Imagine seeing an ad that says you can get a $100 Starbucks Gift Card just for filling out a short survey about Starbucks’ new menu items. It looks clean, professional, and even features the official Starbucks logo. The site, Starbs100.com, promises easy money and free coffee – all you have to do is answer a few questions and provide your email.
Sounds tempting, right? But here’s the truth: it’s a scam.
The Starbs100.com Starbucks Gift Card offer has nothing to do with Starbucks. It’s part of a growing web of affiliate link scams that impersonate major brands like Apple, Target, and Costco to trick users into completing endless “deals” while collecting personal information. Despite its professional design, no one ever receives the $100 Starbucks card – only spam emails, hidden charges, and frustration.
This article breaks down the Starbs100.com scam, how it works, and what you should do if you’ve already interacted with it.
Scam Overview
The Starbs100.com Starbucks Gift Card scam is a deceptive marketing scheme that uses fake branding and fraudulent promises to generate money for its operators. It claims you can get a $100 Starbucks gift card for giving feedback on new menu items – but it’s not connected to Starbucks in any way.
How It Appears
The scam typically shows up in social media ads or pop-up promotions. It uses Starbucks’ green-and-white logo, clean typography, and realistic product images to look legitimate. The headline usually reads:
“Get a $100 Starbucks Gift Card by giving feedback on their new menu items.”
The ad links to a simple website (often Starbs100.com) that looks like a Starbucks feedback page. It even has a “How to Start” section that lists:
Complete a quick survey
Enter your basic info
Complete recommended deals
Check your email for the checkout code
The instructions seem reasonable – until you realize that step three, “complete recommended deals,” is where the scam makes its money.
The Illusion of Authenticity
Everything on the page is designed to mimic Starbucks’ branding:
The logo is identical to Starbucks’ official mermaid emblem.
The color palette uses Starbucks’ signature green and white.
The language sounds corporate and friendly: “Thank you for your feedback,” “Exclusive offer for valued customers.”
The design gives users a false sense of legitimacy. Most people don’t suspect anything because it looks nearly identical to a genuine Starbucks promotion.
The Real Purpose Behind Starbs100.com
The main goal of this scam is affiliate revenue and data collection. Scammers earn money when users complete sponsored tasks – known as “offers” – on their site. These offers are often hosted by affiliate marketing networks that pay a small commission for each signup or app download.
For example:
Completing a “free trial” of a streaming service might earn the scammers $2–$5.
Downloading an app through their link could earn another $1–$3.
The scam doesn’t end there. In addition to affiliate payouts, Starbs100.com collects personal data – names, emails, and sometimes phone numbers or payment info – which can be sold to marketing companies or used for future scam campaigns.
Why It’s Effective
The Starbs100.com scam works because it feels low-risk and believable. After all, who wouldn’t take a two-minute survey for free Starbucks? It plays on three psychological triggers:
Trust: Starbucks is a well-known, respected brand.
Desire: Everyone loves free coffee or easy rewards.
Ease: The steps are simple, and the website looks safe.
This combination makes users act quickly without stopping to question the legitimacy of the offer.
Starbucks’ Official Statement
While Starbucks has not specifically mentioned Starbs100.com, the company has publicly warned consumers in the past about unauthorized promotions and fake gift card offers. Starbucks confirms that all genuine promotions are hosted only on their official website (starbucks.com) or through the Starbucks Rewards app.
Any third-party site claiming to offer Starbucks gift cards in exchange for surveys or deals is not affiliated with the company.
How the Starbs100.com Scam Works
The scam follows a clear, step-by-step funnel designed to extract personal data and generate money through affiliate marketing. Here’s how it works from start to finish.
Step 1: The Social Media Hook
The scam starts with an ad on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or Snapchat. The post may include captions such as:
“Starbucks is giving away $100 gift cards for feedback on their fall drinks!” “I just got my free Starbucks card in 5 minutes!”
The ad often uses stock images of Starbucks drinks or people smiling with gift cards. When you click the “Get Now” button, you’re taken to Starbs100.com or a cloned version of it.
Step 2: The Fake Survey Page
Once on the site, you’re greeted by a sleek page with the Starbucks logo and a short introduction:
“Thank you for helping Starbucks improve our menu. Complete a short survey to receive your $100 gift card.”
