Beware the Viral Longhorn Steakhouse Free Dinner Facebook Scam
Written by: Stelian
Published on:
A new scam making the rounds on Facebook promises a free steak dinner from Longhorn Steakhouse to anyone who shares and comments on a post. However, the offers are completely fake and have nothing to do with the real restaurant chain. Scammers are creating the fraudulent Facebook pages and posts to spread malware and steal personal data from unsuspecting social media users.
This scam takes advantage of people’s desire to get a good deal and the tendency to trust well-known brands. But “liking,” sharing and commenting on these scam posts only helps them go viral, while victims receive nothing in return except increased risk of identity theft and malware.
It is important to be able to recognize this and other Facebook scams so you can avoid having your personal information compromised. This article will provide an in-depth look at how the Longhorn Steakhouse free dinner scam works, who is behind it, how to spot the fraudulent pages and posts, what to do if you shared one, and steps to take to better protect yourself in the future.
Overview of the Longhorn Steakhouse Free Dinner Facebook Scam
This scam claims to offer a free dinner for two at Longhorn Steakhouse, a popular steakhouse chain with over 500 locations in the United States. The fake promotions state that Longhorn Steakhouse CEO Todd Burrowes wants to thank social media users for their loyalty by providing a coupon for a free steak dinner if they like, share and comment on a post.
The scam posts often includeattention-grabbing phrases like “Free Dinner!”, “Steak Lovers Special” or “Facebook Exclusive Deal” and will typically include an unrelated picture of a delicious looking steak or other food. Some of the posts also ask users to tag friends they would like to go to dinner with.
However, these offers are completely fraudulent and are not authorized by Longhorn Steakhouse or its parent company, Darden Restaurants. The scammers have created imposter Facebook pages and profiles posing as the restaurant chain and its CEO in order to give their posts legitimacy. But their only goal is to spread malware and steal personal information, not provide free dinners.
Unfortunately, many people are tricked into interacting with these scam posts because free steak dinners from a popular restaurant chain sound appealing. The scammers exploit the good reputation of the Longhorn Steakhouse brand to manipulate social media users into spreading the scam further.
How the Longhorn Steakhouse Free Dinner Scam Works
The scammers behind this scam put a lot of thought into making the fraudulent pages and posts look authentic. This makes it easier to trick unsuspecting Facebook users. Here is an overview of how the scam typically works:
1. Creating Realistic Looking Facebook Pages and Profiles
The scammers will create Facebook pages and profiles impersonating the official Longhorn Steakhouse brand. The pages are designed to look legitimate with the company logo, images of food, and posts that mimic the language and tone of the restaurant’s marketing campaigns.
They also create fake profiles posing as Longhorn Steakhouse CEO Todd Burrowes. The profile pictures will show images of a businessman to further lend credibility to the scam posts.
2. Posting Scam Offer Promising Free Dinner
The scammers will then begin posting the scam free dinner offers on the fake Longhorn Steakhouse pages as well as on their own personal profiles. The posts are crafted to entice engagement through phrases about “thanking loyal customers” and giving away free dinners.
Many of the scam posts also encourage users to tag friends they’d like to have dinner with, which helps spread the fraudulent offers further.
3. Using Clickbait Tactics and False Claims
The body of the scam posts will use clever clickbait tactics and false claims to encourage shares, likes and comments. Some examples include:
Stating there is a limited supply of free dinners available to make the offer seem exclusive.
Use of FOMO (fear of missing out) with claims that users must act quickly before the promotion ends.
Asking users to share the post with their privacy set to “public” to validate their entry into the fake giveaway.
Falsely claiming that Todd Burrowes or the Longhorn Steakhouse marketing team will follow-up with instructions on how to claim your free dinner.
4. Upvoting and Spreading the Scam Posts
The scammers will use networks of fake accounts they control to upvote and share the fraudulent free dinner posts. This makes the posts appear more legitimate and tricks the Facebook algorithm into showing them to more users.
The scammers will also share the posts across Facebook groups, subreddits and other platforms to maximize the reach. Their goal is to get real users to interact and share the scam offer within their own networks.
5. Harvesting Personal Data
Once users like, share or comment on the scam Longhorn Steakhouse posts, the scammers immediately have access to portions of their personal profile data. Depending on your privacy settings, this could include your email address, phone number, hometown, date of birth and more.
