Scam Signature Message: 2 FREE Southwest Airline Tickets!
Scam Type: Click-Jacking, Bogus Offer
Trending: May 2011
Why it’s a Scam:
Clicking the wall post link takes you to the following page:
Clicking the “Comment” click-jacks your account and presents the following bogus offer:
If you read the fine, you must complete a total of 13 Sponsor Offers. Not only is this a ridiculous hoop to jump through, and will cost you a lot of money in the end, but 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 commenting on the main page, you are now spamming your friends with the scammer’s message. You should clean-up your newsfeed and profile to remove references to the scam. (click the “x” in the top right hand corner of the post).
The level of damage control required will largely depend on how many “special offers” you participated in. If you submitted your name, address, email, etc., then be on the lookout for more bogus offers arriving in your email and regular mail. Also be on alert for identity theft attempts.