The survey contains simple questions like:
“How often do you visit Starbucks?”
“What’s your favorite Starbucks drink?”
“Would you recommend Starbucks to friends?”
After answering, a message appears saying:
“Congratulations! You qualify for your $100 Starbucks Gift Card.”
Step 3: Data Collection
Next, the site asks for personal information such as your name, email, and sometimes phone number. This step claims it’s needed to “deliver your reward,” but in reality, it’s the first phase of data harvesting.
Once you enter your details, your inbox becomes a target for marketing spam, phishing emails, and potentially malicious links disguised as follow-up offers.
Step 4: The “Recommended Deals” Trap
After providing your info, you’re told you must “complete several recommended deals” to receive your gift card. These deals include:
Signing up for subscription services.
Downloading mobile apps.
Entering additional surveys.
Providing payment details for “free trials.”
Every time a user completes a deal, the scammers earn an affiliate commission. These offers can also lead to recurring charges if users forget to cancel subscriptions.
Step 5: The Endless Loop
After finishing the offers, users are often redirected to another “verification” page that says they need to complete one more deal to qualify. This process repeats indefinitely.
No matter how many offers you finish, you’ll never receive a $100 Starbucks card. The scam’s fine print always includes vague terms like “rewards not guaranteed” or “subject to verification,” giving scammers legal cover while keeping users stuck in the loop.
Step 6: The Aftermath
Victims of the Starbs100.com scam often experience:
Floods of spam emails and unwanted marketing messages.
Unauthorized charges from subscriptions tied to “free trials.”
Data exposure, as their information is sold to third-party databases.
The scammers, meanwhile, walk away with affiliate commissions and a new batch of potential victims for future scams.
What to Do If You Fell for the Starbs100.com Starbucks Scam
If you interacted with Starbs100.com or entered your information, it’s important to act quickly to limit any potential damage.
1. Stop Using the Site Immediately
Close all tabs connected to Starbs100.com and don’t click on any follow-up emails or ads from the same source.
2. Change Your Passwords
If you entered your email, change your password immediately. Use a strong, unique password and enable two-factor authentication on your accounts.
3. Check for Unfamiliar Charges
If you provided credit card information for a “trial offer,” review your bank or credit card statements for suspicious transactions. Cancel any recurring charges you don’t recognize.
4. Cancel Any Free Trials
Log in to any services you might have signed up for during the process and cancel the trials before they start billing you.
5. Run a Security Scan
Use reliable antivirus software to check your device for potential malware or trackers that could have been installed during the scam.
6. Report the Scam
Report the fake promotion to the appropriate authorities:
You can also report the scam to Starbucks through their customer service to alert them of the unauthorized use of their brand.
7. Monitor Your Inbox
Be cautious of new emails asking for additional information, confirmation codes, or follow-up rewards. These are often phishing attempts linked to the same scam network.
8. Educate Others
Warn your friends, coworkers, or classmates about the Starbs100.com scam – especially those who might see it on social media. Sharing awareness is one of the best ways to stop scams from spreading.
Is Your Device Infected? Scan for Malware
If your computer or phone is slow, showing unwanted pop-ups, or acting strangely, malware could be the cause. Running a scan with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free is one of the most reliable ways to detect and remove harmful software. The free version can identify and clean common infections such as adware, browser hijackers, trojans, and other unwanted programs.
Malwarebytes works on Windows, Mac, and Android devices. Choose your operating system below and follow the steps to scan your device and remove any malware that might be slowing it down.
Malwarebytes for WindowsMalwarebytes for MacMalwarebytes for Android
Run a Malware Scan with Malwarebytes for Windows
Malwarebytes stands out as one of the leading and widely-used anti-malware solutions for Windows, and for good reason. It effectively eradicates various types of malware that other programs often overlook, all at no cost to you. When it comes to disinfecting an infected device, Malwarebytes has consistently been a free and indispensable tool in the battle against malware. We highly recommend it for maintaining a clean and secure system.
Download Malwarebytes
Download the latest version of Malwarebytes for Windows using the official link below. Malwarebytes will scan your computer and remove adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious software for free.
