We’re in the midst of the final holiday shopping days, and you may see offers for the best deals yet. It can feel even more exciting if you see a claim that as part of a holiday deal, the “company” is offering a free product, discount, or gift card to anyone who completes a short questionnaire or survey. Unfortunately, some of these offers are fake and you will need to use caution.
Real businesses use surveys to understand their customers or get feedback on their products and service. However, phony surveys have become a very common way for scammers to phish for personal information. These schemes typically come via text messages and emails containing links that could even lead to the theft of valuable account information from unsuspecting victims.
Why do scammers use surveys? Most people like to give their opinions — especially if there’s a discount or other reward on offer. While someone might put up their guard during a sales pitch, surveys can seem harmless, meaning it’s easy to accidentally share information that a scammer can use.
How it Works: Typically, these messages will falsely claim to be from a well-known chain store to try to add authenticity. They also usually push for quick action.
If you click on the provided link, you won’t go to the store’s official website. Instead, it will take you to a third-party website where you’ll be asked to fill out a form that asks you for personal information, such as your full name, address, email, and more.