Imagine scrolling through Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok and stumbling upon an exciting sponsored post claiming that Home Depot is giving away brand-new Blackstone Griddles for free. The ad looks professional, features realistic AI-generated videos or voiceovers of celebrities and Home Depot employees, and even includes logos from trusted news outlets like CNN or NBC. The story seems convincing: due to overstock or a shipping mishap, thousands of griddles are supposedly being handed out for just a small shipping fee of $9.95.
Sounds like an incredible deal, right? Unfortunately, it’s a trap. This is not a real giveaway—it’s a sophisticated scam that has fooled thousands of people across the United States. In this article, we’ll dive deep into how this scam works, why it’s so effective, and what you can do if you’ve already fallen victim.
Scam Overview: Understanding the Blackstone Griddle Giveaway Hoax
The Blackstone Griddle Home Depot Giveaway Scam is a subscription scam disguised as a promotional event. It’s designed to lure victims with the promise of an expensive product—usually a Blackstone griddle—at little to no cost. Here’s what makes it particularly dangerous:
- Highly Convincing Marketing: Scammers use social media ads featuring high-quality visuals, AI-generated deepfake videos, and voiceovers. These ads are styled to look official, often mimicking Home Depot’s branding and colors.
- Fake News Articles: When you click the ad, you’re redirected to a fake article hosted on domains like
bloomseductress.comor similar scam sites. These pages are designed to mimic reputable news outlets such as CNN, NBC News, or FOX News, giving the illusion of legitimacy. - Emotional Triggers: The ads create a sense of urgency by saying the offer is for a “limited time” or that “thousands have already claimed their free griddle.” Scarcity and urgency are psychological tactics scammers use to push people into acting without thinking.
- Seemingly Harmless Entry Fee: Victims are told that the griddle is free, but they must pay a small “shipping and handling fee” of around $9.95 or $9.96. This low cost lowers suspicion and encourages quick action.
- Hidden Subscription Trap: What scammers do not make clear is that by paying this small fee, you’re enrolling in a recurring subscription service. Victims are charged $89.95 after five days, and then $89.95 every 30 days thereafter, often without their knowledge.
Why the Scam Targets Blackstone Griddles
Blackstone griddles have exploded in popularity among outdoor cooking enthusiasts. They’re seen as premium, high-demand items that many people want but find expensive. Scammers leverage this popularity because:
- The product is desirable and expensive, making a “free” offer seem like an amazing deal.
- It appeals to a broad demographic, from homeowners to barbecue lovers.
- Blackstone is a recognized and trusted brand, making the scam appear more credible.
Where Are These Scams Promoted?
The scam is aggressively marketed across major social media platforms:
- Facebook: Sponsored posts and ads appear in user feeds, often with hundreds of fake comments praising the deal.
- Instagram: Stories and posts with sleek visuals push users to “swipe up to claim your griddle.”
- TikTok: Short, AI-generated videos mimic influencers or even “employees” claiming the giveaway is real.
These platforms are favored because they allow precise targeting, making it easier for scammers to reach homeowners, cooking enthusiasts, or anyone interested in outdoor living.
Fake News Pages and Scam Domains
Once users click these ads, they’re often sent to scam websites that look like major news outlets. The domains are usually obscure and unrelated, such as:
bloomseductress.comnationwideluckywinners-usa.com- Other random combinations that sound vaguely legitimate
The fake article explains the “reason” for the giveaway, often citing:
- Overstock issues
- Mispackaging
- Unexpected shipping surcharges
- Warehouse clearance events
These fabricated reasons sound plausible, making the scam even more convincing.
The Real Trap: Subscription Billing
After being convinced, victims click the “Claim My Offer” button, which redirects them to another scam site asking for:
- Full name
- Physical address
- Phone number
- Credit card information
The scam claims that the only charge will be the shipping fee. However, buried deep in the fine print is a hidden clause that you’re enrolling in a subscription service:
- Initial fee: $9.95 or $9.96 for “shipping”
- After five days: $89.95 automatically billed
- Every 30 days thereafter: $89.95
Victims rarely notice this because the terms are intentionally hard to find or written in deceptive language.
This scam has been also investigated by Jordan Liles on his YouTube channel, where he offers a detailed video on the subject. We recommend watching his content for a comprehensive understanding of the scam.
Next, let’s break down exactly how scammers carry out this scam from start to finish.
How The Blackstone Griddle Home Depot Giveaway Scam Works
Understanding the mechanics of this scam is essential to recognizing it and avoiding becoming the next victim. Below is a detailed breakdown of how this scam unfolds from start to finish.
