A new gift card scam has emerged trying to capitalize on YouTube star MrBeast’s popularity. The fraudulent website Rt9.lol falsely claims to offer $100 gift cards for major retailers and gaming platforms. This article provides a comprehensive overview of how the Rt9.lol scam operates, what to do if you are victimized, and how to stay safe online.
Overview of the Rt9.lol Scam
Rt9.lol is a fraudulent website that falsely promises users the chance to claim $100 gift cards for major retailers and platforms from an alleged giveaway sponsored by famous YouTuber MrBeast. However, the site has absolutely no actual association with MrBeast and is merely leveraging his brand popularity to deceive consumers.
The scam website tries to entice victims by showcasing nearly a dozen different $100 card options from coveted brands like Xbox, PlayStation, Steam, Roblox, Amazon, iTunes and more. Images of gift cards bearing the MrBeast logo are displayed alongside the promotional text to further legitimize the too-good-to-be-true offers.
Those who click deeper into the site are shown example eGift card codes and redemption instructions, lending further credibility to the supposed gift card giveaway. However, visitors are then informed additional steps must be completed to unlock the full code required to activate their cards.
This tactic tricks users into believing they have already secured gift card prizes worth hundreds of dollars for free. In reality, MrBeast has no partnership with this sham website. The partial eGift card codes displayed are completely fake and random. They will never result in any awarded prizes since no actual gift card awards exist.
Rt9.lol operates on a typical scam business model known as “Prize Redemption.” Users are misled into thinking they are moments away from a valuable reward in order to get them to complete certain profitable actions for scammers running the site.
In the case of this scam, visitors must complete various “Sponsored Activities” before their gift card codes become accessible. These activities include downloads, surveys, subscriptions, app installs, personal information disclosure and more.
Each completed activity earns website operators lucrative affiliate payouts and kickbacks. User data is also harvested in the process and either sold to shady data brokers or used for targeted ad campaigns. The more offers victims complete, the more money scammers stand to gain.
Meanwhile, users receive positively nothing for their wasted time and compromised privacy other than an empty promise of eventual rewards. Rt9.lol has no actual gift card inventory or intention of handing out prizes. Its only purpose is deceiving site visitors to generate ill-gotten profits.
The site may ultimately claim the offer is unavailable in certain regions, restart the process or deploy other stalling tactics once victims realize no prizes are coming. But by this point significant user data damage is already done.
Some standout red flags of the Rt9.lol gift card scam include:
- Too good to be true rewards bearing a famous influencer’s brand name
- Mandatory completion of unrelated “sponsored activities”
- Suspicious redemption process requiring partial code unlocks
- URL spelling errors and domain mismatches
- No privacy protections and data encryption
- Lack of contact information or customer support access
- Affiliate and sponsored post disclosures buried in small print
Sadly, due to widespread ignorance of common online scams, many consumers fall victim to the false promises peddled by dodgy websites like Rt9.lol. Impostor scams grew by a staggering 249% in 2023 alone according to the Federal Trade Commission. Read on to learn how this scam works.
How the Rt9.lol Scam Works
Here is a step-by-step explanation of how scammers operate the Rt9.lol gift card scam:
Step 1: Scam Website Promises Free Gift Cards
The homepage of Rt9.lol claims to offer $100 digital gift cards for major retailers, gaming platforms and payment apps. The site is made to appear as if popular YouTuber MrBeast is personally sponsoring a massive giveaway.
Various card options are displayed, implying users can select their preferred $100 card. In reality, the images are purely for show to make the scam more convincing.
Step 2: Users Select a Gift Card & Enter Fake Code
When users choose a gift card, they are taken to a page displaying an example code made up of letters and numbers. A message then states users must complete a “sponsored activity” offer to unlock the full code required to redeem their card.
This step tricks victims into thinking completing a quick advertiser offer will let them claim an actual $100 gift card with the displayed code. But the partial codes shown are completely random and fake.
Step 3: Complete “Sponsored Activity” Offers
Before showing the full gift card code, users must first complete a “sponsored activity.” Offers may include:
- Downloading and playing mobile games
- Signing up for fishy email newsletters
- Completing dozens of online surveys
- Submitting personal information
- Entering credit card or bank details
- Purchasing monthly subscriptions
These activities allow scammers behind Rt9.lol to generate pay-per-action affiliate revenue and collect user data. The more offers victims complete, the more money the scammers earn.
Step 4: Never Receive Any Gift Cards
Once users complete several sponsored offers, they are informed that the gift card prize is “currently unavailable in their region.” Users may be given an option to invite friends to unlock the prize, restarting the scam cycle.
Ultimately, victims never receive any actual gift cards, no matter how many surveys they fill out or apps they install. The website has no mechanism for delivering rewards.
The entire premise of free gift cards in exchange for completing advertiser offers is an outright deception. MrBeast is not affiliated with the website in any way.
