Reviewsepho.com Scam: The $750 Sephora Gift Card Trap You Need to Avoid
Written by: Thomas Orsolya
Published on:
“Click here to claim your $750 Sephora Gift Card!” It’s a headline that demands attention—especially for beauty enthusiasts and Sephora fans. But what if that tempting offer isn’t from Sephora at all? What if it’s actually a bait-and-switch scam?
That’s exactly what the website Reviewsepho.com is doing. Disguised as a legitimate survey or product review offer, this site claims you’ll receive a generous $750 Sephora gift card after just a few quick steps. But in reality, victims are funneled through a series of deceptive affiliate links and never see the promised reward.
In this article, we’ll break down how the scam works, what it’s designed to do, why it’s dangerous, and how you can protect yourself or recover if you’ve already clicked.
Scam Overview: The $750 Sephora Gift Card That Never Arrives
The Reviewsepho.com site appears like a real brand promotion. With minimalist design, large text, and clear steps, it promises users the opportunity to earn a $750 Sephora gift card simply by completing a short review and a few quick “deals.”
But despite the familiar branding and smooth layout, the site is not affiliated with Sephora. Instead, it serves as a funnel to drive users through high-converting affiliate offers. These affiliate links lead to surveys, app downloads, product trials, and subscription services that pay a commission to the scammers.
The Setup: Why It Seems Legitimate
Scams like this work because they’re designed to look trustworthy. The branding is clean and aligned with Sephora’s aesthetic—featuring pink tones, simple fonts, and clear action buttons like “Start Review.”
Victims are told to:
Click a link
Enter personal info like email and name
Complete a basic product survey
Follow through with 3–4 recommended offers
Receive the promised gift card
It sounds simple, but the goal isn’t to deliver a reward. The real goal is to redirect users through multiple third-party affiliate deals. Each action you take earns money for the scammer—while you walk away with nothing.
How the Reviewsepho.com Scam Works
Step 1: Enticing the Click
The scam begins with ads that appear across social platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram, or via pop-ups and spam emails. These ads typically say things like:
“You’ve been selected for a $750 Sephora gift card!”
“Sephora wants your opinion—get rewarded!”
“Complete a short survey and win big!”
Clicking these ads takes you directly to Reviewsepho.com.
Step 2: A Fake Landing Page with Clear Instructions
The website looks minimalistic and professional. It outlines steps to receive your gift card, including:
Filling out a product review
Completing “partner deals”
Confirming your eligibility
There’s no small print or official branding to verify the promotion. And that’s the first red flag.
Step 3: The Data Collection Phase
Before moving forward, you’re asked to provide your email, name, and sometimes a phone number or address. This information is then used for marketing, sold to third-party advertisers, or stored for future scam attempts.
Step 4: Redirects Through Affiliate Links
After entering your data, clicking “Next” or “Continue” doesn’t confirm anything. Instead, you’re redirected through a series of affiliate links. These include:
Surveys: Long, repetitive forms designed to collect more personal data.
App Downloads: Often mobile apps that are monetized with ads, in-app purchases, or malicious code.
Subscription Trials: “Free” trials for streaming services, weight loss supplements, or sweepstakes entries that require credit card details.
Product Offers: Deals that require payment for shipping or include recurring charges hidden in the terms.
Each site you’re redirected to may look different, and some even mimic real brands. But none of them are affiliated with Sephora.
Step 5: Endless Loops and No Reward
After completing one or more offers, users are often told:
“You didn’t complete the offers correctly.”
“More steps are required to qualify.”
“Verify your information again.”
In many cases, users are redirected to even more affiliate sites, with no clear end in sight. The gift card is never delivered. There is no confirmation email. No support team. Just a dead end.
What to Do If You Fell for the Scam
If you clicked through Reviewsepho.com or submitted your info, take the following steps immediately:
1. Stop Interacting and Close the Site
Exit all tabs
Clear your browser cache and cookies
2. Change Your Passwords
If you entered your email or any login info, update your passwords right away—especially if you use the same password on other sites.