(The above link will open a new page from where you can download Malwarebytes)
Install Malwarebytes
After the download is complete, locate the MBSetup file, typically found in your Downloads folder. Double-click on the MBSetup file to begin the installation of Malwarebytes on your computer. If a User Account Control pop-up appears, click “Yes” to continue the Malwarebytes installation.
Follow the On-Screen Prompts to Install Malwarebytes
When the Malwarebytes installation begins, the setup wizard will guide you through the process.
You’ll first be prompted to choose the type of computer you’re installing the program on—select either “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer” as appropriate, then click on Next.
Malwarebytes will now begin the installation process on your device.
When the Malwarebytes installation is complete, the program will automatically open to the “Welcome to Malwarebytes” screen.
On the final screen, simply click on the Open Malwarebytes option to start the program.
Enable “Rootkit scanning”.
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware will now start, and you will see the main screen as shown below. To maximize Malwarebytes’ ability to detect malware and unwanted programs, we need to enable rootkit scanning. Click on the “Settings” gear icon located on the left of the screen to access the general settings section.
In the settings menu, enable the “Scan for rootkits” option by clicking the toggle switch until it turns blue.
Now that you have enabled rootkit scanning, click on the “Dashboard” button in the left pane to get back to the main screen.
Perform a Scan with Malwarebytes.
To start a scan, click the Scan button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its antivirus database and begin scanning your computer for malicious programs.
Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will now scan your computer for browser hijackers and other malicious programs. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
Quarantine detected malware
Once the Malwarebytes scan is complete, it will display a list of detected malware, adware, and potentially unwanted programs. To effectively remove these threats, click the “Quarantine” button.
Malwarebytes will now delete all of the files and registry keys and add them to the program’s quarantine.
Restart your computer.
When removing files, Malwarebytes may require a reboot to fully eliminate some threats. If you see a message indicating that a reboot is needed, please allow it. Once your computer has restarted and you are logged back in, you can continue with the remaining steps.
Once the scan completes, remove all detected threats. Your Windows computer should now be clean and running smoothly again, free of trojans, adware, and other malware.
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 an on-demand scanner that can destroy many types of malware that other software tends to miss without costing you absolutely anything. When it comes to cleaning up an infected device, Malwarebytes has always been free, and we recommend it as an essential tool in the fight against malware.
Download Malwarebytes for Mac.
You can download Malwarebytes for Mac by clicking the link below.
When Malwarebytes has finished downloading, double-click on the setup file to install Malwarebytes on your computer. In most cases, downloaded files are saved to the Downloads folder.
Follow the on-screen prompts to install Malwarebytes.
When the Malwarebytes installation begins, you will see the Malwarebytes for Mac Installer which will guide you through the installation process. Click “Continue“, then keep following the prompts to continue with the installation process.
When your Malwarebytes installation completes, the program opens to the Welcome to Malwarebytes screen. Click the “Get started” button.
Select “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer”.
The Malwarebytes Welcome screen will first ask you what type of computer are you installing this program, click either Personal Computer or Work Computer.
Click on “Scan”.
To scan your computer with Malwarebytes, click on the “Scan” button. Malwarebytes for Mac will automatically update the antivirus database and start scanning your computer for malware.
Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will scan your computer for adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious programs. 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 “Quarantine”.
When the scan has been completed, you will be presented with a screen showing the malware infections that Malwarebytes has detected. To remove the malware that Malwarebytes has found, click on the “Quarantine” button.
Restart computer.
Malwarebytes will now remove all the malicious files that it has found. To complete the malware removal process, Malwarebytes may ask you to restart your computer.
After scanning, delete any detected threats. Your Mac should now be free from adware, unwanted 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.
When the scan is finished, remove all detected threats. Your Android phone should now be free of malicious apps, adware, and unwanted 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.
After cleaning your device, it’s important to protect it from future infections and annoying pop-ups. We recommend installing an ad blocker such as AdGuard. AdGuard blocks malicious ads, prevents phishing attempts, and stops dangerous redirects, helping you stay safe while browsing online.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Starbs100.com Starbucks Gift Card scam?
