Ulta Beauty Product Reviewer $500 Gift Card Scam Explained
Written by: Thomas Orsolya
Published on:
Ulta Beauty is a popular beauty retailer that offers makeup, skincare, haircare, fragrances, and more. They routinely run product testing and reviewing campaigns to get feedback on new products before launch. However, scammers are now taking advantage of this by creating fake Ulta Beauty product reviewer offers that trick people into handing over their personal information and money.
This article will uncover everything you need to know about the Ulta Beauty product reviewer scam, including how it works, warning signs to watch out for, and most importantly, how to protect yourself.
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Overview of the Ulta Beauty Product Reviewer Scam
The scam works like this:
Scammers will run ads on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, or send out emails and text messages, that promote a fake “Ulta Beauty Product Tester” offer.
The ads claim that Ulta Beauty is looking for people to test and review new makeup, skincare, haircare and other products, in exchange for a $500 Ulta gift card.
When people click on the ad, they are taken to a scam website dressed up to look like an official Ulta Beauty domain. The site will have a message like “Get Yours Now” or “Sign Up Here” to become a product tester.
If people enter their information, they are taken to another website and told they have to complete a certain number of “deals” or offers to qualify for the $500 gift card. These deals include:
Filling out surveys
Signing up for trial offers
Making purchases
Downloading apps
Submitting email addresses, phone numbers, and other personal info
Often, completing one “deal” will unlock more and more, with people having to complete 10-30 deals in total. The more deals completed, the more money the scammers earn through commissions and selling people’s data.
However, after completing all these deals, people find that the promised $500 Ulta gift card never arrives. The entire thing is a scam designed to gather information and make money at the victim’s expense.
How the Ulta Beauty Product Reviewer Scam Works
Here is a step-by-step breakdown of how the Ulta product reviewer scam typically operates:
1. Scam Ads on Social Media
The scam starts with an ad posted on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok. The ad is made to look like an official offer from Ulta Beauty, often using their logo and brand images.
Headlines may say things like:
“Ulta Beauty Product Testers Wanted – Get a $500 Gift Card!”
“We need 500 people to test our new makeup line before launch – apply now to get a $500 Ulta gift card!”
The goal is to make it look like a legitimate opportunity to review products.
2. Landing Page with a Call to Action
When someone clicks on the ad, they are taken to a landing page dressed up to resemble the official Ulta Beauty website.
The landing page will have a prominent call-to-action like “Click Here to Get Started” or “Apply Now.” This is meant to get people to enter their information right away.
Red flags here include:
The URL being completely different from Ulta.com
No links in the top navigation bar
Spelling and grammar errors
Stock photos instead of real Ulta Beauty images
3. Enter Personal Information
If people click the call-to-action, they are taken to a form asking for their personal information:
Full name
Email address
Phone number
Home address
Date of birth
The form says this info is needed to “confirm eligibility” for the product tester program. In reality, it’s just gathering data for the scammers’ own use.
4. More Deals Unlock
After entering information, people are redirected to a third-party website for “deal completion.” This site reveals that to get the $500 gift card, you must complete 10-30 deals.
These deals include:
Online surveys
Signing up for trial subscription offers
Downloading apps or browser extensions
Making purchases for products
Submitting contact info to other sites
Completing one deal will unlock more, with people having to complete every deal before the “gift card” is sent.
5. Never Get the Reward
The victims complete all the deals, hand over their personal information, and may even spend money. But the $500 Ulta gift card never arrives.
The sites collect payment info and personal data to earn commissions, but there is no actual reward. People are simply scammed out of their time, money, and privacy.
Warning Signs of the Ulta Beauty Product Reviewer Scam
There are several red flags to watch out for to identify this scam:
Ads leading to unofficial domains – Real Ulta Beauty offers would never lead to sketchy third-party sites.
Too good to be true reward – Ulta would not give $500 gift cards for simple product testing. Big rewards are dangled to get people hooked.
Requests for personal information – Asking for full name, DOB, address, etc. is invasive for a product test program.
Having to complete deals/offers – Real market research would never make you fill out endless surveys or sign up for subs.
No clear connection to Ulta Beauty – Scam sites lack official branding, links, contact info, or approval.
Spelling/grammar mistakes – Sloppy text is a giveaway of scammers, not a real company.
Stock photos used – Real Ulta ads would feature genuine product and brand images.
Pushy calls to action – Language urging you to “act now” or “claim yours today” is manipulative.
If you spot any of these red flags, it’s safest to avoid the offer entirely.
What to Do If You Already Fell for the Ulta Beauty Product Reviewer Scam
If you already entered your information or completed deals associated with this scam, here are important steps to take right away:
1. Contact your bank if you paid anything
If the scammers got you to make any purchases as part of the “deals”, call your bank immediately. Report the charges as fraudulent. Your bank may be able to reverse the charges and monitor your account for further suspicious activity.
2. Change passwords on all accounts
Reset the passwords for your email, Amazon, social media, and any other accounts the scammers may now have access to due to the info you provided. Enable two-factor authentication wherever possible.
3. Place fraud alert on your credit
Contact one of the three credit bureaus (Experian, TransUnion, Equifax) to place an initial 90-day fraud alert on your credit. This makes it harder for scammers to open new credit in your name.
4. Monitor bank and credit card statements
Watch closely for any unauthorized charges on your financial accounts in the upcoming weeks. Report any strange or fraudulent activity immediately.
