by Chrome Search Contest Scam, a giveaway scam tactics is now trending. Many people have lost all they have worked hard for as a result of this scam. Did you come across the ads claiming that you have been rewarded a free iPhone or gift card? If yes, do not click on any of those links provided! It is a huge scam. This review uncovers the fraudulent activities of this scammers and offers tips on how to detect scam texts and avoid them. Read till the end.
Phishing (Email scams) and Smishing (Fraud through Text messages) are on the increase these days. Scammers are now coming up with several ways to defraud people on a daily basis. One of the ways they do this is by sending text messages to people prompting them to release vital information or even gaining access to their information without their knowledge. Receivers of such texts are therefore advised to always carry out due diligence before giving out any information about themselves.
What Is The Chrome Search Contest Scam All About?
Chrome Search Contest Scam is scam tactics by fraudsters disguising themselves to be from Google Chrome. The ad says that you have been offer a free iPhone, gift card or any other mouth watery prize and you should claim it immediately. They also attach a link with which to provide relevant information about you.
How Does Chrome Search Contest Scam 2024 Work?
In order to appear genuine, Cyber criminals employ like those behind the Chrome Search Contest Scam employ different strategies. This includes running a video ads on social media platforms where people who enter into the contest using the link are happy to receive prizes like iPhones, Airpods, and PlayStation 5s. In the video, a voiceover announces that “Google Chrome is giving away free rewards to celebrate 10 billion downloads!”. They urge people to click on the link immediately and get their prizes before the offer expires.
However, the link redirects you to a malicious website displaying labelled mystery prize boxes and and you will be asked to choose a box to reveal the so called “free” reward hidden in the box. These scammers design the site such that the victim emerges a winner irrespective of the box selected. The victims are then redirected to another website after choosing a box and asked to enter their personal and payment information to process their prize delivery. The information they give out will now be used by the scammers to sign up for subscriptions requiring huge fees from the victims. The truth is that the boxes do not contain any prize at all.
What Are The Effects Of Phishing Scams On The Receivers?
The negative effects that Chrome Search Contest Scam has had on people who fell victim of their tricks unknowingly is really shocking. Some lost their life time savings with the promise of getting huge prizes. Others even ran into huge debt because they had to borrow from friends so as to claim the prizes as requested by these scammers. Some other victims were even put in a critical health condition just because they could not bear the shock of losing all they had to these fraudsters.
These and may more stories, prompted us to start educating the public about this fast rising phishing vacation scam known as Chrome Search Contest Scam as well as other methods used by scammers these days.
How To Detect The Chrome Search Contest Scam.
Below are some of the ways you can identify a scam trick by fraudsters.
- They make the text sound urgent. This is to make the receiver do what they said.
- They disguise to be a reputable agency, steal the agency’s official logo and address just to convince people.
- They send links to malicious sites to get your personal information and steal from you.
- There are usually errors in their email address or the content of the mail or text.
- Majority of them only make use of text messages and chats.
- They ask for extra fees.
6 Ways To Avoid Being Scammed By These Fraudsters.
In order not to be a victim of the Chrome Search Contest Scam or any other fake agency, follow these instructions:
- Do not click on any link or download attachment from an unknown sender: Do not be in a hurry to click on any link sent in a mail or text message from someone you do not know.
- Check the URL of the links they sent: Is there is an error in the URL or even the content of the text message like misspelling or omission, then know it is a scam.
- Carry out your investigation: Before clicking on any link, do a research to know if they are actually it is actually coming from the said organization. This will save you a lot.
- Do not disclose your personal information anyhow: No genuine agency will request that you provide personal information such as bank account details, password information and others immediately.
- Follow your instinct: Whenever you come across a suspicious message making mouth watery offers, it always safe to pay attention to the details in the message rather than being carried away by their fake promises.
- Report suspicious email or text messages: As soon as you discover a fraudulent text or email, report to your local enforcement agency so that they will take actions to stop further scam activities. If you have already shared your personal or financial information with these scammers, all you just have to do is to shut down your cards, then report the incident.
- Tell others about the Chrome Search Contest Scam: Enlighten your friends and family member about the ongoing scam so that they will be aware and not fall victim.
Conclusion
People should be cautious of the information they give out about themselves. There are many scammers out there targeting unsuspecting people this season. Sadly, Chrome Search Contest Scam is one of the viral scams over the internet recently just like Barclays Text Message Scam. To stay safe from these fraudsters, you have to adhere to the instructions given above. Click Here to see a list of phishing scams to avoid. Other online scams we have reviewed are Bora Bora Travel Scam and Thesalt WhatsApp Scam
