How the scam works:
(with video below) Did you just receive a text message claiming to be from a brand name company called AppleLucky saying they are giving away an iPhone 12? Then you might want to pay attention here. The text may add that the offer is only available to the first thousand people to claim the prize. The message could be coming straight through your phone number, or via apps such as Kik, Viber, or Whatsapp. The scam is based on the same concept as the Brand Name Gift Card fraud, in which criminals use brand names to lure victims into their traps. How does the scam work?
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Watch the video below to see the Brand Name Text Message scam exposed:
Brand Name Text Message Scam Exposed Video
The recipient of the text is prompted to access a questionable website: applelucky.com. Once that is open, the victim is redirected to a totally different page that’s changing the name every time you click on the link. It could be about weight loss products, hot girls, online cash sources, or even notices such as “Your browser is updated. Install the new version now”.
This is where the scam occurs. First, victims are required to post a bunch of personal information that scammers use to commit identity theft. Secondly, in order to receive the “potential” iPhone, the victim is required to also provide an email address and personal information, purchase six products, and refer another five or ten other friends who must also buy six items.
Thinking they’re still up for a good deal as they’ll receive an iPhone instead, victims pay hundreds of dollars or more for the products. Needless to say, they never receive the phone.
Furthermore, once they have personal information, scammers not only continue to send more spam messages, but they also sell it to similar companies. The trouble is, all of this is stated in the terms and conditions section of their site, but people always ignore reading that.
How to avoid:
Just delete the message, Apple is not involved in this. Look at the domain name in your browser once the link is open. It doesn’t even relate to Apple or iPhone 6. Always read the terms and conditions section and the fine print on everything you purchase. It’s your money. On the other hand, trust only reputable companies when it comes to earning money or products online. If reward programs are really your thing, use only legitimate companies.
One of the most trustworthy services out there is Swagbucks.com, which is the world’s largest free online rewards program. You get paid by doing things online which you might do anyway, such as searching the web, discover products, take surveys, watch videos, or play games. You can also get free iTunes and Amazon cards. The company has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. You can register for free HERE.
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Received an Apple MacBook text scam from 803-289-9585, watch out.
I just got the message from a scammer calling himself James Washington. The content of the message is "Congratulations of being an AppleLucky winner. Go to AppleLucky.com to pick an iPhone 6". Beware of these scums!