Spot the Red Flags: How to Identify a Fake Gift Link : Scambusters #1,191
Learn how to spot and avoid ‘Send Gift’ scams, protect your social media account, and safeguard your personal information.
Hackers Are Using Gift Links to Steal Your Information
You've probably seen posts that include a "Send Gift" link. But how safe are they? Before clicking, it's important to know the risks involved.
This article will explain how to check if links are safe, how to spot fake ones, and what to do if you find a scam. Knowing the warning signs and the reasons behind these links will help you protect your personal and financial information while using social media.
Are "Send Gift" Links Safe and Legitimate?
Facebook no longer has a Gifts feature to send physical gifts, which was deprecated many years ago. Instead, users create these links themselves, connecting to other services. The safety of those “gift” links can be confusing. Some links are real ways to send gift cards or contribute to wishlists, but others are scams that try to steal your information.
Using links to personal wishlists or gift card platforms can be helpful. For example, someone celebrating a birthday might share their Amazon Wish List so friends and family can easily buy gifts they actually want. Content creators and non-profit groups can use these links to get support from their followers.
Scammers take advantage of this practice by creating fake links that lead to harmful websites. These links look real but have a very different purpose.
What Are the Red Flags of a Gift Scam?
Scammers take advantage of this practice by creating fake links that lead to harmful websites. These links look real but have a very different purpose.
- Suspicious or Unfamiliar Links – Before clicking a link, hover over it to preview the destination URL. If the URL seems unusual, contains typos, or directs you to an unfamiliar website, it’s likely a scam. Trustworthy links should lead to well-known platforms such as Amazon, Target, or established gift card services.
- Urgent or High-Pressure Language – Scammers create urgency to pressure you into acting quickly. Be cautious with posts that say things like "Last chance to give!" or "Limited time offer!"
- Requests for Personal Information – A real gifting service will not ask for sensitive information like your Social Security number, bank account details, or a password. If a link directs you to a page requesting this type of information, it is a scam.
- Unbelievable Offers – Be careful of posts that promise a big reward for sending a small gift or clicking a link. If an offer sounds too good to be true, it likely is.
- Generic or Impersonal Posts – Be cautious of posts from accounts you don’t recognize, especially if the message seems vague. Scammers often hack accounts to share these links, making them look like they come from a trusted friend.
What Happens if I Click a Scam Link?
Clicking a fake "Send Gift" link can lead to serious problems. Scammers use these links to carry out different kinds of attacks that can put your personal and financial security at risk.
When you click, you could be sent to a phishing website. This fake site is designed to look like a real one, such as a store or payment processor. Its goal is to trick you into giving your login details, credit card information, or other sensitive data.
If you enter your information, scammers can use it to:
- Make unauthorized purchases with your credit card.
- Access your online accounts, including your bank or email.
- Steal your identity by gathering enough personal data.
- Sell your information on the dark web to other criminals.
Be careful when clicking links, as they can sometimes download malware to your device. This harmful software can install itself without you knowing. Once it's on your device, it can log your keystrokes, steal files, or allow a scammer to remotely access your computer.
Quick Actions to Take If You’ve Been Scammed
If you suspect you have clicked on a scam link, it is crucial to act quickly to minimize the damage.
- Disconnect from the Internet – Immediately disconnect your device from the internet to prevent any malware from sending your data to the scammer.
- Run a Security Scan – Use reputable antivirus and anti-malware software to scan your device for any threats. Remove any suspicious files that the software detects.
- Change Your Passwords – If you entered any login information on the fraudulent site, change your passwords for those accounts immediately. Make sure to update the password on your social media account as well and enable two-factor authentication for added security.
- Monitor Your Financial Accounts – Keep a close eye on your bank and credit card statements for any unauthorized charges. Report any suspicious activity to your financial institution right away. You may want to place a fraud alert on your credit report as a precaution.
- Report the Scam to the Social Media Platform – Report the fraudulent post and the associated account to Facebook or the social media platform you are using. This helps protect other users from falling for the same scam.
- Place a Fraud Alert – Contact your credit bureaus to place fraud alerts on your account: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
- File Reports – Contact your local law enforcement and make a police report. File a FTC Report with the Federal Trade Commission.
Conclusion
Fraudulent link scams are common, and staying informed is a key way to protect yourself. You can find useful information by searching for "Facebook gift scam" or "phishing scams" on YouTube. Cybersecurity experts create many videos that show how these scams work and how to avoid them.
Always be careful with these “gift” links and watch for warning signs. By staying alert and checking if a link is real before you click it, you can safely join your friends' celebrations without risking your personal information. A few moments of caution can save you from significant financial loss and personal stress.
Remember, Stay Alert and Stay Informed!