by To divide
Another scam is spreading again on WhatsApp. The complicated thing: the message about a supposed Lidl competition is transmitted by acquaintances.
Kassel – The WhatsApp messenger is mainly used to communicate with friends and family, but fraudsters also use the app to obtain confidential data. Recently, messages from fictitious recruiters circulated on WhatsApp. Now there’s another scam circulating on the messaging service. Users receive a message inviting them to participate in a supposed competition.
Supposed competition from Lidl is sent via WhatsApp
The fraudulent message claims that the competition comes from Lidl, as the internet portal netzwelt.de explained. The advertisement states that game participants have the opportunity to win 2,000 euros in cash. To do this, you must click on a link that is attached to the text. However, this redirects to a fake Lidl website.
On the supposed Lidl website, users are asked to answer several questions and solve a quiz. They are then encouraged to share the competition with five groups or 20 contacts via a messaging service like WhatsApp – this allows the fraudsters to spread their message. Last year, a similar misleading competition from Milka was doing the rounds on WhatsApp.
Your cell phone can be damaged by WhatsApp fraud
Last but not least, users would be asked to open an app for 30 seconds. During this period, software is used that can cause significant damage to the cell phone, warns netzwelt.de. However, there are some tips that consumers should pay attention to so as not to fall prey to Lidl’s supposed competition.
Recognize fake competitions, like the supposed Lidl competition, using these signs:
- Dodgy URL
- Request to share the game with contacts
- Request software download
- Source: netzwelt.de
The address of the supposed Lidl competition website looks extremely dubious and suggests it doesn’t actually come from the discount store. Furthermore, in a real competition, participants would not be encouraged to share the game with their contacts – the same applies to downloading software.
Fake Lidl and Co. competitions: watch the sender carefully
The Consumer Advice Center explains that the signs of fraudulent emails are often similar. Existing company names, like Lidl in this case, are often used to feign seriousness. Therefore, it is always advisable for consumers to check the credibility of the return address and verify the information provided by the aforementioned company.
WhatsApp users are repeatedly victims of the so-called grandson trick: messages from strangers claim that it is a new number for their children or grandchildren. Once saved, the fraudsters ask for money. (tt)
Machine assistance was used for this article written by the editorial team. The article was carefully reviewed by editor Teresa Toth before publication.