3. Monitor Your Credit and Bank Statements
If you submitted payment info:
Cancel any unfamiliar subscriptions
Dispute unauthorized charges
Notify your bank to watch for suspicious activity
4. Run a Security Scan
Downloaded any apps or browser extensions? Run an antivirus and anti-malware scan to check for:
Adware
Keyloggers
Tracking scripts
5. Unsubscribe from Emails and Block Spam Numbers
You may receive follow-up spam after submitting your contact info. Use email filters and phone call blockers to manage this.
Sephora Customer Support: Alert them to the misuse of their brand
7. Freeze Your Credit (if necessary)
If you submitted your full name, birthdate, and address, freeze your credit to prevent identity fraud.
8. Warn Others
Scammers thrive when victims stay silent. Share your story on:
Reddit (r/scams)
Scam forums
Facebook awareness groups
Is Your Device Infected? Run a Free Malware Scan
Slow performance, constant pop-ups, or strange behavior? These are classic signs of a malware infection. The fastest way to find out is to scan your device with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free — one of the most trusted malware removal tools available.
The free version detects and removes the most common threats, including:
Adware — the cause of those annoying pop-ups
Browser hijackers — unwanted redirects and changed homepages
Trojans and spyware — hidden programs stealing your data
Potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) — software you never asked for
👉 Select your device below — Windows, Mac, or Android — then follow the simple steps to download Malwarebytes, scan your system, and remove any threats it finds. The whole process takes about 5 minutes.
Malwarebytes for WindowsMalwarebytes for MacMalwarebytes for Android
Run a Malware Scan with Malwarebytes for Windows
Malwarebytes is one of the most popular and trusted anti-malware tools for Windows — and it’s completely free for removing infections. It catches threats that many antivirus programs miss, including adware, browser hijackers, and trojans. Follow the steps below to scan and clean your PC in just a few minutes.
Download Malwarebytes
Click the button below to download the latest version of Malwarebytes for Windows from the official source. The free version is all you need — it will scan your computer and remove adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious software at no cost.
(The link opens in a new page where your download will start)
Install Malwarebytes
When the download finishes, open your Downloads folder and double-click the MBSetup file. If Windows shows a User Account Control pop-up, click “Yes” to allow the installation.
Follow the On-Screen Prompts to Install Malwarebytes
The setup wizard will walk you through a few quick screens:
Choose where you’re installing the program — “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer” — then click Next.
Malwarebytes will now install on your device. This usually takes under a minute.
When installation is complete, the “Welcome to Malwarebytes” screen will open automatically.
On the final screen, click Open Malwarebytes to launch the program.
Enable “Scan for Rootkits”
Before scanning, turn on rootkit detection so Malwarebytes can find even the most hidden threats. Click the Settings gear icon on the left side of the screen.
In the settings menu, find “Scan for rootkits” and click the toggle so it turns blue.
Done? Click “Dashboard” in the left pane to return to the main screen.
Start the Scan
Click the blue Scan button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its virus database and start checking your computer for malware.
Wait for the Scan to Finish
The scan checks your entire system for browser hijackers and other malicious programs, so it can take several minutes. Feel free to do something else — just check back occasionally to see the progress.
Quarantine the Detected Threats
When the scan is done, you’ll see a list of everything Malwarebytes found — malware, adware, and potentially unwanted programs. Click the “Quarantine” button to remove all of them at once.
Malwarebytes will now remove the malicious files and registry entries and move them safely into quarantine.
Restart Your Computer
Some threats can only be fully removed after a reboot. If Malwarebytes asks you to restart, click Yes. Once you’re logged back in, your PC is clean and you can continue with the next steps in this guide.
When the scan finishes, click Quarantine to remove everything Malwarebytes found. That’s it — your Windows PC is now clean of trojans, adware, and other malware, and should be back to running smoothly.
