In March 2020, Facebook posts circulating online offered free coupons supposedly good for two free Big Mac Meals for a month from outlets of the McDonald’s fast food chain:
Users who clicked on the offer were taken to an external website where they were instructed to answer survey questions in order to receive their coupons:
McDonald's offers COVID-19 vaccine, free food at pop-up clinics. June 21, 2021, 11:44 AM. Would you like a Bic Mac with that COVID-19 vaccine? You can now get your shot AND free food at these Bay Area McDonald's locations. Our goal is to create a safe and engaging place for users to connect over interests and passions. 70's McDonalds commercial featuring the Big Mac Song. Two all beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions on a sesame seed bun! Mac for a Match. Our partners at McDonald's are rewarding Bulldogs fans with a free Big Mac for each home game we win! When the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs win a home game this season, everyone who attends the match receives a free Big Mac on the following Monday! All you have to do is present your match ticket or Membership card at any.
After completing the questionnaire, however, users were then required to click a button to share the “offer” with their Facebook friends before they could retrieve their coupons. Those who complied by spamming their friends were then allowed to click a “Receive the Coupon” button, but there was no actual coupon to receive.
Like innumerable other “free merchandise” offers on Facebook (including previous examples targeting McDonald’s customers), this offer was a common form of scam.
We’ve had many occasions to alert readers to this kind of fraud:
These types of viral “coupon” scams often involve websites and social media pages set up to mimic those of legitimate companies. Users who respond to those fake offers are required to share a website link or social media post in order to spread the scam more widely and lure in additional victims. Then those users are presented with a “survey” that extracts personal information such as email addresses, telephone numbers, dates of birth, and even sometimes credit card numbers. Finally, those who want to claim their “free” gift cards or coupons eventually learn they must first sign up to purchase a number of costly goods, services, or subscriptions.
The Better Business Bureau offers consumers several general tips to avoid getting scammed:
- Don’t believe what you see. It’s easy to steal the colors, logos, and header of any other established organization. Scammers can also make links look like they lead to legitimate websites and emails appear to come from a different sender.
- Legitimate businesses do not ask for credit card numbers or banking information for coupons or giveaways. If they do ask for personal information, like an address or email, be sure there’s a link to their privacy policy.
- When in doubt, do a quick web search. If the giveaway is a scam, this is likely to reveal an alert or bring you to the organization’s real website, where they may have posted further information.
- Watch out for a reward that’s too good to be true. Businesses typically give out small discounts to entice customers. If the offer seems too good to be true (a $100 voucher or 50% discount) it may be a scam.
- Look for a mismatched subject line and email body. Many of these scams have an email subject line promising one thing, but the content of the email is something completely different.
Match Day Itinerary
The nib Newcastle Knights will host the North Queensland Cowboys in Round 16 of the NRL on Saturday evening.
Due to the evolving COVID-19 situation in New South Wales, things will look a little different this week.
Here's everything you need to know about Game-Day at McDonald Jones Stadium.
Details
nib Newcastle Knights v North Queensland Cowboys
Date: Saturday, July 3
Gates open: 6:05pm Bluestacks could not start the engine mac.
NRL kick-off: 7:35pm
Fan Zone
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Knights Fan Zone (normally located in the carpark) will not be in operation this week.
We are hopeful the Fan Zone will return for our next home game, set to be against Canberra in Round 20.
COVID-19
The nib Newcastle Knights are closely monitoring and responding appropriately to the situation with Coronavirus (Covid-19) and advice provided by the NSW Government.
Big Mac Guy
The safety and wellbeing of our members, ticket holders and employees is of paramount importance and remains our top priority.
To protect the people of NSW from the evolving COVID-19 situation the NSW Government has imposed a 50 per cent seated capacity restriction to all outdoor seated, ticketed events.
Persons who reside or work in a hotspot area or who have been in the Greater Sydney area (including the Blue Mountains, Central Coast and Wollongong) will not be permitted entry as per NSW Health advice. View NSW Health Hotspot list.
Attendees will be required to practice good hygiene, social distancing and wear a face mask at all times while inside the venue.
Under the current public health order, face masks are mandatory in major recreation facilities including stadiums. It is the responsibility of each individual to provide their own fitted face mask. Entry to the stadium will not be permitted without a suitable face mask. For more information, please visit NSW Face Mask Rules.
We are committed to ensuring the highest possible standards are met so as to ensure members and fans can continue to attend matches this season.
We thank our valued Newcastle Knights members and supporters for your ongoing support.
Venue
Saints row the third adult mods. McDonald Jones Stadium
294 Turton Rd, Broadmeadow NSW 2292
Club Shop
Remember to use your Member discount when purchasing extra tickets from Ticketmaster, food and beverages at the stadium and merchandise from the Knights Club Shop.
The Knights Club Shop opens from 9am until NRL kick-off.
Whopper
Sign up to become a member now by clicking here!