In some cases, they will then direct message people who engaged with the scam posts to try and harvest additional info through phishing attempts. They may claim you need to complete a survey or provide details to claim your free dinner.
The scammers quickly sell or use the collected personal data for identity theft, distributing malware or targeted phishing scams. Even if you never complete any additional surveys or forms, just interacting with the initial scam post puts your personal info at risk.
Who is Behind the Longhorn Steakhouse Free Dinner Scam?
These types of Facebook scams that spread rapidly and harvest personal information are often orchestrated by organized cybercriminal groups mainly operating overseas in countries like Russia, China, and parts of Africa.
It is unlikely an individual scammer would have the resources and capabilities required to conduct large-scale Facebook fraud like this. Additionally, English is rarely the native language of the actual scammers.
According to social media security firm ZeroFOX, many Facebook scams originate in Nigeria, but use masked IP addresses and fake accounts to make it appear like they are coming from elsewhere. The remote operation combined with the use of fake accounts makes it very difficult for authorities to track down the actual individuals behind these scams.
The scammers are tech savvy, running complex networks of automated fake accounts that allow them to rapidly spread scam posts and then collect user data once someone interacts with their content. They have gotten the process down to a science, constantly fine tuning their methods to increase engagement rates.
Scams impersonating well-known brands like Longhorn Steakhouse are especially lucrative for these groups, as they know social media users are more likely to trust posts that appear to come from established companies.
While the scammers’ sole motivation is money, their distance from victims can lead them to underestimate the damage these scams cause in others’ lives.
How to Spot the Fake Longhorn Steakhouse Facebook Pages and Posts
While these scammers go to great lengths to make their pages and posts look real, there are a few key signs that can help you identify the Longhorn Steakhouse free dinner offers as fraudulent:
Generic Page Names – The page name may include the words “Longhorn Steakhouse” but will not be an exact match for the restaurant’s verified Facebook handle, @longhornsteakhouse.
Wrong Page URL – The URL/webpage address should be facebook.com/longhornsteakhouse. Fake pages will have slight variations.
No Verification Checkmark – Legitimate brand pages have a blue verification checkmark next to their name. This will be missing on the scam pages.
Suspicious Post Wording – Legitimate giveaways will provide official rules and clearly state no purchase is necessary to enter. Scam posts will not include official contest terms.
Odd Spelling/Grammar – Scam pages and posts often have small typos, capitalization errors or awkward phrasing. This is a red flag English may not be the scammer’s first language.
Posts Only About Giveaways – Real brand pages will post a variety of content, not just giveaway promotions. Scam pages often just repeatedly post contest offers.
Stock Photos – Scam pages tend to use generic stock images of food instead of real photos taken at Longhorn Steakhouse locations.
Push for Public Sharing – Posts that encourage you to share them publicly or with many friends to enter a contest are highly suspicious.
Message Button Missing – Legitimate brand pages will have a button to privately message the Page. This will not exist on scam pages.
Trust your instincts if an offer seems too good to be true. Look for multiple red flags, and if anything seems off about a page or post, it is best to assume it is fraudulent.
What to Do If You Have Interacted With the Longhorn Steakhouse Free Dinner Scam Posts
If you suspect you may have liked, commented on, or shared one of the scam free dinner posts, there are some important steps you should take right away:
Delete Your Comment – If you commented on one of the scam posts, delete it immediately.
Report the Page and Post – Notify Facebook by reporting the page and specific post as a scam so they can be removed.
Change Account Passwords – Change the password for your Facebook account and any other accounts that use similar passwords.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication – Add an extra layer of security to your Facebook account and other logins by requiring a code from your phone to access them.
Review Privacy Settings – Make sure your privacy settings on Facebook are locked down by limiting the audience for past and future posts to “friends only.”
Monitor Accounts Closely – Keep a close eye out for any suspicious login attempts, password reset emails, or friend requests over the next few weeks.
Watch For Spear Phishing – Be alert for any suspicious emails or messages claiming you need to verify details or claiming to be from Longhorn Steakhouse. Delete these outright without opening any links or attachments.
Run Anti-Virus Scans – Malware may have been installed on your device. Run full system scans using reputable antivirus software like MalwareBytes, Norton or Avast.
