice any unauthorized transactions, contact your bank or credit card company immediately.
  4. Report the scam to the social media platform where you encountered it. This will help prevent others from falling victim to the same scam.
  5. Educate yourself about common online scams and stay vigilant to avoid future scams.

Conclusion

The BMW Giveaway Like-Farming Scam is a deceptive scheme that preys on people’s desire to win a luxury car. By creating a post or page that appears to be affiliated with BMW, scammers are able to trick users into engaging with the content and increase its visibility. Once the post has gained a significant number of likes and shares, the scammers modify it to include malicious links or content.

If you have fallen victim to this scam, it is important to take immediate action to protect yourself and your personal information. Scan your device for viruses or malware, change your passwords, monitor your bank accounts, and report the scam to the social media platform. By staying informed and vigilant, you can avoid falling victim to online scams and protect yourself from potential harm.

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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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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