HOAX: Another WhatsApp message on Burger King discount after McDonalds

After the WhatsApp Gold scam message in circulation, we also witnessed a hoax message on McDonalds giving out discount coupons as part of its birthday celebration. The message was a complete hoax and the scamster is making money on the number of people who fall for his trick. The message reads it as a survey where people need to answer a few questions and share the same to their friends on their WhatsApp list or groups. The message inherits a link, which takes you to a website with advertisements and after you finish answering the questions, you have to share the results with 10 – 20 people, after which you will be entitled to a Rs 900 coupon. Well, nothing happens after that. You simply clicked on the links, watched a few ads, spread the rumour to many more and got nothing out of it. the scamster minted some dough from the clicks you have given him.

Same was the case with WhatsApp Gold. The invitation message gives you a one-time offer to install WhatsApp Gold which has many features that WhatsApp does not reveal. This includes video calling too, which is now being tested by the WhatsApp development team. However, installing the third party application on your phone will also install malware apps and advertisement apps that will eventually be a win-win area for the scamster who released this message.

This time again, a message is flowing around which is with regards to Burger King. Especially aimed towards ignorant smartphone users, parents and kids, this WhatsApp message coaxes you into clicking for a discount voucher so that you could enjoy a free meal at the nearest outlet.

Don’t fall for such hoaxes as brands or companies never promote their offers on WhatsApp or any other instant messaging platform. They usually send out emails or have promotions on websites, advertisements or in local newspapers.

This is a classic example of social engineering, which is used in marketing and cyberattacks. The scam feeds on ignorant smartphone users who become victims to the scam and help spread the campaign.

We urge you not to click open any suspicious messages that you are unsure of. If you do so, you could be helping the scamster spread the message and make more money or hack into smartphones to steal users’ privacy.  Do not share these type of messages with anyone. Avoid providing any personal information in such cases. Use a security application or an antivirus to be protected by viruses and malware.

Also read: WhatsApp Gold Edition scam

Please share this article with all your friends and on groups so that they are aware of all the scams and hoax messages that they could receive in future. This will help defeat scamster and also protect your friends and family from unwanted consequences.