Place Fraud Alert – Consider placing a 90-day fraud alert with the major credit bureaus so you are notified of any suspicious credit activity.
If you notice any signs of fraud such as suspicious charges or someone trying to open accounts in your name, notify the affected companies immediately. You may also file an identity theft report with the FTC. Unfortunately, any personal data shared prior to recognizing the scam cannot be undone, but taking quick action can help prevent further misuse.
Avoid Falling Victim to Scams with These Facebook Safety Tips
While the Longhorn Steakhouse free dinner scam is prevalent right now, new Facebook frauds constantly arise offering fake freebies, gift cards and desirable prizes. Here are some tips to recognize and avoid scams moving forward:
Check for Verified Pages – Brands will have a blue checkmark next to their name on Facebook. Only trust offers that come directly from an official verified page.
Research Unverified Pages – Search online for the page name if it does not have a checkmark to see if others are discussing it as a scam.
Ignore “Limited Time” Offers – Posts telling you to act fast before a prize expires are pressuring you to bypass critical thinking. Take time to verify legitimacy instead.
No Purchase Should Be Required – Contests sponsored by real brands never require you to purchase something to enter or claim your prize.
Be Wary of Tagging Friends – Contests that encourage you to tag many friends should be seen as red flags. Avoid spreading suspicious offers.
Make All Posts Friends-Only – Update your default privacy setting to friends-only. Limit your posts’ audience to deny scammers info.
Use Two-Factor Authentication – Adding an extra login step will thwart many hacking attempts targeted at scam victims.
Never Download From Unknown Links – Don’t open links, downloads or attachments if you cannot verify the true source. They could install malware.
Staying vigilant against increasingly sophisticated Facebook fraud means being skeptical of any offers that look too good to be true. Rely on trusted brands, look for verification checkmarks, and report anything that appears suspicious rather than interacting. Making your personal info and accounts more secure provides additional protection against scams impacting you or your friends.
Is Your Device Infected? Run a Free Malware Scan
Slow performance, constant pop-ups, or strange behavior? These are classic signs of a malware infection. The fastest way to find out is to scan your device with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free — one of the most trusted malware removal tools available.
The free version detects and removes the most common threats, including:
Adware — the cause of those annoying pop-ups
Browser hijackers — unwanted redirects and changed homepages
Trojans and spyware — hidden programs stealing your data
Potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) — software you never asked for
👉 Select your device below — Windows, Mac, or Android — then follow the simple steps to download Malwarebytes, scan your system, and remove any threats it finds. The whole process takes about 5 minutes.
Malwarebytes for WindowsMalwarebytes for MacMalwarebytes for Android
Run a Malware Scan with Malwarebytes for Windows
Malwarebytes is one of the most popular and trusted anti-malware tools for Windows — and it’s completely free for removing infections. It catches threats that many antivirus programs miss, including adware, browser hijackers, and trojans. Follow the steps below to scan and clean your PC in just a few minutes.
Download Malwarebytes
Click the button below to download the latest version of Malwarebytes for Windows from the official source. The free version is all you need — it will scan your computer and remove adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious software at no cost.
(The link opens in a new page where your download will start)
Install Malwarebytes
When the download finishes, open your Downloads folder and double-click the MBSetup file. If Windows shows a User Account Control pop-up, click “Yes” to allow the installation.
Follow the On-Screen Prompts to Install Malwarebytes
The setup wizard will walk you through a few quick screens:
Choose where you’re installing the program — “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer” — then click Next.
Malwarebytes will now install on your device. This usually takes under a minute.
When installation is complete, the “Welcome to Malwarebytes” screen will open automatically.
On the final screen, click Open Malwarebytes to launch the program.
Enable “Scan for Rootkits”
Before scanning, turn on rootkit detection so Malwarebytes can find even the most hidden threats. Click the Settings gear icon on the left side of the screen.
In the settings menu, find “Scan for rootkits” and click the toggle so it turns blue.
Done? Click “Dashboard” in the left pane to return to the main screen.
Start the Scan
Click the blue Scan button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its virus database and start checking your computer for malware.
Wait for the Scan to Finish
The scan checks your entire system for browser hijackers and other malicious programs, so it can take several minutes. Feel free to do something else — just check back occasionally to see the progress.
