Exposing the Harbor Freight Pressure Washer Giveaway Scam
Written by: Stelian Pilici
Published on:
An exciting email offer has been going around, attracting unsuspecting people with the chance to win a free Harbor Freight Pressure Washer. This “giveaway” tempts recipients by saying they’ve been specially picked to get a high-quality pressure washer for free.
While such a valuable item being given away at no cost may seem too good to be true, the professional look of the email and use of the trusted Harbor Freight brand could convince some that the offer is real. However, a closer look shows that this is nothing more than a misleading scam designed to trick users into giving up money and personal information.
This article will provide a detailed exposé of the Harbor Freight Pressure Washer Email scam. We’ll examine how this con operates at multiple stages to successfully catch victims.
This Article Contains:
Scam Overview
The Harbor Freight Pressure Washer Email scam is done through an unasked for email claiming the recipient has been specially picked to get a free pressure washer. This tempting prize is offered at an improbably low cost of just $9.95 to cover shipping and handling.
However, this is just a trick to get recipients to enter their personal details and unknowingly sign up for a hidden subscription. Victims are then slammed with very high recurring monthly charges they didn’t agree to.
This scam is essentially a bait-and-switch scheme engineered to profit off of deceit. By dangling the chance of a free premium pressure washer, the operators attract interest and urgency. But when users try to “claim” their prize, the true costs become clear.
The email itself is designed to look official and invoke familiarity through using Harbor Freight branding. However, a closer look reveals a mismatch between the email domain and real Harbor Freight websites. This is a tell-tale sign of impersonation.
When recipients click the call-to-action button in the email, they are led to an external website not affiliated with Harbor Freight. This site uses misleading displays showing an expiring timer and emphasizes the initial $9.95 payment. But hidden in obscure fine print are monthly subscription terms that renew indefinitely until canceled.
The entirety of this scam – from the official-looking email to the deceitful third-party website – is intricately designed to mislead, rush, and manipulate victims. By presenting users with partial truths laced with lies, their schemes often avoid detection and are alarmingly successful.
How the Scam Works
The Harbor Freight Pressure Washer scam routinely traps unsuspecting victims through executing an array of deceptive techniques at multiple stages. We will examine the parts of this scam step-by-step:
Stage 1: The Enticing Email
The bait that lures victims into this scam is the enticing email. This message is structured to entice recipients, build trust, and convey a sense of urgency.
The email arrives unasked for in inboxes from an address like “Harbor Freight Giveaway” or “Harbor Freight Loyalty Department”. The subject lines help get attention, containing phrases declaring the recipient has won, such as:
Congratulations, You’ve Won an Harbor Pressure Washer!
We Have a Free Harbor Pressure Washer For You!
Hurry – Claim Your Free Harbor Pressure Washer Now!
These subject lines are tactical, aiming to grab interest by stating the recipient has won and implying quick action must be taken.
The email body continues these tactics with excited congratulatory messaging about being selected and urgency cues stressing the limited availability of this special offer.
Branding is used to build familiarity and trust, with lots of Harbor Freight logos and imagery. This establishes perceived legitimacy, leading recipients to believe the offer is approved by Harbor Freight.
In reality, the senders have no connection to Harbor Freight. They are simply using the brand recognition to appear credible.
A prominent call-to-action button urging users to “Claim Their Prize” aims to push recipients to the next phase of the scam – visiting the deceptive website.
Stage 2: The Deceitful Website
Clicking the call-to-action button redirects users away from their email provider to an external website.
This site uses additional deception tactics to continue rushing and misleading victims. The website domain itself (e.g. sosimpledevices.com, harborfreightwinners.com, etc.) will have no official relation to the real HarborFreight.com domain.
The website is made to look like a legitimate customer experience portal. Harbor Freight branding remains prominent, and the pressure washer offer is displayed with terms like “Congratulations Winner!” This keeps up the illusion that users are interacting with Harbor Freight’s promotions.
False scarcity is shown through countdown timers implying the offer expires soon. This adds to the urgency meant to rush victims.
Once recipients are convinced they’ve arrived at a legitimate claim site, they are asked to enter personal details like their name, address, email, and phone number.
Users willingly give up this data believing it is required to deliver their prize. In reality, it enables scammers to harvest credentials for fraud purposes.
With their information entered, users are shown an order summary displaying the incredible deal they’re getting – a pressure washer for just a $9.95 shipping fee. This small upfront cost seems completely reasonable and helps dispel any lingering doubts over the offer’s legitimacy.
