Scam Message:
Free iTunes Codes – Free iTunes Card Codes
Scam Type: Bogus Offer, Survey Scam
Trending: August 2012
Why it’s a Scam:
Clicking on the link in the Facebook post takes you to the following page:
When you click the “Next Step” button, you are taken through a sequence of events where you have to ‘like’ and ‘share’ the scam page with your friends:
And of course when you click the ‘Redeem Code’ button you are presented with the following survey scam:
It is never a good idea to complete surveys like this on Facebook. You won’t get to the promised offer, and the scammers will have more of your private information that they can use against you.
We recommend that users insall BitDefender Safego, a Facebook application that will scan your News Feed and help keep you safe from scams like this.
**Note – Scams like this often use multiple domains, so you may see a variation in the landing pages and scam 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 submitted your cell phone for any of the surveys or offers, then keep an eye on your cell phone bill to make sure no premium charges appear.
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
Recommended Resources
Do Not Track + is a FREE browser plugin created by Abine. This easy to install plugin keeps websites from tracking you. If you value your online privacy, then you should definitely take advantage of this free product.
BitDefender Safego is a Facebook application you can install that will scan your News Feed and help keep you safe from scams like this.
PRIVATE WiFi® is a Personal VPN that encrypts everything you send and receive. Don’t access Facebook from a public WiFi hotspot without it.
Action Alert | Free Parental Control offers a 100% free Internet safety solution designed for parents. There is also a Maximum Protection option for parents that need a more advanced set of tools.