Unmasking the Walmart $1000 Gift Card pop-up Scam

Walmart $1000 Gift Card pop-up Scam Overview

When you’re online, you might see ads promising free $1000 Walmart gift cards. They claim it’s a reward for your loyalty, but it’s actually a tricky scam. This scam takes advantage of Walmart’s good name and loyalty programs using fake pop-up ads that take you to fake websites.

These fake ads pretend Walmart is generously giving away $1000 gift cards to random “loyal” customers. But it’s not true. Instead, it’s a sneaky way for scammers to get your personal info, put harmful software on your device, or trick you into paying for subscriptions you never wanted. They use psychological tricks and technical tactics to trick people.

The pop-up ads show a countdown, saying it’s a limited-time offer to pressure you into acting fast. They use official logos and branding to seem real, making you think it’s legit based on your past purchases.

But in reality, these pop-ups target anyone randomly, not just loyal customers. Their goal is to make people click impulsively, not to actually reward loyalty.

If you click on the ad, it takes you through different websites with fancy loading animations before landing on the final fake site. This confuses you, making it harder to see that it’s a scam.

Once you’re on the fake site, they ask for a lot of personal info to “confirm eligibility” for the prize. Fake chat boxes act like Walmart helpers to pressure you into giving more details. Unfortunately, all this info goes to fraudsters, not any real reward program. These hackers sell your personal data on the dark web.

After getting your information, the pop-ups ask for credit card details, claiming it’s for small shipping fees on the $1000 gift cards. But the real plan is to secretly sign you up for subscriptions that cost more than $100 each month, using your stolen financial data.

Straightforwardly, those tempting $1000 Walmart gift card ads are a trap. They use fake promises, fake websites, and tricky tactics to steal your personal and financial information, leaving you at risk of fraud and unwanted charges. So, be careful online and avoid falling for these scams.

Red Flags of Walmart $1000 Gift Card pop-up Scam

To avoid falling for fake Walmart $1000 Gift Card pop-up ads, watch out for some telltale signs:

• No prior sign-up required: Legitimate rewards come through signing up or entering contests, not randomly targeting people. Be cautious if the prize seems to come out of the blue.
• Sends to unverified websites: Real Walmart sites have official branding in their web addresses. If you’re sent to a different site, it’s likely a scam.
• Intense promotional urgency: If they claim the offer is expiring or running out quickly, they’re playing on your emotions. Legitimate offers are honest about their limitations.
• Immediate payment demands: If they ask for money for processing, delivery, or taxes to get a supposedly free gift card, it’s likely a scam. Legit free rewards don’t require any upfront payment.

Avoiding Walmart Gift Card Pop-Up Scams

To defend against sneaky pop-up scams, it’s crucial to understand our human tendencies. When we’re feeling intense emotions, we’re more likely to ignore common sense. To counter this, follow these steps:

1. Avoid Tempting Offers: If a message makes you feel strong emotions like fear or excitement, delete it without hesitation. This gives you space to think more clearly and judge the offer objectively.
2. Turn Off Pop-Ups: Use browser extensions that stop annoying pop-ups. This helps create a safer online experience by reducing distractions that could hide potential threats.
3. Check Redirect Chains: Be careful when clicking links on websites. Pay attention to any changes in the website address and make sure you know where you’re going before entering any information.

Remember, offers that push you to act impulsively rather than making informed decisions are likely to be scams. Taking a moment to think before clicking helps protect you from online manipulations and keeps you safer while browsing.

Spotting the Walmart Gift Card Scam on Social Media

Here’s how to spot their tricks on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok:

Facebook Scams:

• Clickbait Headlines: Watch out for posts with catchy titles like “How She Got $1000 in Free Walmart Gift Cards.” These are designed to grab attention but often lack real information.
• Third-Party Sites: Be skeptical if ads link to domains that don’t match official Walmart URLs. External sites could be risky.
• Suspicious Video Testimonials: Check profiles of people endorsing gift card offers. If they have few friends or new accounts with no personal content, it’s likely not genuine.

Instagram Gift Card Scams:

• Incentivized Captions: Be cautious if unrelated accounts tell followers to click links for prizes. Legitimate giveaways don’t need such tactics.
• Artificially Boosted Metrics: Scammers may use bots to inflate likes and views, creating a false sense of legitimacy.
• Reposts of Viral Content: Instagram rewards trends, even if they’re not genuine. Chains spreading gift card promises boost visibility quickly.