Step 1: Scammers Create Professional-Looking Ad
The scam starts with eye-catching advertisements on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. These ads often use:
- AI-Generated Videos: Featuring fake Home Depot “employees” or even celebrities promoting the giveaway.
- Authentic Branding: They mimic Home Depot’s official colors, fonts, and logos.
- Urgent Headlines: “Home Depot Giving Away Blackstone Griddles – Limited Time Only!”
The ad includes a compelling reason for the giveaway, such as:
- Overstock clearance
- Mispackaged products
- Excess demand leading to shipping restrictions
These explanations are intentionally chosen because they seem plausible.
Step 2: Users Click the Ad and Land on Fake News Pages
When a victim clicks on the ad, they are redirected to a fake article that mimics reputable news outlets such as CNN, NBC, or FOX News. The scam site often has:
- Professional layout resembling real news websites
- Fake bylines with journalist names
- Stock images of warehouses filled with griddles
- Comments and testimonials claiming success
The domain name is always suspicious if you look closely, often something like:
bloomseductress.comnationwideluckywinners-usa.com- Random gibberish domains that have nothing to do with Home Depot or news sites
Step 3: Emotional and Psychological Manipulation
The scam leverages several psychological triggers to rush victims into acting:
- Scarcity: “Only 500 units left!”
- Urgency: “Offer ends in 2 hours!”
- Social Proof: Fake comments such as “I got mine! It’s legit!” make the offer appear real.
- Authority Bias: Using logos of trusted brands and fake endorsements from celebrities or Home Depot executives.
These tactics are designed to lower skepticism and push quick decision-making.
Step 4: “Claim Your Free Griddle” – The Signup Process
Once convinced, the victim clicks Claim My Offer, which redirects to another scam website. Here, users are asked for:
- Personal Information: Name, address, email, phone number
- Credit Card Details: To cover a small “shipping fee” of $9.95 or $9.96
At this point, most people believe the charge is a one-time shipping cost. However, the real danger lies in the fine print.
Step 5: The Subscription Trap
Buried deep in the terms and conditions (often hidden in light gray text or on a separate page) is a clause stating:
- You are enrolling in a trial membership program.
- You will be charged $89.95 after 5 days.
- You will continue to be charged $89.95 every 30 days unless you cancel.
Victims rarely notice this because:
- The fine print is hard to find and written in confusing legal jargon.
- The ad and fake news page create a sense of urgency, discouraging users from reading details.
Step 6: Continuous Unauthorized Charges
Once the credit card is entered:
- The $9.95 fee is processed.
- Five days later, $89.95 is withdrawn without notice.
- Every month, another $89.95 is billed until the victim notices and cancels (which is often very difficult).
Victims receive nothing in return—no Blackstone griddle, no subscription benefits, and no refunds in most cases.
Step 7: Difficulty in Canceling
Victims who attempt to cancel face multiple hurdles:
- The phone number provided may not work.
- Emails go unanswered.
- The scammer might require you to provide more personal information to “verify your identity,” making it even riskier.
Why People Fall for It
- Professional presentation: Everything looks authentic.
- Low initial cost: $9.95 seems harmless.
- Trust in the brand name: Home Depot is a well-known, reputable retailer.
- Fear of missing out (FOMO): The urgency and scarcity tactics force quick decisions.
What to Do If You Have Fallen Victim to the Blackstone Griddle Giveaway Scam
If you’ve already provided your credit card information or paid the shipping fee, time is critical. Follow these steps immediately:
1. Contact Your Bank or Credit Card Issuer Immediately
- Explain that you have fallen victim to a subscription scam.
- Request that they cancel the card to prevent future charges.
- Ask for a chargeback or dispute the transaction as fraudulent.
- Monitor your account for unauthorized charges.
2. Cancel Any Trial or Subscription
If the scam website provided any instructions or a customer support number, try to cancel the subscription immediately. However, be cautious:
- Do NOT provide additional personal or banking information.
- If cancellation fails, rely on your bank to block future charges.
3. Monitor Your Credit Report
Scammers now have your personal information, which could lead to identity theft. To protect yourself:
- Request a free credit report from Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax.
- Look for suspicious accounts or credit inquiries.
- Consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze on your file.
4. Report the Scam
Report the scam to:
- FTC (Federal Trade Commission): ReportFraud.ftc.gov
- IC3 (Internet Crime Complaint Center): ic3.gov
- Better Business Bureau (BBB): bbb.org
5. Change Your Passwords
If you used the same password on multiple sites, change it immediately. Scammers often reuse credentials to access other accounts.