In their haste, victims overlook or miss key details exposing the offer’s trickery. Scattered in fine print are monthly subscription terms that if agreed to, will trigger recurring credit card charges. This critical information is intentionally obscured to avoid detection.
Once users submit payment for the $9.95 “shipping”, the trap is sprung. They have unknowingly been signed up for the concealed monthly billing program that bills their card repeatedly without consent.
Stage 3: Monthly Billing Nightmare
In the weeks following the initial transaction, victims report unexpectedly seeing very high monthly charges from unfamiliar merchants on their credit card or bank statements.
These recurring billing charges can vary but are typically between $100 – $200 per month. Some unfortunate individuals have reported being drained thousands before noticing the unauthorized charges.
The monthly costs are attributed to vague subscription plans, described on billing statements as “apps”, “software”, “membership”, or other innocuous-sounding services. In reality, no software or apps are provided. Victims receive nothing for these unauthorized credit card charges.
These mysterious subscription plans also have unclear cancellation policies. Victims who spot the charges and try to cancel are often unable to end the billing. They get trapped in frustrating customer service runarounds designed to prolong the billing.
Some victims have reported calls to cancel only result in more recurring monthly plans being opened in their name – a deceitful tactic to maximize illegitimate revenue from the scammed individuals.
The nightmare continues as long as the scammers can keep the fraudulent billing active on victims’ accounts. Only proactive detection and intervention can stop these unwanted charges from accumulating.
Why It Succeeds
It is estimated Harbor Freight pressure washer scams have trapped thousands of victims, netting scammers substantial illegitimate profits. But what causes this con to succeed?
Trust in Branding – By appropriating trusted brands like Harbor Freight, scammers inherit instant credibility. This convinces users the offers are legitimate.
Believable Backstory – The premise of being specially selected out of loyalty members makes it believable that recipients were singled out for the prize offer.
Appealing Incentive – A free premium pressure washer is an enticing prospect, especially when obtainable for seemingly negligible cost.
Obscured Terms – Burying auto-renewal in fine print enables scammers to conceal the true costs amid other benign order details.
Legitimate Façades – From email presentation to the website design, the scam maintains a professional sheen that adds to perceptions of authenticity.
Each element combines to form an elaborate trap – one that ensnares even savvy users. But forearmed with knowledge of their tactics, people can detect red flags and sidestep being scammed.
What To Do If You’ve Fallen Victim
For those unfortunate souls who have fallen prey to the Harbor Freight pressure washer scam, immediate and decisive action must be taken to halt the fraud in progress and recover lost funds. Here are the key steps victims should follow:
Step 1: Alert Your Financial Institutions
Immediately upon discovering unauthorized charges, victims should contact their credit card provider and/or bank. Reporting the fraudulent transactions will prompt these institutions to block any ongoing billing and begin fraud investigations.
Providing statements showing the illegitimate charges will help support claims of being scammed. Financial institutions can also assist with beginning the chargeback process to recover lost money.
Step 2: Change Account Credentials
To prevent scammers from accessing accounts, all passwords and login credentials should be changed for any platforms breached, including:
Email accounts which received the scam message
Credit cards / payment accounts scammed
Retailer accounts like Amazon or PayPal if credentials were reused
Updating this sensitive information limits the potential damage from credential theft. Enable multi-factor authentication wherever possible as an added account security layer.
Step 3: Freeze Credit Reports
Scammers possessing personal data commonly use this to commit identity fraud. Victims should place a credit freeze with the major credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion) to lock down credit reports against fraudulent new lines of credit. This prevents scammers from financially exploiting stolen information.
Step 4: Watch for Repeat Attempts
Harbor Freight pressure washer scammers frequently target victims repeatedly once they’re on the hook. Watch vigilantly for new emails or correspondence related to prize claims, shipping status, etc. These are renewed phishing attempts and should be ignored.
Remain wary of phone calls regarding warranties, missed deliveries, or other high-pressure scenarios. These are often pretexts to extract payment or information.
Step 5: Report the Scam Activity
The following agencies should be alerted to help authorities track and shut down Harbor Freight pressure washer scams:
FTC Fraud Complaints – Report fraud incidents to the FTC to aid investigations.
FBI IC3 Complaints – Submit scam details to the FBI’s cybercrime division.
