According to a post currently being distributed across Facebook, you can follow a link to receive a 40% off voucher from US retailer Kroger. The post features a clickable image of the supposed voucher and includes the Kroger logo.
However, the post is not associated with Kroger and those who participate will not receive any vouchers. In fact, the post is a typical Facebook survey scam designed to trick you into spamming your friends and divulging your personal information via dodgy survey websites.
If you do click the post, you will be taken to a fake Kroger Facebook page that asks you to share, comment, and like to get the promised voucher.
But, by sharing, liking, and commenting, you are ensuring that your Facebook friends are exposed to the scam as well.
After following the outlined steps, you will be redirected to a second scam page where you can supposedly collect your voucher. However a popup window will claim that, before getting your voucher, you must unlock the ‘premium content’ by participating in one or more surveys. The popup includes several links for you to click.
The links lead to various third party websites that promise further prizes in exchange for filling in surveys and providing your name and contact details. However, fine print on the sites will state that, by participating, you are agreeing to receive marketing material from ‘site sponsors’ and third-party marketing companies. Thus, soon after participating, you will begin receiving unwanted and annoying phone calls, emails, text messages, and surface letters from companies peddling a variety of products and services. And, no matter how many surveys you complete, you will never get the promised 40% off voucher.
Meanwhile, the scammers who created the fake post and page will receive affiliate commissions each and every time somebody provides their information on one of the survey sites.
The genuine Kroger Facebook Page has warned users about the scam via the following post:
Attention Kroger Customers: There is currently an unauthorized “40% off all purchases in store” offer circulating. This giveaway is not affiliated with or supported by the Kroger Co. in any way. We recommend not engaging with the site(s) that offer links to the coupon, or providing them with any personal information. Our team is actively working with Facebook and domain service providers to address the concern.
Survey scams like this one continue to be very common on Facebook. Be wary of any Facebook post that claims that you can receive store coupons or vouchers or win valuable prizes just by sharing and liking and participating in online surveys.
Last updated: December 18, 2015
First published: December 18, 2015
By Brett M. Christensen
About Hoax-Slayer
References
Kroger Facebook Page Scam Warning
Kroger ‘Free Coupons’ Survey Scam
What is a Facebook Survey Scam?
Original Source : https://www.hoax-slayer.net/kroger-40-off-voucher-survey-scam/