Sponsored ads on Facebook, Decathlon brand used illegally and malware. How to recognize, what are the risks and how to defend themselves from the scam that promises super discounted backpacks
One of the most coveted backpacks from teenagers for only two euros? And how do you not give in to the temptation … and so the bait works and the scam on social networks is making the Italians capitulate. It has been depopulated for weeks and is not blocked. It is the scam of North Face Badini widespread with sponsored ads on Facebook, unduly using the Decathlon brand. By clicking not only you will not receive any backpack, of course, but you also risk having the current account emptied.
How the scam of discounted North Face backpack works
The appearance is that of the offer to be grasped on the fly: North backpacks are sold for 2 euros, sensational discounts signed in a Truffaldino Decathlon way, moved testimonies and links to be accepted “before they remove everything”. The technique is simple and recalls that of the e-bikes and Amazon packages almost free of charge of some time ago: surrounding the post of a network of false reliability. Social contents are in fact accompanied by images of receipts, truthful labels and enthusiastic reviews. In addition to the side of economic savings, the scam focuses on emotional involvement. “I was fired by Decathlon after six years because I refused to make extraordinary on my free day … now I share an offer they wanted to keep secret”, reads one of the most popular messages. And under here the indications to take advantage of the super offer: just leave a review on a “special” site and paying only two euros, the backpack arrives at home.
Clicking the link means entering a web page that imitates the official Decathlon website. Here you are invited to fill in a form with personal data: name, address, contacts, sometimes even bank credentials. Once you send the form you delivered your information to cybercriminals. And if you click on the link without an active antivirus, you also risk installing malware, capable of infecting the devices, steal passwords or access bank accounts.
How to defend yourself from the scam that depopulates on Facebook?
If the offer seems too beautiful to be true, it’s probably a scam. It is always good to check the website of the website before entering personal data. And never give your personal data on unofficial sites and click on suspicious links, received via social networks, messages and e-mails. It is essential to keep the antivirus updated and activate bank alerts to be notified in real time of movements on the account. If you fear that you have been a victim you must immediately block the cards and submit a complaint to the competent authorities. It would also be useful to report the scam announcement to Facebook and, of course, change the passwords of your online accounts, especially if you use the same credentials on multiple sites.
