This little Hoax and Scam goes all the way back to August of 2010.
I got the call late in the afternoon. The caller was very excited and I could hear him jumping up and down on the other end of the line…
You Don’t Have To Be A Genius To Get Caught
I have known this man for over a decade now – Highly educated, very respected in his community, and calling me about a $1000 Walmart Shopping Spree Gift Card. He’s over 80 years old, and does some heavy Keno playing in his home town of Reno Nv.
He is over 80 years old however, and not really “in the know”
When In Doubt, Google It Out
I had never heard of this Hoax/Scam before, but it’s the holiday season, so it’s best to check things out.
I immediately opened Google in a browser and typed in “Walmart $1000 Gift Card” and the first site up confirmed it for me – “Walmart $1,000 Gift Card/Certificate Fraudulent E-mail Offer” …
Just to be sure, I also Googled up “free $1000 walmart gift card” – and what do you know – Another string of confirmation that this is a Hoax / Scam!
Protect The Innocent
Bottom line, If It’s Too Good To Be True – It Probably IS Too Good To Be True!
Keep an eye on your children and aging parents. It is easy for them to be fooled on the internet.
List Of Suggested Hoax / Scam Detection And Information Sites
Here are just a few of the sites I have used in the past to check potential Hoaxes or Scams.
Honestly, I do not rely on any one source. I look for the ‘trend’ – When there are lots of reports that the ‘offer’ is a Hoax or Scam, then there is no question.
BE AWARE – That mixed in with the Hoax / Scam reports are other Hoaxes and Scams that may get some people to think that these sites are legit!
When I see 3 sites that report a Hoax or Scam, then I know that the others are most likely the Hoax or Scam >Originator< working to make you think that these are legit offers!
Personally, I have had too much experience talking to people who have had full blow Identity Theft happen to them to ever take a chance on the Internet!
Back to my 80-year-old winner of the Walmart $1000 Gift Card – I did convince him to call Walmart to assure that this was a real offer, and they sent him to the Walmart Corporate Fraud page I linked in above.
He was sad to lose the deal, but happy he didn’t fall for it!
Till we talk again, Be Safe Out There!
AND - Merry Christmas!
Patrick Seeber . President of Seeber Consulting .