What to Do if You Are Victimized by the Scam
If you have fallen prey to the free gift card scam by providing sensitive information or completing offer wall activities on Rt9.lol, take the following steps right away:
Step 1: Contact Your Bank or Credit Card Company
If you submitted any financial information or activated paid subscriptions, immediately reach out to your bank or credit card provider. Report any charges you did not approve or do not recognize. Consider blocking future charges from unknown third parties as well.
Step 2: Change All Account Passwords
Change the passwords on any online accounts for which you used the same or similar login credentials on the scam website. Use unique, strong passwords for each account going forward. Enabling two-factor authentication provides an extra layer of security as well.
Step 3: Run an Antivirus Scan
Download and run a thorough antivirus scan to check your device for any malware that may have been installed by files or apps downloaded from the scam site. Quarantine or remove any detected threats.
Step 4: Investigate Unknown Email Subscriptions
Check your email account inbox and spam folder for any emails regarding subscriptions you don’t remember signing up for. Click unsubscribe at the bottom of these emails to halt any recurring orders or payments.
Step 5: Place Fraud Alert on Your Credit
Consider placing an initial 90-day fraud alert via one of the three major credit bureaus. This will require creditors to verify your identity before opening any new accounts, making it harder for scammers to exploit your information.
Step 6: Report the Scam Website
File detailed complaints about your experience on the FTC Complaint Assistant form and via the reporting functions of sites like BBB.org. Provide all known details about the scam offers and website so the appropriate authorities can investigate further.
Step 7: Spread Awareness of the Scam
After taking self-protective actions, post details about the scam website on social media channels to make more consumers aware. Scammers rely on public ignorance. Arming people with information can help deter further victims.
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. A quick way to check is to scan your device with Malwarebytes Free, one of the most trusted malware removal tools available. If you only visited a scam page and didn’t download or install anything, this scan is optional.
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 scan usually takes 5 to 20 minutes.
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 your PC and remove what Malwarebytes finds.
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.
Download MalwarebytesOfficial installer for Windows 11 and 10. Your download starts right away.Want real-time protection? See Malwarebytes Premium
Malwarebytes Free for WindowsScans and removes malware at no cost-
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:
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Choose where you’re installing the program — “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer” — then click Next.
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Malwarebytes will now install on your device. This usually takes under a minute.
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When installation is complete, the “Welcome to Malwarebytes” screen will open automatically.
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On the final screen, click Open Malwarebytes to launch the program.
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Optional: Check for rootkits with a Custom Scan
You don’t need to change any settings for a normal scan. The standard Threat Scan in the next step is enough for most problems, so you can go straight to it.
If you also want to check for rootkits, use a Custom Scan. In current versions of Malwarebytes, rootkit scanning is only available there:
- On the Scanner tile, click the three-dot menu and select Advanced Scan.
- Choose Custom Scan. In its options, check Scan for rootkits.
- Select your system drive (usually C:\) as the location to scan, then start the scan. It takes longer than a Threat Scan.
- When it finishes, review and quarantine the results as described in the steps below.
Rootkit scanning isn’t available on Windows devices with ARM processors.
Start the Scan
Click the blue Scan button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its virus database and start checking your computer for malware.
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Wait for the Scan to Finish
The scan checks your entire system for browser hijackers and other malicious programs, so it can take 5 to 20 minutes depending on your computer. Feel free to do something else — just check back occasionally to see the progress.
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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.
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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, Malwarebytes has finished removing the threats it found.
When the scan is done, check whether the problems you noticed have stopped. If they continue, see the options below.
If you are still having problems with your computer after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
- Run a computer scan with ESET Online Scanner
- Ask for help in our Windows Malware Removal Help & Support forum.
Run a Malware Scan with Malwarebytes for Mac
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 your Mac and remove what Malwarebytes finds.
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Download Malwarebytes for Mac
Click the button below to download the latest version of Malwarebytes for Mac.
Download MalwarebytesOfficial installer for macOS. Your download starts right away.Want real-time protection? See Malwarebytes PremiumMalwarebytes Free for MacScans and removes malware at no cost -
Open the Malwarebytes setup file
When the download finishes, open your Downloads folder and double-click the setup file to begin the installation.
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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“.
Malwarebytes needs Full Disk Access to check your whole Mac. When it asks, open System Settings > Privacy & Security > Full Disk Access, turn on Malwarebytes (it may be listed as Malwarebytes Protection), and confirm with your password or Touch ID. Then return to Malwarebytes. On macOS Monterey and earlier, this setting is in System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Privacy.
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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.
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Start the Scan
Click the “Scan” button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its detection database and begin checking your Mac for malware.
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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.
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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.
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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, check whether the problems you noticed have stopped. If they come back, save the scan report and ask for help in our forum.
If the problems you noticed continue after the scan, see the options below.
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 scans your phone or tablet for malware, adware, and potentially unwanted apps. The free version scans only when you start a scan. Real-time protection, which checks apps automatically, is part of the paid Premium version.
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Download Malwarebytes for Android.
You can download Malwarebytes for Android by clicking the link below.
Get Malwarebytes for AndroidOpens Google Play in a new tab.Want real-time protection? See Malwarebytes Premium for AndroidMalwarebytes for AndroidScans your phone and removes malware at no cost -
Install Malwarebytes for Android on your phone.