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:
Malwarebytes for Mac is a free on-demand scanner that removes the malware other security software tends to miss — adware, browser hijackers, and unwanted programs included. Cleaning an infected Mac with Malwarebytes has always been completely free, and it’s our go-to recommendation. Follow the steps below to scan and clean your Mac in just a few minutes.
Download Malwarebytes for Mac
Click the button below to download the latest version of Malwarebytes for Mac.
When the download finishes, open your Downloads folder and double-click the setup file to begin the installation.
Follow the On-Screen Prompts to Install Malwarebytes
The Malwarebytes for Mac Installer will guide you through a few quick screens. Click “Continue” and keep following the prompts until the installation completes.
When the installation is complete, Malwarebytes opens to the Welcome to Malwarebytes screen. Click “Get started“.
Select “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer”
Malwarebytes will ask what type of computer you’re installing it on. Click either Personal Computer or Work Computer, whichever applies.
Start the Scan
Click the “Scan” button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its detection database and begin checking your Mac for malware.
Wait for the Scan to Finish
Malwarebytes will scan your Mac for adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious programs. This can take a few minutes, so feel free to do something else — just check back occasionally to see the progress.
Quarantine the Detected Threats
When the scan is done, you’ll see a list of everything Malwarebytes found. Click the “Quarantine” button to remove all the threats at once.
Restart Your Mac
Malwarebytes will now remove all the malicious files it found. Some threats can only be fully removed after a reboot — if Malwarebytes asks you to restart, allow it. Once you’re logged back in, your Mac is clean.
Once the scan is done, remove every threat it detected. Your Mac is now free of adware, rogue browser extensions, and other potentially harmful software.
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.
Run a Malware Scan with Malwarebytes for Android
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.
After the scan, tap Remove Selected to delete all detected threats. Your Android phone is now clean — no more malicious apps, adware, or browser redirects.
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.
Now that your device is clean, keep it that way. Most infections start with a malicious ad or a fake download button — so blocking them at the source is your best defense.
We recommend AdGuard, which blocks malicious ads, phishing pages, and dangerous redirects before they can reach you.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Reviewsepho.com Sephora Scam
Is Reviewsepho.com affiliated with Sephora?
No. Reviewsepho.com is not affiliated with Sephora in any way. The site illegally uses Sephora’s branding to gain trust and lure users into clicking on deceptive affiliate links.
Can I really get a $750 Sephora gift card from Reviewsepho.com?
No. The promised $750 gift card is a bait tactic. Victims are redirected through affiliate surveys, app downloads, and paid trial offers, but no legitimate reward is ever delivered.
What happens when I click the “Start Review” button?
Clicking the button takes you through a funnel of third-party affiliate sites, which include:
Surveys designed to collect personal data
App downloads that generate revenue for the scammer
Subscription offers that require credit card information These steps are how the scammers make money—not how you earn a reward.
Is it dangerous to submit my personal information?
Yes. Entering your name, email, phone number, or payment info can result in:
Spam emails and scam calls
Identity theft risks
Unwanted subscriptions or unauthorized charges
Why do they ask me to complete “deals”?
The “deals” are affiliate marketing offers. The scam operators are paid every time a user completes one—whether it’s signing up for a trial, downloading an app, or entering personal data.
I never received the gift card. Is there any way to claim it?
No. There is no actual gift card or prize behind the promotion. If you’ve gone through the process and reached the end without receiving anything, it’s because the entire system is designed to exploit—not reward—you.
What should I do if I downloaded something from the site?
Sephora customer support to inform them of the brand misuse
How do I avoid gift card scams like this in the future?
Only trust official brand websites or verified social media accounts
Avoid promotions that require completing unrelated offers or deals
Never give out credit card info to claim a reward
Use browser tools that block known scam or affiliate-farming websites
Are all survey or reward sites scams?
