Free gift cards, giveaways, event tickets, and online prizes are everywhere. Some are legitimate promotions. Many are scams designed to collect personal information, account credentials, or financial details.
There is an old saying online: if you are not buying the product, you are probably the product. Scammers rely on that exact idea. The “free” offer is often just a way to collect your data, steal credentials, or direct you to malicious websites.
How These Scams Work
Free stuff scams often promise rewards for completing a survey, clicking a link, downloading an app, or sharing personal information.
Some scams are designed to collect login credentials or payment information. Others install malware or direct users to fake websites that imitate trusted brands.
Common Warning Signs
Pressure and Urgency
Scam offers often claim the deal expires soon or that only a limited number of rewards remain available.
Suspicious Links and Websites
The message may contain spelling errors, unusual URLs, or requests for unnecessary personal information.
Requests for Payment
Legitimate free offers rarely ask for payment details to cover shipping, processing, or verification fees.
Protective Steps
To avoid free stuff scams:
- Verify promotions through official company websites.
- Avoid clicking suspicious links from texts, emails, or social media posts.
- Never provide passwords or MFA codes for promotional offers.
- Be cautious of offers that sound too good to be true.
- Research unfamiliar websites before entering personal information.
If You Entered Information
If you shared passwords or financial information, change your passwords immediately and monitor your accounts for suspicious activity. If the scam involved a work or school account, contact your IT help desk as soon as possible. You can find contact information for your campus help desk here: Universities of Wisconsin (UW System) – IT Help Desks Contact Information