‘Tesco Voucher To Every Family’ 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 times is the ‘Tesco Voucher To Every Family’ Facebook scam. This scam preys on the desire for freebies and discounts, targeting users on the popular social media platform. 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 ‘Tesco Voucher To Every Family’ Facebook Scam?

The ‘Tesco Voucher To Every Family’ Facebook scam is a fraudulent scheme that aims to trick users into believing they can receive a free Tesco voucher. Tesco, a well-known retail giant, is a popular choice for scammers due to its wide customer base and reputation. The scam typically involves a post or advertisement on Facebook claiming that Tesco is giving away vouchers worth a substantial amount of money to every family.

These posts often use enticing language and eye-catching images to grab the attention of users. They may claim that the offer is limited or time-sensitive, creating a sense of urgency and prompting users to act quickly. The scammers behind this scheme exploit the trust users have in well-known brands like Tesco to deceive them into providing personal information or engaging in other malicious activities.

How Does the ‘Tesco Voucher To Every Family’ Facebook Scam Work?

The ‘Tesco Voucher To Every Family’ Facebook scam operates through a series of steps designed to trick users and extract their personal information or engage them in other fraudulent activities. Here is a breakdown of how the scam typically works:

  1. The scam begins with a post or advertisement on Facebook claiming that Tesco is giving away vouchers to every family. The post may appear on users’ newsfeeds or as sponsored content.
  2. The post often includes a link that users are instructed to click on to claim their voucher. This link may lead to a fake website designed to mimic the official Tesco website.
  3. Once users click on the link, they are directed to a webpage that prompts them to enter personal information such as their name, address, phone number, and email address.
  4. Some variations of the scam may also require users to complete surveys or download malicious software disguised as a voucher claim form.
  5. After users provide their personal information or complete the required tasks, they may be redirected to the official Tesco website or shown a message claiming that they have successfully claimed their voucher.

However, in reality, the scammers have obtained users’ personal information, which can be used for identity theft, phishing attacks, or sold to other cybercriminals on the dark web. Users may also unknowingly download malware or become victims of other fraudulent activities.

What to Do If You Have Fallen Victim?

If you have fallen victim to the ‘Tesco Voucher To Every Family’ Facebook scam, it is crucial to take immediate action to protect yourself and minimize the potential damage. Here are the steps you should follow:

  1. Change your passwords: Start by changing the passwords for all your online accounts, especially if you have used the same password for multiple platforms. This will help prevent unauthorized access to your accounts.
  2. Scan your device for malware: Run a scan with a reliable antivirus software like Malwarebytes Free to detect and remove any malware that may have been downloaded during the scam.
  3. Monitor your accounts: Keep a close eye on your bank accounts, credit cards, and other financial accounts for any suspicious activity. Report any unauthorized transactions to your bank or financial institution immediately.
  4. Be cautious of phishing attempts: Scammers may use the information they have obtained to send phishing emails or make fraudulent phone calls. Be vigilant and avoid clicking on suspicious links or providing personal information over the phone.
  5. Report the scam: Report the scam to the relevant authorities, such as your local law enforcement agency and the social media platform where you encountered the scam. This can help prevent others from falling victim.

Technical Details of the Scam

The ‘Tesco Voucher To Every Family’ Facebook scam utilizes various techniques to deceive users and extract their personal information. Here are some technical details of the scam:

  • Phishing websites: The scammers create fake websites that closely resemble the official Tesco website to trick users into entering their personal information.
  • Social engineering: The scammers use persuasive language, urgency, and enticing visuals to manipulate users’ emotions and prompt them to take action.
  • Malware distribution: Some variations of the scam involve the download of malicious software disguised as a voucher claim form. This malware can infect users’ devices and compromise their security.
  • Link manipulation: The scammers use deceptive tactics to make the links appear legitimate, often by using URL shorteners or misspelled domain names.

Statistics on Facebook Scams

Facebook scams, including the ‘Tesco Voucher To Every Family’ scam, have become a widespread issue affecting millions of users worldwide. Here are some statistics that highlight the scale of the problem:

  • According to a report by the Better Business Bureau, Facebook scams accounted for over $117 million in reported losses in 2020.
  • A study conducted by the University of California, Berkeley 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 reported falling victim to a Facebook scam.

Summary

The ‘Tesco Voucher To Every Family’ Facebook scam is a deceptive scheme that preys on users’ desire for freebies and discounts. By understanding how this scam works and taking necessary precautions, users can protect themselves from falling victim to such fraudulent activities. Remember to always be cautious when encountering offers that seem too good to be true, and report any suspicious activity to the relevant authorities. By staying informed and vigilant, we can collectively combat online scams and create a safer digital environment.

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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