Qantas ‘Free Tickets To All’ Facebook Giveaway Scam

Photo of author

Written by: Stelian Pilici

Published on:

Scams have become increasingly prevalent in the digital age, with fraudsters finding new and creative ways to deceive unsuspecting victims. One such scam that has recently gained attention is the Qantas ‘Free Tickets To All’ Facebook giveaway scam. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the scam, including what it is, how it works, what to do if you have fallen victim, and other relevant data.

Scams

What is the Qantas ‘Free Tickets To All’ Facebook Giveaway Scam?

The Qantas ‘Free Tickets To All’ Facebook giveaway scam is a fraudulent scheme that aims to trick users into believing they have won free tickets from the renowned Australian airline, Qantas. The scam typically involves a Facebook post or advertisement claiming that Qantas is giving away free tickets to celebrate a milestone or anniversary.

These posts often include enticing images and persuasive language to lure users into clicking on the link provided. Once users click on the link, they are directed to a fake website that mimics the official Qantas website, complete with logos and branding. The website prompts users to enter their personal information, such as their name, email address, and phone number, to claim their supposed free tickets.

How Does the Scam Work?

The Qantas ‘Free Tickets To All’ Facebook giveaway scam works by exploiting users’ desire for freebies and their trust in well-known brands like Qantas. The scammers behind the scheme create convincing Facebook posts and advertisements that appear legitimate at first glance. They may even use tactics such as fake comments and likes to make the post seem more authentic.

Once users click on the link provided in the post, they are taken to a fake website that closely resembles the official Qantas website. This website is designed to collect users’ personal information, which can then be used for various malicious purposes, such as identity theft or phishing attacks.

After users enter their personal information, they may be prompted to share the post or complete additional tasks to increase their chances of winning. These tasks often involve sharing the scam with their friends or providing their email address for future marketing purposes.

Example:

John, a frequent Facebook user, comes across a post claiming that Qantas is giving away free tickets to celebrate its 100th anniversary. The post includes an image of a Qantas plane and a caption that reads, “Get your free tickets now! Limited time offer!” Intrigued by the offer, John clicks on the link provided.

John is directed to a website that looks remarkably similar to the official Qantas website. The website prompts him to enter his name, email address, and phone number to claim his free tickets. Excited about the possibility of winning, John eagerly provides his personal information.

Unbeknownst to John, the scammers now have access to his personal information, which they can use for malicious purposes. John may also be prompted to share the post with his friends or provide his email address for future marketing purposes.

What to Do If You Have Fallen Victim?

If you have fallen victim to the Qantas ‘Free Tickets To All’ Facebook giveaway scam, it is important to take immediate action to protect yourself and minimize the potential damage.

  1. Change your passwords: Start by changing the passwords for all your online accounts, especially those associated with your personal information, such as email and banking accounts.
  2. Monitor your accounts: Keep a close eye on your bank statements, credit reports, and any other accounts that may have been compromised. Report any suspicious activity to the respective institutions.
  3. Run a scan with Malwarebytes: Scammers often use malware to gain access to users’ personal information. It is recommended to run a scan with Malwarebytes Free to detect and remove any potential threats.
  4. Report the scam: Report the scam to the relevant authorities, such as your local law enforcement agency and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). This can help prevent others from falling victim to the same scam.
  5. Stay vigilant: Be cautious of any offers that seem too good to be true, especially on social media platforms. Verify the legitimacy of the offer by visiting the official website or contacting the company directly.

Conclusion

The Qantas ‘Free Tickets To All’ Facebook giveaway scam is a deceptive scheme that preys on users’ desire for freebies and their trust in well-known brands. By understanding how the scam works and taking necessary precautions, users can protect themselves from falling victim to such fraudulent schemes. Remember to always stay vigilant, verify the legitimacy of offers, and report any suspicious activity to the relevant authorities.

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.

Previous

Microsoft ‘Document Share Portal’ Email Phishing Scam

Next

Fake FedEx ‘Shipping Status’ Malware Email [Explained]