The Starbs100.com Starbucks Gift Card scam is a deceptive online scheme that falsely claims users can earn a $100 Starbucks gift card by completing a quick survey about new Starbucks menu items. The site, Starbs100.com, mimics Starbucks’ official branding to appear legitimate. It instructs visitors to answer a few questions, enter personal details, and finish “recommended deals” to qualify for the gift card.
However, no gift card ever arrives. The website is not affiliated with Starbucks, and it exists solely to collect user data and generate affiliate income. Scammers behind the site earn commissions each time users complete the so-called “deals” or sign up for free trials. Victims end up with spam emails, unwanted charges, and no actual Starbucks reward.
Is Starbs100.com officially connected to Starbucks?
No. Starbs100.com has no affiliation with Starbucks Corporation. The scammers behind the site illegally use Starbucks’ name, logo, and colors to appear trustworthy. Starbucks has warned customers to be cautious of fake promotions and confirmed that it does not operate any website or program offering gift cards in exchange for surveys or deals.
Legitimate Starbucks promotions can only be found on the official Starbucks website (starbucks.com) or within the Starbucks Rewards app. If a site is asking for personal information or payment details outside those platforms, it’s not genuine.
How does the Starbs100.com scam work?
The scam follows a structured process designed to look real while profiting from unsuspecting users:
The Ad: You might see a social media post claiming “Get a $100 Starbucks Gift Card for taking a survey.” These ads appear on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok and use Starbucks’ logo and products to gain attention.
The Fake Survey: After clicking the ad, you land on a website that asks basic questions like “How often do you visit Starbucks?” or “Which new drink do you want to try?”
The Data Collection: You’re then asked to enter personal information such as your name, email, or phone number to “receive your reward.”
The Offer Wall: Next, the site claims you need to complete several “recommended deals” — downloading apps, signing up for free trials, or filling out forms.
The Payout Trap: Each completed deal earns money for the scammers through affiliate links. You, however, receive nothing.
The Endless Loop: Even after finishing all the steps, the site tells you to complete “one more deal” or “verify your information,” keeping you stuck in the process.
The result is a continuous cycle that benefits only the scammers while leaving victims with spam, data exposure, and sometimes unexpected subscription fees.
Why do people believe the Starbs100.com offer is real?
The scam appears convincing because it imitates Starbucks’ branding almost perfectly. The website uses Starbucks’ green-and-white color scheme, logo, and typography. The language feels friendly and professional, using phrases like “We value your feedback” and “Thank you for helping us improve our menu.”
Additionally, the steps sound easy and believable — take a short survey, provide an email, and get a reward. The promise of a $100 Starbucks gift card plays on people’s desire for free coffee and quick perks, making it harder to spot the deception at first glance.
What is the real purpose of Starbs100.com?
The true goal of Starbs100.com is to make money from affiliate marketing and data collection. Each “deal” you complete on the site pays the scammers a commission from third-party advertisers. These offers often involve trial subscriptions, app installs, or surveys. The scammers earn even more by selling user data — including names, email addresses, and sometimes credit card information — to data brokers and marketing companies.
In short, the site profits from your participation and personal details while giving you nothing in return.
What happens if you enter your information on Starbs100.com?
If you submitted your information to Starbs100.com, you’ll likely experience one or more of the following:
Spam emails and texts from marketing lists or other scam sites.
Unwanted phone calls promoting fake offers or products.
Possible subscription charges if you entered payment details for “free trials.”
Increased phishing risk, as your email or phone number may be shared with other scam networks.
Your data becomes part of a marketing database that can be resold to countless third-party advertisers. In some cases, scammers may use your information for identity theft attempts or future scams.
Are the Starbucks gift cards shown on Starbs100.com real?
No. The Starbucks gift cards displayed on the Starbs100.com website are fake promotional images used to lure users. These images are publicly available graphics taken from the internet and edited to make the scam appear legitimate. Starbucks does not issue physical or digital gift cards through third-party websites or survey programs.
Any claim that Starbucks is giving away $100 gift cards for completing surveys or deals is fraudulent.
Can you actually get a $100 Starbucks card by completing surveys?
No, you cannot. Despite what Starbs100.com promises, there is no real reward. Completing surveys or deals on this site will not result in a Starbucks card or any legitimate payout. The “reward pending” or “verification in progress” messages you see are simply part of the scam’s design to keep you engaged longer.