Not all—but many are. Be extra cautious with sites that:
Offer unusually high-value rewards for low effort
Redirect you repeatedly
Don’t provide contact info or terms of service
Use brand logos without permission
The Bottom Line
The Reviewsepho.com scam is a well-designed trap that misleads users with the promise of a $750 Sephora gift card. In truth, it’s a sophisticated affiliate marketing scheme that generates revenue by redirecting users through surveys, app installs, and subscription offers—all while harvesting data and offering nothing in return.
Always verify promotional offers by checking with the official brand. If a deal requires you to complete multiple unrelated tasks and share sensitive data, it’s likely a scam.
Be cautious. Stay informed. And remember: Sephora—and other major brands—will never ask you to click through affiliate links or download random apps in exchange for a reward.
10 Rules to Avoid Online Scams
Here are 10 practical safety rules to help you avoid malware, online shopping scams, crypto scams, and other online fraud. Each tip includes a quick “if you already got hit” action.
Stop and verify before you click, log in, download, or pay.
Most scams win by creating urgency. Verify using a trusted method: type the website address yourself, use the official app, or call a known number (not the one in the message).
If you already clicked: close the page, do not enter passwords, and run a malware scan.
Keep your operating system, browser, and apps updated.
Updates patch security holes used by malware and malicious ads. Turn on automatic updates where possible.
If you saw a scary “update now” pop-up: close it and update only through your device settings or the official app store.
Use layered protection: antivirus plus an ad blocker.
Antivirus helps block malware. An ad blocker reduces scam redirects, phishing pages, and malvertising.
If your browser is acting weird: remove unknown extensions, reset the browser, then run a full scan.
Install apps, software, and extensions only from official sources.
Avoid cracked software, “keygens,” and random downloads. During installs, choose Custom/Advanced and decline bundled offers you do not recognize.
If you already installed something suspicious: uninstall it, restart, and scan again.
Treat links and attachments as untrusted by default.
Phishing often impersonates delivery services, banks, and popular brands. If it is unexpected, do not open attachments or log in through the message.
If you entered credentials: change the password immediately and enable 2FA.
Shop safely: research the store, then pay with protection.
Be cautious with brand-new stores, “closing sale” stories, and prices that make no sense. Prefer credit cards or PayPal for dispute options. Avoid wire transfers, gift cards, and crypto payments.
If you already paid: contact your card issuer or PayPal quickly to dispute the transaction.
Crypto rule: never pay a “fee” to withdraw or recover money.
Common patterns include fake profits, then “tax,” “gas,” or “verification” fees. Another is a “recovery agent” who demands upfront crypto.
If you already sent crypto: stop paying, save evidence (wallet addresses, TXIDs, chats), and report the scam to the platform used.
Secure your accounts with unique passwords and 2FA (start with email).
Use a password manager and unique passwords for every account. Enable 2FA using an authenticator app when possible.
If you suspect an account takeover: change passwords, sign out of all devices, and review recent logins and recovery settings.
Back up important files and keep one backup offline.
Backups protect you from ransomware and device failure. Keep at least one backup on an external drive that is not always connected.
If you suspect infection: do not connect backup drives until the system is clean.
If you think you are a victim: stop losses, document evidence, and escalate fast.
Move quickly. Speed matters for disputes, account recovery, and limiting damage.
Stop payments and contact: do not send more money or respond to the scammer.
Call your bank or card issuer: block transactions, replace the card if needed, and start a dispute or chargeback.
Secure your email first: change the email password, enable 2FA, and remove unfamiliar recovery options.
Secure other accounts: change passwords, enable 2FA, and log out of all sessions.
Scan your device: remove suspicious apps or extensions, then run a full malware scan.
Save evidence: screenshots, emails, order pages, tracking pages, wallet addresses, TXIDs, and chat logs.
Report it: to the payment provider, marketplace, social platform, exchange, or wallet service involved.
These rules are intentionally simple. Most online losses happen when decisions are rushed. Slow down, verify independently, and use payment methods and account controls that give you recourse.
Thomas is an expert at uncovering scams and providing in-depth reporting on cyber threats and online fraud. As an editor, he is dedicated to keeping readers informed on the latest developments in cybersecurity and tech.