6. Stay Alert for Follow-Up Scams
Victims of one scam are often targeted again. Be wary of emails or calls claiming to offer refunds—these are usually additional scams.
7. Educate Others
Share your experience on social media, community forums, and with friends and family to prevent them from falling victim.
The Bottom Line
The Blackstone Griddle Home Depot Giveaway Scam is a sophisticated subscription fraud designed to trick unsuspecting users into providing payment details for a fake giveaway. It thrives on trust, urgency, and the appeal of “too good to be true” offers.
The reality is simple:
- Home Depot is NOT giving away free Blackstone griddles.
- Legitimate companies will NEVER ask for your credit card information for a “free” prize.
- Always verify offers through official company websites and avoid clicking on suspicious ads.
Final Advice: Stay cautious, think critically, and spread awareness. If an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
FAQ: Blackstone Griddle Home Depot Giveaway Scam
1. What is the Blackstone Griddle Home Depot Giveaway Scam?
The Blackstone Griddle Home Depot Giveaway Scam is a fraudulent scheme promoted through social media ads on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. The ads claim that Home Depot is giving away free Blackstone Griddles for a limited time, usually requiring users to pay a small “shipping fee” of $9.95 or $9.96. In reality, this is a subscription scam. Once you provide your credit card details, you are unknowingly enrolled in a trial membership that charges $89.95 after five days and then continues billing $89.95 every 30 days. Victims never receive the promised griddle.
2. Is Home Depot really giving away free Blackstone Griddles?
No, Home Depot is not offering any free Blackstone Griddle giveaways. Any advertisement or website claiming this is fake and operated by scammers. Home Depot has issued warnings about such scams, emphasizing that their promotions are only posted on official channels or their verified website.
3. How does the Blackstone Griddle scam work?
The scam typically follows these steps:
- A social media ad promotes a “free Blackstone Griddle giveaway” sponsored by Home Depot.
- The ad links to a fake news article mimicking reputable outlets like CNN or NBC News.
- Users are asked to pay a small shipping fee to claim their griddle.
- Credit card information is collected on a scam website.
- Victims are enrolled in a hidden subscription that charges $89.95 monthly.
- No product is ever shipped, and canceling is difficult or impossible.
4. Why is this scam so convincing?
The scam is effective because:
- It uses AI-generated videos and voiceovers of fake Home Depot employees or celebrities.
- It includes realistic branding and fake testimonials.
- The offer appears urgent and limited, creating a sense of scarcity.
- It mimics legitimate news sites, making it appear trustworthy.
5. What are the warning signs of this scam
Look out for these red flags:
- Offers that sound too good to be true, like expensive products for free.
- Websites with strange domain names (e.g., bloomseductress.com, nationwideluckywinners-usa.com).
- Poorly written terms and conditions hidden in fine print.
- Requests for credit card details for a “free” product.
- Ads running only on social media, not official Home Depot channels.
6. What happens if I pay the shipping fee?
If you pay the $9.95 or $9.96 shipping fee, you are not just covering shipping. You are enrolling in a subscription program that will:
- Charge $89.95 after a few days.
- Continue billing $89.95 every month.
You will not receive a Blackstone Griddle, and the scammer may also sell your personal and financial information.
7. How can I verify if a giveaway is legitimate?
- Check the official Home Depot website or verified social media accounts.
- Avoid offers promoted through ads on unfamiliar websites.
- Search for reviews or scam alerts before providing any personal or payment information.
- Contact Home Depot directly to confirm the promotion.
8. What should I do if I already gave my credit card information?
Take these immediate steps:
- Contact your bank or credit card issuer to cancel the card and block future charges.
- Dispute the transaction as fraud and request a chargeback.
- Monitor your accounts for unauthorized activity.
- Report the scam to the FTC and IC3.
9. How do I report the Blackstone Griddle Home Depot Scam?
You can report this scam to:
- FTC (Federal Trade Commission): https://reportfraud.ftc.gov
- IC3 (Internet Crime Complaint Center): https://www.ic3.gov
- Home Depot’s official fraud reporting page or customer support.
10. How can I protect myself from future scams like this?
- Be cautious of offers that require you to pay shipping for a “free” product.
- Never provide credit card details for giveaways without confirming legitimacy.
- Use strong passwords and monitor your bank statements regularly.
- Educate friends and family about common online scams to prevent them from falling victim.
