They create profiles on Instagram and pretend that you can win the latest iPhone for free or work as a product tester. The profiles are mostly called “freeiphonegivaway”, “free_iphone_giveaway”, “free_giveaway_agent” or similar. The pictures and photos look practically the same on all of them. To win an iPhone or Airpods or any other great smartphone, you usually have to do the following:
- Follow the profile
- Like the posts
- Write a message
After you have done these points, you will be contacted and given instructions on how to get the product for free. There are also several variants here:
- You should usually buy an Apple gift card in the amount of CHF 50 for the transaction and send it to the provider with the code.
- You should give your contact details including credit card details so that the providers can be sure that you are a human and not a robot.
- You should download a winning form (beware of malware) to get the iPhone.
Those who follow points 1 and 2 can usually get CHF 50 or a larger amount from their credit card. Anyone who downloads the prize form has usually downloaded malware onto their device that either blocks the device or spies on access data to mail and bank accounts.
Every now and then, a link is pointed out that you should follow. You will be redirected to a professional-looking website and are then asked to provide your personal information. You will then be directed to another page that suggests that you are entitled to win and that you only have a short time to press the button below. But beware!
When you have to decide on an offer under time pressure, fraudsters are usually at work. Each additional button that you press can load malware onto your own PC. No way to continue now!
What should I do if I come across such an offer?
As lucrative and great as the offers may sound, the fraudsters don’t get caught up in them. Who gives away dozens of iPhones, Airpods or Macbooks? Do not respond to the offers and block and report such profiles.
What if I’ve already paid?
If you have passed on your credit card details, you should block them immediately. The credit on gift and prepaid cards is usually lost.
Report it to the police and take all evidence (printed out emails, print screens, contact details, etc.) with you.
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