Quarantine the Detected Threats
When the scan is done, you’ll see a list of everything Malwarebytes found — malware, adware, and potentially unwanted programs. Click the “Quarantine” button to remove all of them at once.
Malwarebytes will now remove the malicious files and registry entries and move them safely into quarantine.
Restart Your Computer
Some threats can only be fully removed after a reboot. If Malwarebytes asks you to restart, click Yes. Once you’re logged back in, your PC is clean and you can continue with the next steps in this guide.
When the scan finishes, click Quarantine to remove everything Malwarebytes found. That’s it — your Windows PC is now clean of trojans, adware, and other malware, and should be back to running smoothly.
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 a free on-demand scanner that removes the malware other security software tends to miss — adware, browser hijackers, and unwanted programs included. Cleaning an infected Mac with Malwarebytes has always been completely free, and it’s our go-to recommendation. Follow the steps below to scan and clean your Mac in just a few minutes.
Download Malwarebytes for Mac
Click the button below to download the latest version of Malwarebytes for Mac.
When the download finishes, open your Downloads folder and double-click the setup file to begin the installation.
Follow the On-Screen Prompts to Install Malwarebytes
The Malwarebytes for Mac Installer will guide you through a few quick screens. Click “Continue” and keep following the prompts until the installation completes.
When the installation is complete, Malwarebytes opens to the Welcome to Malwarebytes screen. Click “Get started“.
Select “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer”
Malwarebytes will ask what type of computer you’re installing it on. Click either Personal Computer or Work Computer, whichever applies.
Start the Scan
Click the “Scan” button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its detection database and begin checking your Mac for malware.
Wait for the Scan to Finish
Malwarebytes will scan your Mac for adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious programs. This can take a few minutes, so feel free to do something else — just check back occasionally to see the progress.
Quarantine the Detected Threats
When the scan is done, you’ll see a list of everything Malwarebytes found. Click the “Quarantine” button to remove all the threats at once.
Restart Your Mac
Malwarebytes will now remove all the malicious files it found. Some threats can only be fully removed after a reboot — if Malwarebytes asks you to restart, allow it. Once you’re logged back in, your Mac is clean.
Once the scan is done, remove every threat it detected. Your Mac is now free of adware, rogue browser 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.
After the scan, tap Remove Selected to delete all detected threats. Your Android phone is now clean — no more malicious apps, adware, or 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.
Now that your device is clean, keep it that way. Most infections start with a malicious ad or a fake download button — so blocking them at the source is your best defense.
We recommend AdGuard, which blocks malicious ads, phishing pages, and dangerous redirects before they can reach you.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Fake Longhorn Steakhouse Free Dinner Scam
Q: What is the Longhorn Steakhouse free dinner scam?
A: This is a fraudulent scam being spread on Facebook that claims Longhorn Steakhouse is giving away free dinners to anyone who likes, shares, or comments on a post. The offers are completely fake and are not authorized by Longhorn.
Q: How can I tell if a Longhorn Steakhouse offer on Facebook is fake?
A: Look for missing verification checkmarks, posts that encourage public sharing, requests to tag friends, and other red flags covered in this article. Legitimate offers will come directly from Longhorn’s verified Facebook page.
Q: I shared one of the scam posts, what should I do now?
A: Delete your comment, report the fraudulent page and post to Facebook, change your Facebook password, enable two-factor authentication, and monitor your accounts closely for any suspicious activity.
Q: Who is behind the fake Longhorn Steakhouse Facebook pages?
A: Cybercriminal groups and scammers, mainly overseas, create these types of scams to spread malware and steal personal information from victims. It is unlikely to be a single individual.
Q: What does commenting on the scam post allow the scammers to access?
A: Depending on your privacy settings, liking, sharing or commenting can potentially expose your email address, birthdate, location and other personal info to the scammers.
Q: I noticed a charge on my credit card I don’t recognize after interacting with one of the scam posts, what should I do?
A: Immediately notify your credit card company and credit bureaus of possible identity theft. Monitor your financial accounts closely for any other suspicious charges or activity.
Q: How can I spot other Facebook scams in the future?
A: Be wary of offers that seem too good to be true, always check for verified pages, look for odd grammar/spelling, and never tag friends or publicly share questionable posts.
