Yes, the ads promising you a chance to win Le Creuset sets sponsored by chef Paula Deen is a subscription trap. This scam tricks people into believing they owe money by using the images of Chef Paula Deen which directs anyone clicks in it to a fake website to steal their money and personal details.
Exposing The Paula Deen Le Creuset Scam
The scam is a hidden subscription trap. The website claims that by joining the sweepstakes, you will be charged $179.96 today for a trial membership. Then, you will be charged $179.96 every 30 days until you cancel. But it’s merely a subscription trap, it’s hidden in the terms and conditions which a lot of people overlook.
How Does The Scam Work
The scam advertises free Le Creuset cookware on Facebook,TikTok and Instagram using fake celebrity endorsements. The links attached leads you to new websites.
On this fake news site, people are asked to fill out a survey to join a giveaway. The survey is actually a trick to collect your personal details. Another part of the scam, you will be refuted etc to prizequestcentral.com where you are asked to claim your prize by entering personal details
What Happens When I Click The Link
The link leads you to websites that secretly charge money for the cookware set. At the end of the day, the only thing you’ll receive is a debit alert. The scam asks for your details, claiming it’s needed to send you the ‘prize.’ They may also ask for a small shipping fee to make it seem real.
The terms and conditions on prizequestcentral.com are part of the scam. They trick you into agreeing to a big subscription fee. You’ll be charged $179.84 once when you sign up and then $179.84 every month.
What to Do If You Receive This Scam Text
If you receive a text message with this scam, do not click on the link or enter any personal information. Instead, report the scam and delete the message.
If You’ve Entered Your Information
If you have visited this fake website or entered your information, take action to protect yourself:
- Notify Your Bank: Let them know about the scam.
- Monitor Your Accounts: Watch for any suspicious activity.
- Report the Incident: Inform the real Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority.
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