“Get 2 Free Cebu Pacific Tickets” Facebook Scam [Explained]

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Written by: Stelian Pilici

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Scams have become increasingly prevalent in the digital age, with scammers finding new and creative ways to deceive unsuspecting individuals. One such scam that has gained traction in recent years is the “Get 2 Free Cebu Pacific Tickets” Facebook scam. 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 protect yourself from falling prey to similar scams.

Scams

What is the “Get 2 Free Cebu Pacific Tickets” Facebook Scam?

The “Get 2 Free Cebu Pacific Tickets” Facebook scam is a fraudulent scheme that targets users of the popular social media platform, Facebook. Scammers create fake Facebook pages or posts that claim to offer two free tickets from Cebu Pacific, a well-known Philippine-based airline. These posts often include enticing captions such as “Limited time offer” or “Exclusive promotion” to lure users into clicking on the link.

Once users click on the link, they are redirected to a website that appears to be legitimate, mimicking the official Cebu Pacific website. Users are then prompted to provide personal information, such as their name, contact details, and sometimes even their credit card information. The scammers use this information for various malicious purposes, including identity theft, financial fraud, and unauthorized access to personal accounts.

How Does the Scam Work?

The “Get 2 Free Cebu Pacific Tickets” Facebook scam operates by exploiting the trust and excitement of users who are eager to avail of free airline tickets. The scammers use various tactics to make their posts appear legitimate and enticing. Here is a step-by-step breakdown of how the scam typically works:

  1. The scammer creates a fake Facebook page or post that claims to offer two free tickets from Cebu Pacific.
  2. The post includes eye-catching images, captions, and sometimes even fake testimonials to make it appear authentic.
  3. Users who are interested in the offer click on the link provided in the post.
  4. They are redirected to a website that closely resembles the official Cebu Pacific website.
  5. Users are prompted to provide personal information, such as their name, contact details, and sometimes even their credit card information.
  6. Once the scammers obtain the user’s information, they can use it 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 “Get 2 Free Cebu Pacific Tickets” Facebook scam or any similar scam, it is crucial to take immediate action to minimize the potential damage. Here are the steps you should follow:

  1. Change your passwords: Start by changing the passwords of all your online accounts, including social media, email, and banking accounts. Use strong, unique passwords that are difficult to guess.
  2. Contact your bank or credit card provider: If you have provided your credit card information, contact your bank or credit card provider immediately to report the incident and request a card replacement.
  3. Monitor your accounts: Keep a close eye on your bank statements, credit reports, and any other financial accounts for any suspicious activity. Report any unauthorized transactions to the respective institutions.
  4. Report the scam: 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. Scan your device for malware: Run a scan with Malwarebytes Free or any reputable antivirus software to ensure that your device is not infected with malware.

Technical Details of the Scam

The “Get 2 Free Cebu Pacific Tickets” Facebook scam utilizes various techniques to deceive users and make the scam appear legitimate. Here are some technical details of the scam:

  • URL manipulation: Scammers often use URL manipulation to create fake websites that closely resemble legitimate ones. They may use similar domain names or subdomains to trick users into believing they are on the official website.
  • Phishing forms: The scammers use phishing forms on the fake websites to collect users’ personal information. These forms are designed to mimic the appearance of legitimate forms, making it difficult for users to distinguish between the real and fake ones.
  • Social engineering: The scammers employ social engineering techniques to manipulate users’ emotions and create a sense of urgency or excitement. This prompts users to act quickly without thoroughly verifying the authenticity of the offer.

Statistics on Facebook Scams

Facebook scams, including the “Get 2 Free Cebu Pacific Tickets” scam, have become a widespread issue affecting millions of users worldwide. Here are some statistics that highlight the prevalence of Facebook scams:

  • In 2020, Facebook reported removing over 1.3 billion fake accounts, many of which were involved in scam activities.
  • A study conducted by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) found that Facebook was the most common platform for online purchase scams, accounting for 68% of reported incidents.
  • According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), consumers reported losing over $117 million to social media scams in 2020.

Conclusion

The “Get 2 Free Cebu Pacific Tickets” Facebook scam is a deceptive scheme that preys on the trust and excitement of users. By creating fake Facebook pages or posts, scammers trick users into providing their personal information, which can lead to various malicious activities. It is crucial to remain vigilant and skeptical of offers that seem too good to be true.

If you have fallen victim to this scam or any similar scam, take immediate action by changing your passwords, contacting your bank or credit card provider, monitoring your accounts, and reporting the scam to the relevant authorities. Additionally, regularly scan your devices for malware using reputable antivirus software like Malwarebytes Free.

Remember, staying informed and cautious is the best defense against scams in

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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