Harbor Freight Corporate – Inform Harbor Freight of branding misuse for legal action.
Email Providers – Report phishing emails as spam/abuse so filters can be updated.
Domain Registrars – Report scam websites to get fraudulent domains seized and disabled.
By reporting, victims help protect others from falling prey to variants of this scam. Share details on scam reporting sites as well to maximize exposure of their tactics.
Is Your Device Infected? Check for Malware
If your device is running slowly or acting suspicious, it may be infected with malware. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free is a great option for scanning your device and detecting potential malware or viruses. The free version can efficiently check for and remove many common infections.
Malwarebytes can run on Windows, Mac, and Android devices. Depending on which operating system is installed on the device you’re trying to run a Malwarebytes scan, please click on the tab below and follow the displayed steps.
Malwarebytes For WindowsMalwarebytes For MacMalwarebytes For Android
Scan your computer with Malwarebytes for Windows to remove malware
Malwarebytes stands out as one of the leading and widely-used anti-malware solutions for Windows, and for good reason. It effectively eradicates various types of malware that other programs often overlook, all at no cost to you. When it comes to disinfecting an infected device, Malwarebytes has consistently been a free and indispensable tool in the battle against malware. We highly recommend it for maintaining a clean and secure system.
Download Malwarebytes for Windows
You can download Malwarebytes by clicking the link below.
After the download is complete, locate the MBSetup file, typically found in your Downloads folder. Double-click on the MBSetup file to begin the installation of Malwarebytes on your computer. If a User Account Control pop-up appears, click “Yes” to continue the Malwarebytes installation.
Follow the On-Screen Prompts to Install Malwarebytes
When the Malwarebytes installation begins, the setup wizard will guide you through the process.
You’ll first be prompted to choose the type of computer you’re installing the program on—select either “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer” as appropriate, then click on Next.
Malwarebytes will now begin the installation process on your device.
When the Malwarebytes installation is complete, the program will automatically open to the “Welcome to Malwarebytes” screen.
On the final screen, simply click on the Open Malwarebytes option to start the program.
Enable “Rootkit scanning”.
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware will now start, and you will see the main screen as shown below. To maximize Malwarebytes’ ability to detect malware and unwanted programs, we need to enable rootkit scanning. Click on the “Settings” gear icon located on the left of the screen to access the general settings section.
In the settings menu, enable the “Scan for rootkits” option by clicking the toggle switch until it turns blue.
Now that you have enabled rootkit scanning, click on the “Dashboard” button in the left pane to get back to the main screen.
Perform a Scan with Malwarebytes.
To start a scan, click the Scan button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its antivirus database and begin scanning your computer for malicious programs.
Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will now scan your computer for browser hijackers and other malicious programs. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
Quarantine detected malware
Once the Malwarebytes scan is complete, it will display a list of detected malware, adware, and potentially unwanted programs. To effectively remove these threats, click the “Quarantine” button.
Malwarebytes will now delete all of the files and registry keys and add them to the program’s quarantine.
Restart your computer.
When removing files, Malwarebytes may require a reboot to fully eliminate some threats. If you see a message indicating that a reboot is needed, please allow it. Once your computer has restarted and you are logged back in, you can continue with the remaining steps.
Your computer should now be free of trojans, adware, browser hijackers, and other malware.
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:
Scan your computer with Malwarebytes for Mac to remove malware
Malwarebytes for Mac is an on-demand scanner that can destroy many types of malware that other software tends to miss without costing you absolutely anything. When it comes to cleaning up an infected device, Malwarebytes has always been free, and we recommend it as an essential tool in the fight against malware.
Download Malwarebytes for Mac.
You can download Malwarebytes for Mac by clicking the link below.
When Malwarebytes has finished downloading, double-click on the setup file to install Malwarebytes on your computer. In most cases, downloaded files are saved to the Downloads folder.
Follow the on-screen prompts to install Malwarebytes.
When the Malwarebytes installation begins, you will see the Malwarebytes for Mac Installer which will guide you through the installation process. Click “Continue“, then keep following the prompts to continue with the installation process.
When your Malwarebytes installation completes, the program opens to the Welcome to Malwarebytes screen. Click the “Get started” button.
Select “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer”.
The Malwarebytes Welcome screen will first ask you what type of computer are you installing this program, click either Personal Computer or Work Computer.
Click on “Scan”.
