FDIC-Insured - Backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. GovernmentA Free Gift with a High Cost
Did you receive an email from what looks like a trusted brand, such as Costco or AAA? Does the email promise a free gift if you fill out a short survey and pay a small shipping fee? The email may claim there are only a few free gifts left to create a sense of urgency. The email will say all you have to do is click a link which will take you to the website with the survey.
The website and survey are fake, and the gift does not exist. The small shipping fee is a tactic to steal your financial information. By entering your card details on the website, you are giving out your payment information directly to the scammers. They will then use your card for more expensive purchases or sell your information to other cybercriminals. They can even use the personal information you entered to steal your identity!
To avoid falling for this phishing scam, please follow these tips:
- Legitimate organizations would not ask for your credit card details to cover shipping for a completely free promotional item.
- Instead of clicking links, go directly to the organization’s official website to check if the offer is real. Think before you click!
- Be skeptical of any offer that seems too good to be true, even if it appears to come from a brand, you know and trust.