TikTok Walmart Gift Cons:

• No Previous Content: If regular users suddenly offer $1000 gift card codes without context, it’s suspicious.
• Bot-Like Comments: Scammers use auto-commenting tools to deflect skeptics. Watch for unnatural volumes and timing of replies.
• Link Restrictions: TikTok may restrict outbound links, but scammers still claim prizes in captions. Be cautious with ambiguous claims.

The allure of easy money persists due to social proof and visibility scammers create. Before trusting content tied to financial gains, check credentials for legitimacy. Scams thrive on eye-catching headlines, tricky redirects, and inflated numbers, so always be cautious online and think twice before engaging with offers that seem too good to be true.

Spotting Scam Websites: Quick Tips

1. New Website Domain: Be wary if the website’s domain is recently registered. Scammers often set up shop quickly.
2. Picture Perfect Deception: If the product images seem too good to be true, they probably are. Scam sites often swipe photos from elsewhere.
3. Lonely Website: If the site doesn’t get many visitors, it’s a red flag. Legit sites usually attract more attention.
4. Crazy Discounts: Unrealistically low prices should raise alarms. Scammers use huge discounts to lure you in.
5. Social Media Ghosts: If the site is nearly invisible on social media, be cautious. Legitimate businesses usually engage with customers online.
6. Silent Customers: Lack of genuine customer feedback is suspicious. Real reviews help build trust; scammers avoid them.

Things to do if fallen victim to the Walmart $1000 Gift Card pop-up Scam:

If you have been deceived by the Walmart $1000 Gift Card pop-up Scam, it is crucial to promptly safeguard yourself and your finances. Follow these steps to mitigate the impact of the scam and protect your assets:

1. Notify the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) about the scam by visiting their website at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/. Additionally, consider lodging a complaint with your state attorney general’s office or local consumer protection agency to ensure appropriate action is taken against the scammers.
2. File a report about the scam with the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) through their website at https://www.ic3.gov/. The IC3 is a collaborative effort between the FBI and the National White Collar Crime Center, dedicated to collecting and assessing complaints related to online fraud.
3. Submit a report to Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok and mark the ads as misleading or deceptive.
4. Reach out to your bank or credit card company without delay and inform them about the fraudulent transaction. Request the cancellation of your card and the issuance of a new one. Explore the possibility of disputing the charge to secure a potential refund.
5. Immediately update your passwords and PINs for all your online accounts, particularly if you have used the same credentials on the fraudulent website. This ensures added security and minimizes the risk of unauthorized access.
6. Regularly keep an eye on your credit reports and bank statements to detect any signs of suspicious transactions or unauthorized charges.
7. If you have concerns about malware infecting your device, conduct a scan using the SpyHunter 5 Anti-Malware software for potential threats.

Threat Summary

Name: Walmart $1000 Gift Card pop-up Scam

Category: Scam

Features: Aims to deceive users into providing their personal and sensitive information like credit card details, address, phone number, and social security number.

Danger Level: Medium

Damage: Victims may have severe consequences, such as identity theft, fraud, and other malicious activities.

Symptoms: The unwanted application can cause several adverse effects, such as displaying intrusive pop-up ads and slowing down internet browsing. The threat can manipulate the settings of an internet browser. This manipulation forces users to visit the hijacker’s website and conduct internet searches using their search engine.

Distribution: Browser hijackers or adware such as Walmart $1000 Gift Card pop-up Scam can spread through deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers that are bundled with malware, and fake Flash Player installers.

Removal: To remove the threat, scan your system with powerful SpyHunter anti-malware software

What is the purpose of Walmart $1000 Gift Card pop-up Scam?

The purpose of adware or browser hijacker is to generate revenue through targeted advertising. It collects user data, such as browsing habits and preferences, to deliver personalized ads. By bombarding users with ads, the unwanted program aims to increase the chances of users clicking on them, leading to potential revenue for its developers.

While adware is primarily an annoyance and can compromise user privacy, it is often a means for companies to monetize free software and services without directly charging users. The primary objective of a browser hijacker is to promote certain websites, generate traffic, and potentially earn revenue through advertising or other means by exploiting the user’s browsing experience without their consent.

How does PUP end up on users’ devices?

