According to a post currently being shared on Facebook, US-based supermarket chain, Wegmans is giving away $80 coupons as a way of celebrating its 100th anniversary.
The post features an image depicting one of the $80 coupons. Supposedly, clicking the post allows you to visit a website and claim your free coupon.
Despite its appearance, however, the post has no connection to Wegmans. People who participate in the supposed giveaway have no chance whatsoever of getting the promised Wegmans coupon. No coupons are being given away.
In fact, the post is yet another anniversary giveaway scam. It is designed to trick you into submitting your personal details on scam websites.
Here’s a screenshot of one of the scam posts:
If you click on the post, a fake coupon-claim website will load in your browser. To make it appear legitimate, the website includes the Wegmans logo and first asks you to complete a survey about the store.
The site even tacks on several comments from users claiming that they have already received their coupons. At first glance, the comments look like genuine responses from Facebook users. But, in fact, the comments are fake and do not come from Facebook.
Next, you will be instructed to click a Facebook “share” button and then add the comment “Thanks #Wegmans”. But, alas, by sharing and commenting, you are further promoting the scam and helping the scammers gain more victims.
After sharing and commenting, you will be prompted to click on a “verify” button. But, instead of giving you access to the promised coupon, a second dodgy website will open in your browser. The site claims that you can win further prizes by providing your name and contact details via a site sign-up form.
But, by doing so, you will actually be giving the site permission to share your information with various “site sponsors” and marketing companies. So, you will soon be inundated with unwanted phone calls, text messages, emails, and letters that try to convince you to buy a range of decidedly dodgy products and services.
And, of course, you will never get your $80 Wegmans coupon, which never existed to begin with.
For the record, Wegmans was founded in 1916, so it is 103 years old in 2019, not 100 as claimed in the scam post.
The scammers who create these fake Facebook giveaways earn money every time someone submits their information on one of the linked websites.
Giveaway scams like this are very common on Facebook. If one crosses your News Feed, don’t be tempted to participate. You have no chance of winning anything. And, your participation helps scammers make money and exposes your friends and family to the scam as well.
Don’t do it, not even “just in case” it’s real!
