Scam Signature Message:

Get A Free $250 Olive Garden Gift Card!
www.EatAFreeMeal.com

Get A Free $250 Olive Garden Gift Card Now!

Alternate Message:

TWO FREE Olive Garden Vouchers
Olive Garden is currently giving away dinners for two for a week!.

**This scam requires you to “share” the scam message on your Facebook Wall, and post a comment about Olive Garden. After posting the comment, you are taken to the page shown below.**

Scam Type: Bogus Offer

Trending: October 2011

Why it’s a Scam:

Clicking the wall post link takes you to the following page:

On this site the user is presented with a quick survey. After answering all of the questions, you are informed that you qualify for the promotion, and this is where the fun begins. You are required to give them your email address and other information that compromises your privacy. Listed below is the fine print of the promotion:

“My-Italian-Gourmet.com is an independent rewards program and not associated with any of the above listed merchants or brands. The above listed merchants or brands in no way endorse or sponsor My-Italian-Gourmet.com’s offer and are not liable for any alleged or actual claims related to this offer. The above listed trademarks and service marks are the marks of their respective owners. My-Italian-Gourmet.com is solely responsible for all Gift fulfillment. In order to receive your gift you must: (1) Meet the eligibility requirements (2) complete the rewards bonus survey (3) complete a total of 8 Reward Offers as stated in the Terms & Conditions (4) not cancel your participation in more than a total of 2 Reward Offers within 30 days of any Reward Offer Sign-Up Date as outlined in the Terms & Conditions (the Cancellation Limit) and (5) follow the redemption instructions.”

Notice that you must complete several “Reward Offers” and the rewards bonus survey. Chances are, after you have completed the offers it isn’t going to be worth the Gift Card, assuming that part of the promotion isn’t a scam. Also keep in mind the scammers are acquiring a treasure trove of your personal data. You will be required to provide your name, address, phone numbers and date of birth. This will enable the shady marketers to not only spam your Facebook account, but also harass you via snail mail, phone calls and text messages.

How to Deal with the Scam:

If you did make the mistake of sharing the scam link, then you are now spamming your friends with the very same message. Clean-up your newsfeed and profile to remove references to the scam. (click the “x” in the top right hand corner of the post).

Be on the lookout for more marketing offers arriving to your email inbox and physical address if you submitted that information to the scammers. Also be aware and alert for possible identity theft attempts.

If you or your Facebook friends are falling for tricks like this, it’s time to get yourself informed of the latest threats. Be sure to join the Facecrooks page on Facebook to be kept informed of the latest security issues. Also check out:

Your Ultimate Guide to Facebook Scams and How to Deal with Them

How to spot a Facebook Survey Scam

BitDefender Safego is a Facebook application you can install that will scan your News Feed and help keep you safe from scams like this.