Q: What are some general tips to improve my privacy and security on Facebook?
A: Enable two-factor authentication, be selective about what personal details you share publicly, and set your default post audience to “friends only”. This will help prevent your info falling into the wrong hands.
Conclusion
The fraudulent Facebook pages and posts promising free steak dinners from Longhorn Steakhouse may look convincing, but no such authorized offer exists. Sharing and commenting on these scam posts only spreads them further while granting scammers access to your personal data. Instead of getting a free dinner, victims of the scam are left with an increased risk of identity theft and account hacking.
Avoid interacting with any suspicious offers by looking for red flags like missing verification checkmarks, posts that encourage public sharing, and requests to tag many friends. You should also adopt safer habits like using two-factor authentication and limiting your default post audience settings on Facebook. Being cautious about sharing personal information and suspicious content is the best way to protect yourself from increasingly common social media scams.
10 Rules to Avoid Online Scams
Here are 10 practical safety rules to help you avoid malware, online shopping scams, crypto scams, and other online fraud. Each tip includes a quick “if you already got hit” action.
Stop and verify before you click, log in, download, or pay.
Most scams win by creating urgency. Verify using a trusted method: type the website address yourself, use the official app, or call a known number (not the one in the message).
If you already clicked: close the page, do not enter passwords, and run a malware scan.
Keep your operating system, browser, and apps updated.
Updates patch security holes used by malware and malicious ads. Turn on automatic updates where possible.
If you saw a scary “update now” pop-up: close it and update only through your device settings or the official app store.
Use layered protection: antivirus plus an ad blocker.
Antivirus helps block malware. An ad blocker reduces scam redirects, phishing pages, and malvertising.
If your browser is acting weird: remove unknown extensions, reset the browser, then run a full scan.
Install apps, software, and extensions only from official sources.
Avoid cracked software, “keygens,” and random downloads. During installs, choose Custom/Advanced and decline bundled offers you do not recognize.
If you already installed something suspicious: uninstall it, restart, and scan again.
Treat links and attachments as untrusted by default.
Phishing often impersonates delivery services, banks, and popular brands. If it is unexpected, do not open attachments or log in through the message.
If you entered credentials: change the password immediately and enable 2FA.
Shop safely: research the store, then pay with protection.
Be cautious with brand-new stores, “closing sale” stories, and prices that make no sense. Prefer credit cards or PayPal for dispute options. Avoid wire transfers, gift cards, and crypto payments.
If you already paid: contact your card issuer or PayPal quickly to dispute the transaction.
Crypto rule: never pay a “fee” to withdraw or recover money.
Common patterns include fake profits, then “tax,” “gas,” or “verification” fees. Another is a “recovery agent” who demands upfront crypto.
If you already sent crypto: stop paying, save evidence (wallet addresses, TXIDs, chats), and report the scam to the platform used.
Secure your accounts with unique passwords and 2FA (start with email).
Use a password manager and unique passwords for every account. Enable 2FA using an authenticator app when possible.
If you suspect an account takeover: change passwords, sign out of all devices, and review recent logins and recovery settings.
Back up important files and keep one backup offline.
Backups protect you from ransomware and device failure. Keep at least one backup on an external drive that is not always connected.
If you suspect infection: do not connect backup drives until the system is clean.
If you think you are a victim: stop losses, document evidence, and escalate fast.
Move quickly. Speed matters for disputes, account recovery, and limiting damage.
Stop payments and contact: do not send more money or respond to the scammer.
Call your bank or card issuer: block transactions, replace the card if needed, and start a dispute or chargeback.
Secure your email first: change the email password, enable 2FA, and remove unfamiliar recovery options.
Secure other accounts: change passwords, enable 2FA, and log out of all sessions.
Scan your device: remove suspicious apps or extensions, then run a full malware scan.
Save evidence: screenshots, emails, order pages, tracking pages, wallet addresses, TXIDs, and chat logs.
Report it: to the payment provider, marketplace, social platform, exchange, or wallet service involved.
These rules are intentionally simple. Most online losses happen when decisions are rushed. Slow down, verify independently, and use payment methods and account controls that give you recourse.
About Stelian
Stelian leverages over a decade of cybersecurity expertise to lead malware analysis and removal, uncover scams, and educate people. His experience provides insightful analysis and valuable perspective.