To scan your computer with Malwarebytes, click on the “Scan” button. Malwarebytes for Mac will automatically update the antivirus database and start scanning your computer for malware.
Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will scan your computer for adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious programs. 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 “Quarantine”.
When the scan has been completed, you will be presented with a screen showing the malware infections that Malwarebytes has detected. To remove the malware that Malwarebytes has found, click on the “Quarantine” button.
Restart computer.
Malwarebytes will now remove all the malicious files that it has found. To complete the malware removal process, Malwarebytes may ask you to restart your computer.
Your Mac should now be free of adware, browser hijackers, and other malware.
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.
Scan your phone with Malwarebytes for Android to remove malware
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.
Your phone should now be free of adware, browser hijackers, and other malware.
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.
This is a scam where victims receive an unsolicited email claiming they’ve won a free Harbor Freight pressure washer. It lures victims to a fake website that charges an initial fee and secretly signs them up for recurring monthly billing.
How does the Harbor Freight pressure washer scam work?
The scam sends an official looking email with Harbor Freight branding that convinces recipients the offer is legitimate. Clicking a link takes victims to a deceitful website that rushes users through entering personal info and accepting hidden subscription terms. This grants scammers the ability to repeatedly charge their cards.
What are some red flags of the Harbor Freight scam?
Red flags include getting an unsolicited email, mismatches between the sender domain and HarborFreight.com, urgently limited-time offers, improbably low costs, hidden fine print subscriptions, and unfamiliar recurring charges from merchants you didn’t authorize.
I think I fell for the Harbor Freight scam – what should I do?
Immediately contact your bank and credit card company to report fraudulent charges so they can begin investigations. Change any account passwords that may be compromised. Place a fraud alert and credit freeze with credit bureaus to prevent identity theft. Watch for repeat scam attempts via email or phone calls. Report the scam to the FTC, FBI, Harbor Freight, and other agencies.
How can I avoid the Harbor Freight pressure washer scam?
Avoid clicking links or filing out forms in unsolicited emails offering free prizes or gifts. Be wary of massive discounts on expensive items. Carefully read fine print for hidden terms and recurring billing. Beware of high-pressure offers with ticking countdown timers. Verify domain matches the company’s real website. If it seems too good to be true, it’s likely a scam.
Has Harbor Freight issued any statements about this scam?
Harbor Freight has warned customers that this scam is unaffiliated with them. They advise exercising caution with pressure washer giveaways requiring upfront fees, as they do not operate in this manner. Harbor Freight also takes legal action where possible against scammers misusing their brand without consent.
Where can I report the Harbor Freight pressure washer scam?
You can file complaints regarding this scam with the FTC, FBI, Harbor Freight corporate, your email provider, domain name registrars, and various scam reporting sites to maximize exposure around this fraudulent activity.
Conclusion
The Harbor Freight Pressure Washer Email scam traps countless victims by weaponizing psychological tricks and elaborate deception tactics. Lured by a tempting free pressure washer offer, recipients end up surrendering money and personal data that scammers ruthlessly exploit.
This con seamlessly manufactures credibility throughout the scam journey, from the initial email to the deceitful claim website. Urgency pressure, appealing incentives, trusted branding, and obscured billing details collectively serve to rush and trick victims.
Nonetheless, by analyzing their manipulative techniques, people can recognize red flags to avoid being deceived. Heeding warning signs like unsolicited offers, mismatched domains, and concealed subscription terms enables one to steer clear of this scam’s traps.
For those defrauded by this scam, swift and decisive actions are imperative. Fraudulent charges must be halted, credentials changed, and complaints filed with various regulatory bodies. Leveraging all available solutions maximizes the chance of recovering lost money and stopping recurring victimization.
Deceptive online scams will surely continue evolving. But by informing ourselves of common exploit tactics and identifying telltale warning signs, we can empower our collective vigilance against cybercriminal acts like the Harbor Freight Pressure Washer scam.
How to Stay Safe Online
Here are 10 basic security tips to help you avoid malware and protect your device:
Use a good antivirus and keep it up-to-date.
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.
Keep software and operating systems up-to-date.
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.
Be careful when installing programs and apps.
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."
Install an 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.
Be careful what you download.
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.
Be alert for people trying to trick you.
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.
Back up your data.
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.
Choose strong passwords.
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.
Be careful where you click.
Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. These could potentially contain malware or phishing scams.
Don't use pirated software.
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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Meet Stelian Pilici
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.
