Fake Giveaways, Vouchers and Free Data Offers
"Get free data for 90 days" or "Claim your supermarket voucher." How WhatsApp giveaway scams collect your details, spread through forwarding chains, and sometimes steal accounts.
A forwarded message promises free mobile data, a supermarket voucher, a new phone or cash for answering four questions. At the end: "Share this with 10 friends or 5 groups to claim your prize." The prize never comes, but your details are gone and your friends are next.
hxxps://free-data-anniversary[.]siteWhat these scams want
- Personal details: name, number, address, date of birth.
- Card details for a small "delivery fee".
- Your WhatsApp code, to take over your account. See the code scam.
- App installs that turn out to be malware. See malicious files and apps.
- Spread: every forward reaches new victims.
How to check
- Look for the offer on the company's official website or app.
- Check the link's real address. See checking a WhatsApp link.
- Remember the rule: genuine promotions do not require you to forward messages.
Do not forward it "just in case". Forwarding makes the scam look trustworthy to your friends.
Related: fake lottery and prize messages and fake telco and bank promotions. For more, see our guide to WhatsApp scams.
Frequently asked questions
Is free data from a network ever offered on WhatsApp?
Networks run promotions through their own apps, websites and texts from official short codes. A forwarded WhatsApp link is not how they do it.
What happens if I fill in the survey?
Your details are collected and may be sold or used for further scams. Some pages then ask for card details or a code.
Why do they ask me to forward it?
Forwarding spreads the scam for free and makes it look trusted because it comes from friends.
Sources
- Fake Prize, Sweepstakes, and Lottery Scams, US Federal Trade Commission
- How to prevent the spread of misinformation, WhatsApp Help Center
- About suspicious messages and scams, WhatsApp Help Center
