KFC ‘Free Chicken Buckets’ 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 fraudsters constantly devising new ways to deceive unsuspecting individuals. One such scam that has gained significant attention in recent years is the KFC ‘Free Chicken Buckets’ Facebook scam. This scam preys on the popularity of the fast-food chain and lures users into believing they can receive free food in exchange for their personal information. In this article, we will delve into the details of this scam, how it works, what to do if you have fallen victim, and provide valuable insights to help you stay safe online.

Scams

What is the KFC ‘Free Chicken Buckets’ Facebook Scam?

The KFC ‘Free Chicken Buckets’ Facebook scam is a fraudulent scheme that targets users on the popular social media platform, Facebook. It typically involves the creation of fake KFC pages or posts that promise users the chance to win free chicken buckets or other enticing rewards. These scams often use official-looking logos, images, and branding to appear legitimate, making it difficult for users to distinguish between genuine promotions and fraudulent ones.

Once users are lured in by the promise of free food, they are usually required to perform certain actions to claim their prize. These actions may include sharing the post, liking the page, commenting on the post, or clicking on a link. By engaging in these activities, users unknowingly expose themselves to various risks, such as identity theft, malware infections, or financial fraud.

How Does the KFC ‘Free Chicken Buckets’ Facebook Scam Work?

The KFC ‘Free Chicken Buckets’ Facebook scam operates by exploiting users’ desire for freebies and their trust in well-known brands like KFC. Here is a step-by-step breakdown of how the scam typically unfolds:

  1. Creation of Fake Pages or Posts: Scammers create fake KFC pages or posts that mimic the official KFC Facebook page. These pages often use similar names, logos, and images to deceive users into thinking they are legitimate.
  2. Promotion of the Scam: Scammers use various tactics to promote their fake pages or posts, such as paid advertisements, sharing in Facebook groups, or tagging unsuspecting users.
  3. Deceptive Content: The fake pages or posts promise users the chance to win free chicken buckets or other rewards. They may claim that KFC is celebrating a milestone, launching a new product, or simply feeling generous.
  4. User Engagement: To participate in the scam, users are required to perform certain actions, such as sharing the post, liking the page, commenting, or clicking on a link. These actions help the scammers spread their fraudulent content and reach a wider audience.
  5. Data Collection: Once users have engaged with the scam, scammers may request additional information, such as personal details, email addresses, or phone numbers, under the guise of delivering the promised reward.
  6. Exploitation of Information: The scammers can then use the collected information for various malicious purposes, such as identity theft, phishing attacks, or selling the data to other cybercriminals.

What to Do If You Have Fallen Victim?

If you have fallen victim to the KFC ‘Free Chicken Buckets’ Facebook scam, it is crucial to take immediate action to minimize the potential damage. Here are the steps you should follow:

  1. Remove Engagement: Unfollow or unlike the fake KFC page and remove any comments or shares related to the scam from your profile.
  2. Report the Scam: Report the fake 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.” This helps Facebook take appropriate action against the scammers.
  3. Secure Your Account: Change your Facebook password to prevent unauthorized access to your account. Additionally, review your privacy settings and ensure they are set to the highest level of security.
  4. Scan for Malware: Run a scan with Malwarebytes Free or another reputable antivirus software to check for any malware infections on your device.
  5. Monitor Your Accounts: Keep a close eye on your bank accounts, credit cards, and other online accounts for any suspicious activity. If you notice any unauthorized transactions, contact your financial institution immediately.
  6. Be Vigilant: Learn from the experience and be cautious of similar scams in the future. Remember to verify the authenticity of promotions or giveaways before engaging with them.

Technical Details of the Scam

The KFC ‘Free Chicken Buckets’ Facebook scam utilizes various techniques to deceive users and collect their personal information. Here are some technical details of the scam:

  • Spoofed URLs: Scammers often create URLs that closely resemble the official KFC website or Facebook page. These URLs may contain slight variations or misspellings that are difficult to spot at first glance.
  • Social Engineering: The scammers employ psychological manipulation techniques to exploit users’ emotions and curiosity. By creating a sense of urgency or excitement, they increase the likelihood of users falling for the scam.
  • Malware Distribution: In some cases, engaging with the scam may lead to the download and installation of malware on the user’s device. This malware can then be used to steal sensitive information or perform other malicious activities.
  • Data Harvesting: The scammers collect users’ personal information, such as names, email addresses, phone numbers, or even credit card details. This information can be used for various fraudulent purposes or sold on the dark web.

Statistics on Facebook Scams

Facebook scams, including the KFC ‘Free Chicken Buckets’ scam, have become alarmingly common in recent years. Here are some statistics that highlight the prevalence and impact of these scams:

  • According to a report by the Better Business Bureau, Facebook scams accounted for over $117 million in reported losses in 2020 alone.
  • A study conducted by the University of Warwick found that Facebook users are more likely to fall for scams compared to users of other social media platforms.
  • In a survey conducted by NortonLifeLock, 1 in 10 respondents admitted to
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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