Buzz
We’ve all participated in those quick surveys offering a $10 movie theater gift card or a buy-one-get-one deal at Chipotle. But imagine being promised a $325 Yeti cooler just for completing a Dick’s Sporting Goods survey. Tempting, isn’t it? This was the latest tactic used by a new email scam designed to lure victims and steal their personal information.
What set this email scam apart was its ability to bypass Gmail’s spam filter, reaching a larger audience than typical scams. Fortunately, whether it’s a Yeti cooler or AirPods being offered, there are straightforward methods to avoid falling victim to these schemes.
What was the mechanism behind the Yeti cooler scam?
The email employed an advanced coding method to bypass Gmail’s spam filter, making it appear as a legitimate message containing crucial details. It then prompted recipients to complete a survey requesting sensitive data, ultimately asking for credit card information to cover the cooler’s shipping costs.
This is why you shouldn’t depend solely on spam filters—equip yourself with tools to spot such scams. As Dick’s Sporting Goods cautions in their security notice, the scammers’ aim is to harvest your sensitive information for financial profit.
How can I identify if an email is fraudulent?
Verify the email domain to confirm it originates from the official business
Every company utilizes a specific email domain for communications and promotions, typically listed on their official website’s 'contact us' page. This domain often closely matches the company’s name. For instance, if you receive an email from [email protected], you can be sure it’s fraudulent and not a legitimate email from Dick’s Sporting Goods.
Visit the company’s official website to verify if they are promoting the offer
Naturally, if Dick’s Sporting Goods were offering $325 Yeti coolers for completing a survey, they would heavily promote it on their website and social media platforms. Take the extra step to check their social media accounts or even contact them directly to confirm the offer’s authenticity.
Additionally, if you proceed with the suspicious email and are redirected to a website, ensure the site belongs to the actual company. Search for the company’s official website on Google and compare the URLs. If the URL doesn’t match the company’s name, such as www.dickssportinggoods.com, it’s almost certainly a scam.
Never provide your credit card details for offers that claim to be free or are unverified
Most scams aim to collect more than just your address, name, email, and other personal details—they also target your credit card information. Fortunately, they can only obtain this if you voluntarily provide it. As a general rule, avoid sharing your credit card details for anything that should be free or lacks verification.
Be cautious of any request for your personal information
While some legitimate surveys may request your name or address due to their nature, it’s wise to remain cautious and avoid them when possible. Most surveys today are anonymous, so if you’re asked for more information than usual, consider it a warning sign. Additionally, if you’re notified of winning a contest you never entered, it’s likely a scam.
If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is
If an offer appears too good to be true, take a moment to assess whether it makes logical sense. Consult a trusted friend or family member who isn’t involved to get their opinion on whether the situation seems suspicious. (If you feel the need to ask, it’s likely a scam.)
What steps should you take if you sent money for the Yeti cooler?
If you provided your credit card or other sensitive details to the Yeti cooler email or its linked websites, the first step is to contact your bank immediately. Ensure your account is monitored for fraudulent activity and follow any advice they provide.
