SPAR survey scam plagues WhatsApp
The local retailer has urged WhatsApp users to ignore and delete the hoax message.
DOZENS of Durban North residents have already fallen prey to the latest social media scam to hit the WhatsApp platform. While not a victim herself, Durban North resident, Kerry Haylett, recently turned the Durban North Neighbour’s Facebook page to warn fellow residents.
The scam claims to be part of a SPAR initiative and urges people to click on a link in order to complete a survey. Before completing the survey they are also asked to share the fictitious details with ten friends. Upon completing all of the prompts, the individual will supposedly qualify for a R5 000 voucher.
However, instead of qualifying for a voucher, the unsuspecting victim is inadvertently subscribed to an automatic daily subscription service, which deducts R7 from his or her cellphone bill.
SPAR’s group merchandise executive, Mike Prentice, confirmed today that the message is a hoax and is not in any way affiliated with the popular retail store. He has urged the public not to click on the link and to immediately delete the message.
“It is quite disconcerting as we cannot do a lot to stop it. We have attempted to trace it, but have come up empty-handed. This is the type of scam that major banks have been dealing with for many years and there is no way of shutting them down permanently. The best defense is to communicate and warn as many people as possible,” he said.
Victims of the scam can contact their cellphone service provider to block these unwanted subscription services.
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