Even after completing every step, the site will either crash, loop back to the start, or display a message claiming your reward is still being processed.
How can you tell if a Starbucks gift card offer is a scam?
You can identify fake Starbucks promotions by looking for these red flags:
Non-official domain name: Starbucks promotions only come from “starbucks.com.” Any other URL is fake.
Overly generous offers: Starbucks does not give away $100 cards for simple surveys.
Requests for personal data: Genuine promotions never require you to enter sensitive information.
Third-party offers or downloads: Real Starbucks programs do not ask users to complete unrelated “deals.”
Lack of secure website connection: Many scam sites lack HTTPS or show poor-quality layouts.
If a site looks suspicious or too good to be true, it almost certainly is.
What should I do if I fell for the Starbs100.com scam?
If you participated in the Starbs100.com scam, take these immediate steps to protect yourself:
Stop using the website and close all tabs related to it.
Change your passwords for any accounts linked to the email you used.
Check your bank and credit card statements for unfamiliar charges.
Cancel any free trials or subscriptions you might have accidentally signed up for.
Run a security scan on your device to detect possible trackers or malware.
Inform Starbucks Support about the unauthorized use of their brand.
By acting quickly, you can reduce the risk of identity theft or ongoing fraudulent charges.
Can I get my money back if I was charged?
If you entered payment details during the scam and were charged for a subscription or “free trial,” contact your bank or credit card provider immediately. Explain that you were tricked by an online scam. Many financial institutions can reverse fraudulent transactions and issue a new card to prevent future charges.
What is an affiliate link scam?
An affiliate link scam is a deceptive marketing tactic where scammers earn commissions by tricking users into completing specific actions. When you sign up for a “deal” or install an app through their links, they receive a small payout from affiliate networks. The Starbs100.com Starbucks scam is a classic example — users think they’re earning a reward, but the scammers are the ones profiting from their actions.
Why do scams like Starbs100.com keep appearing?
Scammers reuse the same structure with different brand names because it’s profitable and easy to replicate. After a domain like Starbs100.com is reported or blocked, they simply create a new one — for example, “CoffeeGiftNow.com” or “CafeFeedbackRewards.com.” These scams spread rapidly through social media ads and take advantage of trending brands, especially ones with strong customer loyalty like Starbucks.
How can I avoid falling for similar scams in the future?
You can protect yourself from scams like Starbs100.com by following these tips:
Only trust promotions from official company websites.
Avoid clicking on ads that promise free rewards or gift cards.
Be skeptical of offers that sound too good to be true.
Never provide payment information for free offers.
Use antivirus software and browser extensions that block suspicious domains.
Double-check URLs and look for misspellings or unusual domain names.
Research offers online — often, others have already reported the scam.
Does Starbucks ever run real promotions or giveaways?
Yes, Starbucks runs legitimate promotions through its official channels. For example, the Starbucks Rewards program offers real benefits, such as free drinks or discounts earned through points. Occasionally, Starbucks holds seasonal promotions, but these are always announced on starbucks.com, the official Starbucks app, or verified social media accounts.
Starbucks does not ask users to complete third-party surveys, download apps, or enter personal information for rewards. Any site claiming otherwise is fraudulent.
The Bottom Line
The Starbs100.com $100 Starbucks Gift Card Scam is just one of many affiliate link scams exploiting trusted brands to trick users into completing endless offers and giving away personal information. Despite the professional look and use of Starbucks’ logo, the website is not affiliated with Starbucks in any way.
No matter how many surveys you take or deals you complete, you’ll never receive the promised gift card. Instead, the scammers profit from your clicks, subscriptions, and data.
If you want legitimate Starbucks rewards, stick to official Starbucks channels – such as the Starbucks Rewards app or verified promotions listed on starbucks.com. Starbucks never runs third-party giveaways that ask users to complete offers or share personal details.
Remember: If a website promises large rewards for minimal effort – especially one that mimics a major brand – it’s almost certainly a scam. Always verify promotions on the company’s official site before entering any personal information.
Staying skeptical, informed, and cautious online is the best way to protect yourself – and your wallet – from scams like Starbs100.com.
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.