Devices can fall victim to browser hijackers or adware through the download of infected files, malevolent email attachments, or visits to compromised websites. These hijacking tools may be bundled within browser extensions or included as part of software packages. Additionally, browser based threats can stem from shareware, freeware, or spyware infections, further expanding their potential sources of origin.

Potentially unwanted programs like Walmart $1000 Gift Card pop-up Scam often find their way onto users’ devices unintentionally, as users can be deceived into unknowingly downloading them. This can occur when users agree to an extra download mentioned in the terms and conditions of software installation. Another tactic involves misleading users with a choice to decline the installation of the browser hijacker software, but the wording deliberately confuses them, resulting in the inadvertent download. Once installed, PUP initiates its malicious actions by manipulating the user’s browser activities through embedded malevolent code.

What are the impacts of Walmart $1000 Gift Card pop-up Scam infection?

Browser hijacking refers to the unauthorized modification of web browser’s settings or behavior by malicious software or websites.  It can have various impacts on users and their browsing experience. Here are some common impacts of browser hijacking:

1. Altered homepage and search engine: Hijackers often change the default homepage and search engine settings of a browser to redirect users to a different website. This can disrupt the user’s browsing routine and make it challenging to find the desired information.
2. Unwanted browser extensions: Browser hijackers or adware may install malicious or unwanted browser extensions without the user’s consent. These extensions can inject ads, track browsing activities, or collect personal information, compromising primacy and security.
3. Increased exposure to ads: Hijacked browsers often display an excessive number of pop-up ads, banners ads, or in-text ads. This flood of advertisements not only annoys users but can also slow down browsing speed and consume bandwidth.
4. Tracking and data collection: Browser-based infections like Walmart $1000 Gift Card pop-up Scam employ tracking mechanisms to monitor users’ online activities, including websites visited, search queries, and personal information entered on web forms. This information can be used for targeted advertising or sold to third-parties without the user’s consent.

What problems Walmart $1000 Gift Card pop-up Scam can cause?

This undesirable application can cause instability in web browsers by modifying critical settings, introducing incompatible software, or consuming system resources. Users may experience frequent crashes, slow performance, or unresponsiveness while browsing. In more severe cases, browsing hijacking can lead to unauthorized access to online accounts. PUPs may attempt to steal login credentials, financial information, or other sensitive data, putting users at risk of identity theft or fraud.

Furthermore, browser hijacking can be a part of a larger malware infection. In such cases, adware or hijacker may serve as a gateway for other malicious software, such as ransomware, keyloggers, or spyware, further compromising the user’s system and data. Also, browser-based threats with data collection abilities can cause severe problems. They can gather sensitive information such as login credentials, financial data, and personal details, leading to identity theft and fraud. The collected data may also be sold to third parties, compromising user privacy. Additionally, targeted advertising based on the collected information can result in a flood of intrusive and potentially malicious ads.

How can I know if I have an adware or browser hijacker?

If you have an adware or browser hijacker, such as Walmart $1000 Gift Card pop-up Scam installed on your device, you may notice a few clear indications. Users need to exercise caution if they encounter any of the following signs, as it could suggest their system is compromised.

• If users find that their default homepage or preferred search engine has been substituted without their authorization, they should be on high alert.
• If users notice that their search queries are being rerouted to unfamiliar websites, it’s important for them to be cautious and aware of this redirection behavior.
• When users are bombarded with an excessive number of intrusive pop-up ads appearing frequently, they should be cautious and wary of the abundance of unsolicited advertisements.
• If users experience delays in the loading of webpages, where the content takes an unusually long time to appear, it is important for them to remain vigilant and take note of this sluggish performance.
• Should users notice the sudden appearance of unauthorized toolbars on their internet browser, it is crucial for them to exercise caution and be mindful of these unapproved additions.

Antimalware Details And User Guide

Click Here For Windows Click Here For Mac

Important Note: This malware asks you to enable the web browser notifications. So, before you go the manual removal process, execute these steps.

