Kroger Warns of ‘Free Check’ Scam on Facebook
The original site is no longer online; links go to the Internet Archive copy.
What the fact-checkers found
US retailer Kroger is warning Facebook users about a new scam that is supposedly offering a free check valued at $50 to “everyone”.
The scam circulates as a Facebook post featuring a photograph of one of the supposed $50 checks. People who click the post in the hope of getting their check will first be asked to spam all of their friends with the same fake giveaway.
Then, they will be told that they must click a link complete a survey before receiving their free check.
Once on the survey website, they will be asked to supply their name and contact information. But, alas, the information victims supply will be shared with unscrupulous marketing companies who will inundate them with unwanted phone calls, text messages, emails, and letters.
Meanwhile, the scammers who created the fake giveaway will earn commissions each time somebody provides information on one of the survey sites.
Of course, the post has no connection to Kroger and those who participate will never get the promised checks.
Here is the scam warning from the official Kroger Facebook Page:
This type of scam is very common, although scammers more usually claim to be giving away coupons or vouchers rather than checks.
Got a similar message?
Paste it into the detector and see whether it matches a known hoax.
Check a similar messageRelated fact-checks
Browse the archive →Kroger ‘Free $100 Coupon To Everyone’ Facebook Scam
Yet another store coupon survey scam is currently hitting Facebook. This version claims that you can click to get a coupon worth $100 from US retailer Kroger.
Kroger ‘Free $80 Gift Card’ Facebook Survey Scam
The post is fraudulent. It is not associated with Kroger and no gift cards are being given away. The post is a scam designed to trick you into spamming your friends and supplying your personal information via dodgy survey websites.
Kroger Club $200 Black Friday Coupon Scam Hitting Facebook
A post currently circulating on Facebook is claiming that US retailer Kroger is giving every family a $200 off coupon as a means of celebrating Black Friday.
Craigslist Overpayment Scam Warning Message
This story was first published on April 23, 2013