Fake ‘Lidl Voucher’ WhatsApp Giveaway Scam

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Written by: Stelian Pilici

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Scams have become increasingly prevalent in the digital age, with fraudsters constantly devising new ways to deceive unsuspecting individuals. One such scam that has gained traction in recent times is the fake ‘Lidl voucher’ WhatsApp giveaway 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 Fake ‘Lidl Voucher’ WhatsApp Giveaway Scam?

The fake ‘Lidl voucher’ WhatsApp giveaway scam is a fraudulent scheme that targets WhatsApp users by promising them free vouchers or discounts from the popular supermarket chain, Lidl. The scam typically involves receiving a message on WhatsApp claiming that Lidl is giving away vouchers worth a significant amount of money, such as £250 or $500.

The message often appears to be sent by a trusted contact, making it more convincing and increasing the likelihood of individuals falling for the scam. The message usually contains a link that recipients are instructed to click on to claim their voucher.

How Does the Scam Work?

Once a user clicks on the link provided in the message, they are redirected to a website that appears to be affiliated with Lidl. The website typically asks users to complete a survey or provide personal information in order to claim the voucher. This is where the scammer collects sensitive data, such as email addresses, phone numbers, and even credit card details.

After completing the survey or providing their personal information, victims are often redirected to another page that claims their voucher is being processed. However, the promised voucher never materializes, and the scammers now have access to the victim’s personal information, which they can use for various malicious purposes, such as identity theft or financial fraud.

What to Do If You Have Fallen Victim

If you have fallen victim to the fake ‘Lidl voucher’ WhatsApp giveaway scam, it is crucial to take immediate action to protect yourself and minimize the potential damage.

  1. Disconnect from the internet: As soon as you realize you have been scammed, disconnect from the internet to prevent further unauthorized access to your personal information.
  2. Scan your device for malware: Run a scan with a reliable antivirus software, such as Malwarebytes Free, to detect and remove any malware that may have been installed on your device during the scam.
  3. Change your passwords: Change the passwords for all your online accounts, including email, social media, and banking accounts, to prevent unauthorized access.
  4. Monitor your accounts: Keep a close eye on your bank and credit card statements for any suspicious activity. Report any unauthorized transactions to your bank immediately.
  5. Report the scam: Report the scam to your local authorities and to the platform where you received the fraudulent message, such as WhatsApp.

How to Spot and Avoid the Scam

While scammers are constantly evolving their tactics, there are some red flags to watch out for that can help you spot and avoid falling victim to the fake ‘Lidl voucher’ WhatsApp giveaway scam:

  • Be skeptical of unsolicited messages: If you receive a message from an unknown sender or a trusted contact with an unexpected offer, be cautious and verify its authenticity before taking any action.
  • Check the URL: Before clicking on any links, hover over them to see the actual URL. Scammers often use deceptive URLs that may appear legitimate at first glance.
  • Verify with the official source: If you receive a message claiming to be from a company or organization, visit their official website or contact their customer support to confirm the legitimacy of the offer.
  • Never provide personal information: Legitimate companies will never ask for sensitive information, such as credit card details or social security numbers, through unsolicited messages.

Summary

The fake ‘Lidl voucher’ WhatsApp giveaway scam is a deceptive scheme that preys on WhatsApp users by promising them free vouchers or discounts from Lidl. Scammers trick victims into providing personal information, which can be used for malicious purposes. If you have fallen victim to this scam, it is crucial to take immediate action by disconnecting from the internet, scanning your device for malware, changing your passwords, monitoring your accounts, and reporting the scam. To avoid falling victim to such scams, be skeptical of unsolicited messages, check URLs before clicking on them, verify with official sources, and never provide personal information without proper verification.

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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