Google Chrome (PC)

• Go to right upper corner of the screen and click on three dots to open the Menu button
• Select “Settings”. Scroll the mouse downward to choose “Advanced” option
• Go to “Privacy and Security” section by scrolling downward and then select “Content settings” and then “Notification” option
• Find each suspicious URLs and click on three dots on the right side and choose “Block” or “Remove” option

Google Chrome (Android)

• Go to right upper corner of the screen and click on three dots to open the menu button and then click on “Settings”
• Scroll down further to click on “site settings” and then press on “notifications” option
• In the newly opened window, choose each suspicious URLs one by one
• In the permission section, select “notification” and “Off” the toggle button

Mozilla Firefox

• On the right corner of the screen, you will notice three dots which is the “Menu” button
• Select “Options” and choose “Privacy and Security” in the toolbar present in the left side of the screen
• Slowly scroll down and go to “Permission” section then choose “Settings” option next to “Notifications”
• In the newly opened window, select all the suspicious URLs. Click on the drop-down menu and select “Block”

Internet Explorer

• In the Internet Explorer window, select the Gear button present on the right corner
• Choose “Internet Options”
• Select “Privacy” tab and then “Settings” under the “Pop-up Blocker” section
• Select all the suspicious URLs one by one and click on the “Remove” option

Microsoft Edge

• Open the Microsoft Edge and click on the three dots on the right corner of the screen to open the menu
• Scroll down and select “Settings”
• Scroll down further to choose “view advanced settings”
• In the “Website Permission” option, click on “Manage” option
• Click on switch under every suspicious URL

Safari (Mac):

• On the upper right side corner, click on “Safari” and then select “Preferences”
• Go to “website” tab and then choose “Notification” section on the left pane
• Search for the suspicious URLs and choose “Deny” option for each one of them

Manual Steps to Remove Walmart $1000 Gift Card pop-up Scam:

Remove the related items of Walmart $1000 Gift Card pop-up Scam using Control-Panel

Windows 7 Users

Click “Start” (the windows logo at the bottom left corner of the desktop screen), select “Control Panel”. Locate the “Programs” and then followed by clicking on “Uninstall Program”

Windows XP Users

Click “Start” and then choose “Settings” and then click “Control Panel”. Search and click on “Add or Remove Program’ option

Windows 10 and 8 Users:

Go to the lower left corner of the screen and right-click. In the “Quick Access” menu, choose “Control Panel”. In the newly opened window, choose “Program and Features”

Mac OSX Users

Click on “Finder” option. Choose “Application” in the newly opened screen. In the “Application” folder, drag the app to “Trash”. Right click on the Trash icon and then click on “Empty Trash”.

In the uninstall programs window, search for the PUAs. Choose all the unwanted and suspicious entries and click on “Uninstall” or “Remove”.

After you uninstall all the potentially unwanted program causing Walmart $1000 Gift Card pop-up Scam issues, scan your computer with an anti-malware tool for any remaining PUPs and PUAs or possible malware infection. To scan the PC, use the recommended the anti-malware tool.

How to Remove Adware (Walmart $1000 Gift Card pop-up Scam) from Internet Browsers

Delete malicious add-ons and extensions from IE

Click on the gear icon at the top right corner of Internet Explorer. Select “Manage Add-ons”. Search for any recently installed plug-ins or add-ons and click on “Remove”.

Additional Option

If you still face issues related to Walmart $1000 Gift Card pop-up Scam removal, you can reset the Internet Explorer to its default setting.

Windows XP users: Press on “Start” and click “Run”. In the newly opened window, type “inetcpl.cpl” and click on the “Advanced” tab and then press on “Reset”.

Windows Vista and Windows 7 Users: Press the Windows logo, type inetcpl.cpl in the start search box and press enter.  In the newly opened window, click on the “Advanced Tab” followed by “Reset” button.

For Windows 8 Users: Open IE and click on the “gear” icon. Choose “Internet Options”

Select the “Advanced” tab in the newly opened window

Press on “Reset” option

You have to press on the “Reset” button again to confirm that you really want to reset the IE

Remove Doubtful and Harmful Extension from Google Chrome

Go to menu of Google Chrome by pressing on three vertical dots and select on “More tools” and then “Extensions”. You can search for all the recently installed add-ons and remove all of them.

Optional Method

If the problems related to Walmart $1000 Gift Card pop-up Scam still persists or you face any issue in removing, then it is advised that your reset the Google Chrome browse settings. Go to three dotted points at the top right corner and choose “Settings”. Scroll down bottom and click on “Advanced”.

At the bottom, notice the “Reset” option and click on it.

In the next opened window, confirm that you want to reset the Google Chrome settings by click on the “Reset” button.

Remove Walmart $1000 Gift Card pop-up Scam plugins (including all other doubtful plug-ins) from Firefox Mozilla

Open the Firefox menu and select “Add-ons”. Click “Extensions”.  Select all the recently installed browser plug-ins.

