FACT CHECK: Link to fast food chain’s P7,000 ‘Christmas gift’ is fake
Claim: Fast food chain Jollibee is giving away a P7,000 Christmas gift for those who complete an online survey.
Rating: FALSE
Why we fact-checked this: The link to the surveys has been making the rounds on Facebook Messenger, enticing people to disclose personal information that could be exploited for phishing and other fraudulent schemes.
After completing the online survey, users are asked to submit their personal details, including name, age, and phone number, to qualify for the alleged P7,000 Christmas gift.
The facts: Jollibee‘s official and verified Facebook account posted an advisory on Monday, December 2, debunking the fake posts.
“We wish to advise the public to be cautious of fraudulent online promos currently circulating that use the Jollibee trademarks without our permission,” the post read.
It added: “To all our customers, please be informed and share with your contacts to protect yourselves against misinformation and attempts to solicit your personal information. Official promo announcements are posted only on Jollibee’s social media pages, websites, and the Jollibee Delivery App.”
Phishing risk: The link to the supposed Christmas gift leads users to an online questionnaire, not the fast food chain’s official website.
On closer look, the fraudulent website’s address only contains a series of characters and numbers without any mention of the fast food chain. Link checker Virus Total flagged the link as malicious. Completing the form may put users’ financial and personal information at risk. (READ: Phishing 101: How to spot and avoid phishing)
Fact checks: Rappler has previously debunked claims from dubious websites claiming to offer cash giveaways, with many of these false claims surfacing during the holiday season:
- FACT CHECK: Online link for P7,000 Petron subsidy is fake
- FACT CHECK: ‘SM Christmas Gift’ link is a phishing website
- FACT CHECK: DSWD ‘Christmas Bonus’ post, registration form are fake
- FACT CHECK: Link to P7,000 SM Supermall Christmas gift is fake
- FACT CHECK: DSWD ‘Christmas bonus’ post, registration form are fake
– Owenh Jake Toledo/Rappler.com
Owenh Jake Toledo is a graduate of Rappler’s fact-checking mentorship program. This fact check was reviewed by a member of Rappler’s research team and a senior editor. Learn more about Rappler’s fact-checking mentorship program here.
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