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.
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Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the setup process
When Malwarebytes opens, it walks you through a short setup. Tap Get started and follow the prompts. If you see an offer for a trial or a paid plan, read it before you accept. You can skip it and keep using the free scanner.
Malwarebytes will ask for permission to access the files on your phone so it can scan them. Tap Allow, or turn on the permission in the Android screen that opens, then return to Malwarebytes.
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Run a scan with Malwarebytes for Android
On the main screen, tap Scan now. In some versions, you open the menu, tap Scanner, and then tap Run a scan.
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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.
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Remove the detected apps.
When the scan has been completed, you will see a list of the threats that Malwarebytes for Android has detected. Next to each detected item, tap the menu icon (three dots), then choose to uninstall the app or delete the file. Android then asks you to confirm. Tap OK or Uninstall to remove the app.
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Restart your phone.
When the detected apps are removed, restart your phone if Malwarebytes asks you to. Then check whether the problems you noticed have stopped.
If the problems you noticed continue after the scan, see the options below.
If you are still having problems with your phone after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
- Ask for help in our Mobile Malware Removal Help & Support forum.
- Only as a last resort, reset your phone to factory settings. Read the warning below first.
- Back up your photos, videos, files, and messages, for example to your Google account or a computer.
- Make sure you know your Google account email and password. The phone asks for them after the reset. If you changed the password recently, Google recommends waiting 24 hours before you reset.
- On a Samsung phone, also make sure you know your Samsung account password.
- If you use an authenticator app for two-step verification, move your accounts to another device or save your backup codes first.
Stay Protected: Block Ads and Malicious Sites
No scan can prove a device is completely clean, so it helps to block threats before they reach you. 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.
👉 Download AdGuard and browse safely
Frequently Asked Questions About the Rt9.lol Scam
The fraudulent website Rt9.lol falsely promises $100 gift cards for completing surveys and downloads. If you have encountered this scam, you likely have many questions. This FAQ covers common inquiries about Rt9.lol to help consumers avoid being defrauded.
Is Rt9.lol endorsed by MrBeast?
No. MrBeast, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson, is a popular YouTuber known for expensive stunts and charity. However, Mr. Beast is not associated with Rt9.lol in any way. The site dishonestly uses his brand to pretend affiliation.
Does Rt9.lol actually give out free gift cards?
Absolutely not. The site showcases gift card images and fake codes to convince visitors rewards exist. But no real gift cards are ever dispensed, regardless of surveys completed. It is a fraudulent scam throughout.
Why must I complete sponsor offers to receive my gift card?
Mandating unrelated “sponsored activities” lets scammers make money from your data while providing nothing in return. No legitimate giveaway requires unrelated actions to secure already won prizes.
Can I trust download links or subscriptions on Rt9.lol?
No. Downloads likely contain malware, while subscriptions facilitate recurring hidden charges. Avoid installing anything or entering payment details on scam websites.
Is it safe to enter my personal information on Rt9.lol?
Submitting any sensitive data on untrustworthy sites puts you at risk of identity theft. Never share financial details, contact info or account credentials on unverified domains.
Does Rt9.lol have a valid privacy policy protecting user data?
No. Deceptive websites like Rt9.lol rarely uphold data protection laws or securely store information. Assume your data will be misused or sold if providing it.
Can I report or sue Rt9.lol for scamming me?
You can file detailed scam reports via the FTC, BBB, IC3 and social networks. You likely cannot sue outright, but reporting assists investigations to get scam sites shut down.
How can I recover losses or stolen data from the Rt9.lol scam?
Unfortunately, consumers rarely recover losses from online scams directly. You can report unauthorized charges to banks to attempt reversing payments and monitor your credit. Avoid further damage by changing passwords and checking credit reports.
The bottom line is Rt9.lol operates solely to misuse consumer data and generate illicit revenues – not distribute free rewards. Protect yourself by increasing scam awareness, checking site reputation carefully and never supplying information to untrustworthy domains.
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, the supposed free gift card giveaway offers promoted on sites like Rt9.lol seem too good to be true because they are completely illegitimate. Keep the following facts in mind to avoid falling victim to this and similar gift card scams:
- No legitimate website will make users complete endless surveys or offers in exchange for a prize they supposedly already won. This tactic is a well-known scam red flag.
- MrBeast has no affiliation with Rt9.lol or any other website promising free gift cards on his behalf. Any such claims are falsified.
- Check domain details carefully before entering info on giveaway websites. Scammers often employ lookalike domains that closely resemble a brand but redirect elsewhere.
- If submitting data to a questionable website, don’t reuse the same credentials on other accounts. Expect your details to be compromised, not secured.
- Think twice before downloading anything or activating unknown subscriptions during online offers. It’s likely just a scheme to infect devices with malware or generate illicit profits.
Stay vigilant against online scams by double checking where you input personal details and only participating in unambiguously legitimate offers posted by official brands. After all, everyone would love $100 in free gift cards – which is exactly why MrBeast remains such an enticing lure to exploit consumers with a well-crafted con.
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