Optional Method

If you face problems in Walmart $1000 Gift Card pop-up Scam removal then you have the option to rese the settings of Mozilla Firefox.

Open the browser (Mozilla Firefox) and click on the “menu” and then click on “Help”.

Choose “Troubleshooting Information”

In the newly opened pop-up window, click “Refresh Firefox” button

The next step is to confirm that really want to reset the Mozilla Firefox settings to its default by clicking on “Refresh Firefox” button.

Remove Malicious Extension from Safari

Open the Safari and go to its “Menu” and select “Preferences”.

Click on the “Extension” and select all the recently installed “Extensions” and then click on “Uninstall”.

Optional Method

Open the “Safari” and go menu. In the drop-down menu, choose “Clear History and Website Data”.

In the newly opened window, select “All History” and then press on “Clear History” option.

Delete Walmart $1000 Gift Card pop-up Scam (malicious add-ons) from Microsoft Edge

Open Microsoft Edge and go to three horizontal dot icons at the top right corner of the browser. Select all the recently installed extensions and right click on the mouse to “uninstall”

Optional Method

Open the browser (Microsoft Edge) and select “Settings”

Next steps is to click on “Choose what to clear” button

Click on “show more” and then select everything and then press on “Clear” button.

How to prevent Walmart $1000 Gift Card pop-up Scam infection?

There are multiple measures to safeguard against browser hijacking or adware infection:

1. Be cautious when downloading software. Browser-based parasite, such as Walmart $1000 Gift Card pop-up Scam often disguises itself as legitimate software, so carefully read all terms, conditions, and end user licensing agreements before downloading any programs.
2. Avoid running freeware programs that may unpack software during installation. Prior to installing any software, review the download settings to ensure no unwanted software is included.
3. Exercise caution when encountering suspicious links. Refrain from clicking on email links, messages, or pop-up boxes from unfamiliar senders, as they may trigger the download of browser hijackers or adware.
4. Keep your operating system (OS) and browser up to date. Regularly applying OS and browser patches is vital to prevent hijacking attacks, as attackers often exploit known vulnerabilities. Updating software closes these potential entry points.
5. Utilize antivirus software. Install reliable antivirus software and keep it updated with the latest patches. It offers protection against browser hijacking, notifying users in real-time if downloaded software attempts to modify browser settings. Certain antivirus software empowers users to block such alterations.

By following these steps, you can minimize the risk of potentially unwanted program intrusion and keep your PC system safe and secure.

Conclusion:

To sum up, Walmart $1000 Gift Card pop-up Scam can cause significant problems for computer users, including unwanted browser redirects, changes to homepage and search engine settings, and even the installation of additional malware. These infections typically result from downloading and installing software from untrusted sources or clicking on suspicious links. To prevent browser hijackers or adware, it is important to be cautious when downloading and installing software, use reputable antivirus tool, and keep browsers and operating systems updated with the latest security patches.

Related FAQs about Walmart $1000 Gift Card pop-up Scam

What are the Symptoms of Browser-hijacker (Walmart $1000 Gift Card pop-up Scam)?

The common symptoms of Walmart $1000 Gift Card pop-up Scam infection include changes to the default homepage and search engine, unwanted toolbars and extensions, pop-up ads, and redirects to unfamiliar websites. Additionally, the browser may slow down or crash frequently, and search results may be manipulated or irrelevant to the query.

What Should I do if my PC gets infected with virus like Walmart $1000 Gift Card pop-up Scam?

If your computer is infected with this browser-based threat, you should immediately run a virus scan using reputable antivirus software. If the software detects the malware, you should follow the removal instructions provided by it to eliminate the infection and restore your browser settings to default.

How can I protect my password and other personal credentials from Walmart $1000 Gift Card pop-up Scam?

To protect your password and other sensitive information from Walmart $1000 Gift Card pop-up Scam, you should employ reputable antivirus suite, enable two-factor authentication on all accounts, and use strong and unique passwords for each account. Also, you should avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading software from untrusted sources.

Why I should trust your research conducted on Walmart $1000 Gift Card pop-up Scam?

It’s important to mention that our research is conducted independently and with the assistance of unbiased security experts, who provide us with daily updates on the latest definitions and threats related to malware, adware, and browser hijackers. Moreover, our study on the Walmart $1000 Gift Card pop-up Scam threat is supported by VirusTotal.