Free Tim Hortons Facebook campaign is a scam
Security experts are warning Facebook users about a scam making the rounds, claiming to offer free Tim Hortons and Starbucks gift cards.
After being asked for an email address, users are also asked to acknowledge that they’re 18 – and to shell out some more personal details.
Your privacy would now be blown - and so have your hopes for a free Tim Hortons or Starbucks gift card.
Then as a last seal of approval, you’re asked to add a comment thanking them for the free coffee and donuts (or something like that).
The scam is extra sneaky because it coaxes users into creating a connection of trust between their friends and the shady campaign. Nothing is better than hearing someone you know lend validity to a campaign, especially one supposedly backed by two of the biggest coffee companies in the world.
This extra ‘friend support’ gimmick creates a snowball effect and before you know it, all your friends have been duped.
Sophos recommend users only participate in campaigns from the official Starbucks and Tim Hortons websites.
Even then, use an up-to-date web browser like Internet Explorer 9 to make sure you’re not falling victim to a phishing campaign.
My grandfather used to say “Nothing in life is free,” and this scam couldn’t help prove his point any more.
- Maurice Cacho, MSN Tech & Gadgets
Comments
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Posted by: Digital Photo Frame Reviews | Oct 23, 2011 11:42:08 AM
Thanks for the heads up.
Posted by: Khrum | Oct 23, 2011 10:23:12 PM
thats what happen to stu[id people who press yes at every corner.they deserved it period.
Posted by: Sheila | Oct 24, 2011 8:55:00 PM
Some things are just to good to be true.