‘Get Free Aer Lingus Tickets’ Facebook Survey 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 finding new ways to deceive unsuspecting individuals. One such scam that has gained traction in recent years is the ‘Get Free Aer Lingus Tickets’ Facebook survey scam. This article aims to shed light on this scam, providing a detailed overview of what it is, how it works, what to do if you have fallen victim, and the technical details behind it.

Scams

What is the ‘Get Free Aer Lingus Tickets’ Facebook Survey Scam?

The ‘Get Free Aer Lingus Tickets’ Facebook survey scam is a deceptive scheme that targets Facebook users by promising them free tickets to fly with Aer Lingus, the national airline of Ireland. The scam typically appears as a post or advertisement on Facebook, enticing users with the opportunity to win free tickets by participating in a survey.

These posts often use official-looking branding and logos to appear legitimate, making it difficult for users to distinguish them from genuine promotions. The scammers behind this scheme exploit the popularity of Aer Lingus and the desire for free travel to lure unsuspecting victims into their trap.

How Does the Scam Work?

The ‘Get Free Aer Lingus Tickets’ Facebook survey scam operates by tricking users into providing their personal information and completing various tasks. The scam typically follows a series of steps:

  1. Users come across a post or advertisement on Facebook claiming to offer free Aer Lingus tickets.
  2. They are directed to a website or landing page that appears to be affiliated with Aer Lingus.
  3. On the website, users are asked to complete a survey or share the post with their friends to qualify for the free tickets.
  4. After completing the survey or sharing the post, users are then prompted to enter their personal information, such as their name, email address, and phone number.
  5. Once the scammers have obtained this information, they may use it for various malicious purposes, such as identity theft, phishing attacks, or selling the data to other cybercriminals.

It is important to note that the promised free tickets are never actually awarded to the participants. The scammers use the allure of free travel as a bait to collect personal information and exploit unsuspecting individuals.

What to Do If You Have Fallen Victim?

If you have fallen victim to the ‘Get Free Aer Lingus Tickets’ Facebook survey scam, it is crucial to take immediate action to protect yourself and minimize the potential damage. Here are the steps you should follow:

  1. Change your passwords: Start by changing the passwords for all your online accounts, especially if you have used the same password across multiple platforms. This will help prevent unauthorized access to your accounts.
  2. Monitor your accounts: Keep a close eye on your bank accounts, credit cards, and other financial accounts for any suspicious activity. Report any unauthorized transactions to your bank or financial institution immediately.
  3. Enable two-factor authentication: Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible to add an extra layer of security to your accounts. This will require you to provide a second form of verification, such as a unique code sent to your mobile device, in addition to your password.
  4. Report the scam: Report the scam to the relevant authorities, such as your local law enforcement agency and the social media platform where you encountered the scam. By reporting the scam, you can help prevent others from falling victim to the same scheme.
  5. Scan for viruses and malware: Run a scan with a reputable antivirus software, such as Malwarebytes Free, to check for any malware or viruses that may have been installed on your device as a result of the scam.

Technical Details of the Scam

Behind the scenes, the ‘Get Free Aer Lingus Tickets’ Facebook survey scam utilizes various techniques to deceive users and collect their personal information. Here are some technical details of the scam:

  • Social engineering: The scammers employ social engineering tactics to manipulate users into taking specific actions, such as completing surveys or sharing the post. They exploit psychological triggers, such as the desire for free travel, to make their scams more convincing.
  • Phishing: The scam often involves phishing, where users are tricked into providing their personal information under the guise of a legitimate promotion. The scammers create fake websites or landing pages that closely resemble the official Aer Lingus website to deceive users.
  • Data harvesting: The scammers collect the personal information provided by users, such as names, email addresses, and phone numbers. This data can be used for various malicious purposes, including identity theft and targeted phishing attacks.
  • Malware distribution: In some cases, the scam may also involve the distribution of malware. Users may be prompted to download a file or click on a link that installs malicious software on their devices, allowing the scammers to gain unauthorized access or control.

Statistics on Facebook Scams

Facebook scams, including the ‘Get Free Aer Lingus Tickets’ survey scam, have become a widespread issue affecting millions of users worldwide. Here are some statistics that highlight the scale of the problem:

  • According to a report by the Better Business Bureau, Facebook scams accounted for over $117 million in reported losses in 2020.
  • In a survey conducted by NortonLifeLock, 1 in 5 respondents reported falling victim to a Facebook scam.
  • According to Facebook’s own statistics, they disabled over 1.3 billion fake accounts between October and December 2020, highlighting the prevalence of scams on the platform.

Summary

The ‘Get Free Aer Lingus Tickets’ Facebook survey scam is a deceptive scheme that preys on the desire for free travel. By tricking users into completing surveys and providing personal information, scammers exploit unsuspecting individuals for their own gain. If you have fallen victim to this scam, it is crucial to take immediate action

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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