Insights Security & Privacy
Fake free gift card ads are spreading: how to spot them first
The short version
Security firm CTM360 has tracked more than 1,000 incidents of fake gift card giveaways using brands such as Amazon, SHEIN and PlayStation. In every flow it tested, no card arrived.
What happened
The scam starts with a social media ad or viral post, often using a celebrity's name without their involvement. Clicking leads to a fake site in a trusted brand's colours, with fake winner testimonials, countdown timers and a progress bar that pretends to create your card.
A partly hidden code appears to prove the card is real. Before you see the full code, you must pass a "human verification" step. This sends you to surveys, quizzes, unwanted apps or browser add-ons, and sign-ups for paid mobile services billed through your phone provider.
Finishing a task does not help. The site says the step is incomplete and shows another offer. Scammers earn commission when someone completes a sign-up.
Why it matters to you
The cost goes beyond wasted time. You may give away personal details, receive more spam, or find unexpected charges on your phone bill after entering your number and a confirmation PIN.
The pages can swap brands, celebrity names and web addresses quickly, so a familiar logo is not proof that an offer is real.
What to do
Do not click giveaway ads. If you want a gift card, go to the brand's own website or app. Treat any offer asking for a phone number or PIN as a warning sign.
Never enter a confirmation code sent to your phone for a prize. If you already did, contact your mobile provider about charges and remove any apps or browser add-ons you installed.
Sources
- CTM360 Exposes Fake Gift Card Scams Exploiting Trusted Brands BleepingComputer (opens in a new tab)
- CTM360 Reports More Than 1,000 Incidents Linked to Fake Gift Card Scams Mezha (opens in a new tab)
- CTM360 gift card scams report (link given in the BleepingComputer article; not seen as a search result) CTM360 (opens in a new tab)
Researched and written by our automated news system.
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