5. Beware of recovery scammers
Realize that initial scammers will sometimes sell your info to “recovery scammers” who contact you claiming they can retrieve the lost money from the first scam. Do not engage with any unsolicited contacts.
6. Report the scam
File a complaint with the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and your state attorney general’s office. This helps authorities track and stop these scams.
7. Learn from the experience
In the future, remember that offers that seem too good to be true usually are. Protect your personal information closely. Research offers directly through a brand’s official site or customer service before providing any data.
Is Your Device Infected? Check for Malware
If your device is running slowly or acting suspicious, it may be infected with malware. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free is a great option for scanning your device and detecting potential malware or viruses. The free version can efficiently check for and remove many common infections.
Malwarebytes can run on Windows, Mac, and Android devices. Depending on which operating system is installed on the device you’re trying to run a Malwarebytes scan, please click on the tab below and follow the displayed steps.
Malwarebytes For WindowsMalwarebytes For MacMalwarebytes For Android
Scan your computer with Malwarebytes for Windows to remove malware
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 for Windows
You can download Malwarebytes by clicking the link below.
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.
Your computer should now be free of trojans, adware, browser hijackers, 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:
Scan your computer with Malwarebytes for Mac to remove malware
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.
Your Mac should now be free of adware, browser hijackers, and other malware.
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.
Scan your phone with Malwarebytes for Android to remove malware
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.
Your phone should now be free of adware, browser hijackers, and other malware.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Ulta Beauty Product Reviewer Scam
1. What is the Ulta Beauty product reviewer scam?
The Ulta Beauty product reviewer scam is a fraudulent offer being promoted online and via text messages. Scammers claim Ulta Beauty is looking for product testers and reviewers, offering a $500 gift card as an incentive. However, it’s a ploy to gather personal information and get victims to complete bogus “deals” that earn commissions for scammers but provide no actual rewards.
2. How does the Ulta product reviewer scam work?
The scammers post ads on social media or send texts redirecting to fake Ulta Beauty domains. There people enter personal info for a “tester” application. They’re taken to a secondary site and told they must complete 10-30 “deals” to get the $500 card. These deals involve surveys, trial offers, purchases, and more data harvesting. After completing them all, the promised gift card never arrives.
3. What are some warning signs of the Ulta Beauty reviewer scam?
Warning signs include ads leading to odd URLs, $500 rewards for simple testing, requests for excessive personal data, having to complete numerous deals, no official Ulta approval or branding, and pushy language urging immediate action. Any of these should raise red flags about the offer’s legitimacy.
4. I entered my information and completed some deals. What should I do now?
If you already got involved, take these steps right away: Contact your bank if you paid anything, reset all account passwords, put a fraud alert on your credit, watch for unauthorized charges, avoid communications with “recovery” scammers, report the scam, and learn to identify red flags in the future.
5. Can I get back money I lost in the Ulta Beauty product reviewer scam?
If you made purchases, report them to your bank as fraudulent right away. They may be able to reverse the charges. Unfortunately, there is likely no way to recoup value of personal data given away, time spent, etc. Consider it a costly lesson in spotting and avoiding scams.
6. How can I avoid the Ulta Beauty product tester scam in the future?
Going forward, remember offers that sound too good to be true usually are. Verify promotions through official brand sites and customer service before providing information or clicking links. Check URLs closely for accuracy and avoid entering data on sketchy sites. Monitor accounts closely for any resulting misuse or fraud.
7. Where can I report the Ulta Beauty product reviewer scam?
You can report it to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and to your state attorney general’s office. Reporting helps authorities track down and stop these scammers.
8. Who is behind the Ulta Beauty product reviewer scam?
The individuals running these scams are often cybercriminals operating abroad using fake identities. Their ads and sites are designed to stay up just long enough to scam victims before shifting to new URLs. It’s a digital shell game with anonymous scammers behind fake offers.
9. Am I personally at risk if I participated in this scam?
Yes, providing personal data exposes you to potential identity theft and account misuse. Monitor your credit and accounts closely. Avoid further participation by spotting red flags early. Never enter info or complete suspicious offers.
10. What is the best way to avoid online scams?
Be wary of unsolicited offers, verify directly with brands before participating, research unfamiliar sites, don’t click suspicious links, guard personal information carefully, monitor accounts for misuse, and report any scams immediately to have the best odds of avoiding them.
The Bottom Line
The Ulta Beauty product reviewer scam preys on people’s desire to get great deals and test new products. But it is just a ploy to gather information and profit off people’s participation in bogus deals.
Genuine rewards or research opportunities will never ask for excessive personal details upfront, lead to sketchy sites, or make you complete endless surveys or purchases.
When confronted with potential scams, carefully verify the offer through official brand channels first. Check site URLs for accuracy, and avoid entering info or clicking suspicious links. Protect your data closely, and you can avoid falling victim to these ripoffs.
Stay vigilant, and don’t let the lure of freebies overrule your better judgment. If an Ulta Beauty product tester offer raises any red flags, it’s best to steer clear and protect your information.
How to Stay Safe Online
Here are 10 basic security tips to help you avoid malware and protect your device:
Use a good antivirus and keep it up-to-date.
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.
Keep software and operating systems up-to-date.
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.
Be careful when installing programs and apps.
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."
Install an 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.
Be careful what you download.
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.
Be alert for people trying to trick you.
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.
Back up your data.
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.
Choose strong passwords.
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.
Be careful where you click.
Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. These could potentially contain malware or phishing scams.
Don't use pirated software.
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.
Meet Thomas Orsolya
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.
