Heineken beer scam: WhatsApp users warned over Father's Day phishing attempt

15 June 2022, 14:47

Heineken has denounced a phishing attempt using its brand
Heineken has denounced a phishing attempt using its brand. Picture: Alamy

By Will Taylor

A warning over a fake Heineken competition that is scamming WhatsApp users has been issued ahead of Father's Day.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

A message sent on the platform tells people they can win free beer for Sunday.

They are given the chance to win one of 5,000 coolers packed with beer and have to tap a link to take part in the fake competition.

But it is actually phishing attempt, a ploy designed to try and obtain sensitive information like bank details.

Dutch brewing company Heineken warned: "We're aware of the current phishing scam circulating through social networks, which is not sanctioned by Heineken. We have alerted the relevant authorities."

Online Threat Alerts said: "The scam tricks potential victims into visiting phishing, spam, and malicious websites that steal personal information, and account credentials.

"The scam may also trick potential victims into signing up for unwanted services.

Heineken has issued a warning about a phishing attempt
Heineken has issued a warning about a phishing attempt. Picture: Alamy

"If the link in the fake post is clicked, potential victims will be taken to the fraudulent website.

"The website is being used in phishing and scamming campaigns which are setup by cybercriminals that actively lure unaware users into traps that claim to offer vouchers."

Advice provided by which.com said: "Never click on links in messages as scammers can use URLs to download malware onto your device or take you to a website that will try to steal your personal and bank details.

"If you have clicked on a suspicious link and think you may have given your details away to a scam, you should contact your bank immediately and report the scam to Action Fraud, or the police if you live in Scotland.

"You should also be wary of any unexpected calls claiming to be from your bank or its fraud department. Reporting scam messages If you receive a random text or WhatsApp message from a brand that you discover is fraudulent, open up the WhatsApp chat from the unknown number, open the sender's contact details and select 'Block and Report'.

Read more: Scam warning as cold-callers pretend to offer £150 energy bill rebate

"You can report suspicious text messages to 7726, a free spam reporting service, as well as to the company the text was claiming to be from."

It follows a cost of living scam that involved crooks calling up people to ask for their bank details so as to receive a £150 rebate on their energy bills.

Although the Government is implementing help, it will not be rolled out like that.

Scammers targeted households in band A and D, which were in line for Government support.

To report a scam, call Action Fraud 0300 123 2040.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

File photo of Broadway Market, where the attack took place

Horror as 'man doused in bleach' in busy Hackney market with manhunt underway and attacker still at loose

Former Met Police officer David Carrick pleads not guilty to string of sex attacks including indecent assault against teen

Former Met Police officer David Carrick pleads not guilty to sex attacks including indecent assault against teen

Jack Bradley took part in the failed ram raid

Moment drug addict in 4x4 rams Tesco superstore in failed bid to steal safe, with terrified staff still inside shop

ZM712, a Boeing Apache AH2 operated by the UK's Army Air Corps, departing from RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, England after participating in the Royal International Air Tattoo 2024 (RIAT24).

Drunken soldiers' caught during Apache cockpit romp spark military safety review

Eva Longoria, a Texas native, has said she is 'done' with the US after Trump's second election win

Eva Longoria reveals she has fled 'dystopian' America as Trump names radical right wing cabinet

Dog-free zones should be introduced to tackle racism, the Welsh government has been told.

Dog-free zones needed in countryside to tackle racism, Welsh government told

A 'major' suspected people smugger has been arrested in Amsterdam

'Major' Turkish supplier of small boats for Channel migrant crossings arrested as 'British FBI' swoop in airport

Clifton Suspension Bridge has quit Elon Musk's X after 15 years on the site.

Clifton suspension bridge dramatically departs from Twitter sparking wave of online jokes

Exclusive
Students take gap years and ‘neglect studies’ as survey suggests Edinburgh rents skyrocketed by nearly two thirds in a year.

Students take gap years and ‘neglect studies’ as survey suggests Edinburgh rents skyrocketed by nearly two thirds in a year

Two Just Stop Oil protesters charged over June's incident

Two Just Stop Oil activists charged after orange paint thrown over Stonehenge

Man arrested after reports of person carrying knives outside Houses of Parliament

Man charged with carrying offensive weapons after 'knife' incident near Parliament

Exclusive
Michael Harris died in an e-scooter crash

'My best friend was killed in an e-scooter crash - I'm urging the government not to legalise them for use on roads'

Hilkiah McLeggan, 77, from Southwark, was pronounced dead at the scene in East Street, Walworth.

First picture of Walworth market 'knife rampage' victim as suspect appears in court

Police at Gainsborough Care Home in Swanage where three people died and seven people were taken to hospital

Woman arrested over Dorset care home deaths released without charge

Donald Trump with Matt Gaetz

Trump's pick for US attorney-general faced sex-trafficking investigation by department he's now set to lead

The King is celebrating his 76th birthday

William and Kate 'wish very Happy Birthday to His Majesty The King!' as Charles celebrates turning 76