Free Cadbury Hampers Giveaway Scam on Facebook

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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 “Free Cadbury Hampers Giveaway” scam on Facebook. This article aims to shed light on this scam, how it works, what to do if you have fallen victim, and provide valuable insights to help readers protect themselves from falling prey to such scams.

Scams

What is the Free Cadbury Hampers Giveaway Scam?

The Free Cadbury Hampers Giveaway scam is a deceptive scheme that lures Facebook users with the promise of winning free Cadbury hampers. Scammers create fake Facebook pages or posts that mimic the official Cadbury page, complete with the company’s logo, branding, and enticing images of mouth-watering chocolates.

These fraudulent pages or posts often claim that Cadbury is celebrating a milestone or anniversary and is giving away a limited number of hampers to lucky winners. To participate, users are required to like, share, and comment on the post, as well as provide personal information such as their name, address, and contact details.

How Does the Scam Work?

The scammers behind the Free Cadbury Hampers Giveaway scam have a variety of malicious intentions. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how the scam typically unfolds:

  1. The scammer creates a fake Facebook page or post that closely resembles the official Cadbury page.
  2. The post or page is designed to attract attention and generate engagement by offering free Cadbury hampers.
  3. Users who fall for the scam are required to like, share, and comment on the post, as well as provide personal information.
  4. The scammers collect the personal information provided by users, which can be used for identity theft or sold on the dark web.
  5. Some scammers may also redirect users to malicious websites or prompt them to download malware-infected files.

It’s important to note that Cadbury is not involved in these giveaways, and any pages or posts claiming to be affiliated with the company are fraudulent.

What to Do If You Have Fallen Victim?

If you have fallen victim to the Free Cadbury Hampers Giveaway scam or any similar scam on Facebook, it’s crucial to take immediate action to protect yourself:

  1. Report the fraudulent page or post to Facebook by clicking on the three dots in the top-right corner of the post and selecting “Report post” or “Report page.”
  2. Remove any personal information you may have shared on the scam page or post.
  3. Change your Facebook password to prevent unauthorized access to your account.
  4. Monitor your bank accounts and credit cards for any suspicious activity and report it to your financial institution.
  5. Consider running a scan with Malwarebytes Free to ensure your device is not infected with malware.

Technical Details of the Scam

The Free Cadbury Hampers Giveaway scam primarily relies on social engineering techniques to deceive users. However, scammers may also employ various technical tactics to further their malicious objectives:

  • Phishing: Scammers may create fake websites that resemble legitimate Cadbury pages to trick users into entering their personal information.
  • Malware: Some scammers may use the scam as a means to distribute malware by prompting users to download infected files or visit malicious websites.
  • Identity Theft: The personal information collected from victims can be used for identity theft, leading to financial loss and potential damage to one’s reputation.

Statistics on Facebook Scams

Facebook scams, including the Free Cadbury Hampers Giveaway scam, have become alarmingly common. Here are some statistics that highlight the prevalence of scams on the platform:

  • According to a report by the Better Business Bureau, Facebook scams accounted for over $117 million in reported losses in 2022.
  • A study conducted by the University of Warwick found that Facebook scams are more likely to target users aged 65 and older.
  • Research by the cybersecurity firm ZeroFOX revealed that 53% of all social media scams occur on Facebook.

Conclusion

The Free Cadbury Hampers Giveaway scam on Facebook is a deceptive scheme that preys on users’ desire for freebies. By creating fake pages or posts, scammers trick unsuspecting individuals into providing personal information or falling victim to malware attacks. It’s crucial to remain vigilant and skeptical of such offers on social media platforms.

If you encounter any suspicious pages or posts claiming to offer free giveaways, report them to Facebook, remove any personal information you may have shared, and take steps to protect your online security. Remember to run regular scans with Malwarebytes Free to ensure your devices are free from malware.

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.

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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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