Millions of Facebook users warned over M&S ‘golden ticket giveaway’

FACEBOOK users have been warned not to fall for a tempting M&S offer that’s all just a big scam.

Hundreds of people fell for a post which claimed to offer a special “golden ticket”.

FacebookThankfully fact checkers have now flagged the fake giveaway[/caption]

The fake promotion promised 500 people they would receive £100 to spend at M&S Food if they like and share the post.

A second Facebook post sends people to a dodgy website where they can claim the non-existent prize.

Fortunately the scam was spotted and called out by Full Fact.

A warning banner now appears on both posts.

Several convincing images of people holding their special £100 voucher are used to lure users in.

But it turns out these are photos taken from M&S opening giveaways that took place years ago.

A rep for M&S confirmed to Full Fact that the posts are fake.

“We’ve investigated this and can confirm this is not a genuine deal,” they said.

“The images appear to have been taken without permission from local media articles of customers that have won real Golden Tickets that are given out on store opening days.”

You may be wondering how scammers gain from asking you to like and share a fake post.

Well, they can edit the post later, adding a dubious web link that could open you up to viruses and even trick you out of money.

By sharing the post, friends and family will think you’re endorsing it and may feel more inclined to click them.

Similar scams have been see countless times before.

Recently, we saw a fake free air-fryer offer claiming to be from Argos.

And there’s even been one offering free sausage rolls from Greggs.

So always be vigilant about offers you see on social media.

Check that it’s been posted from an official page.

And any websites they direct you to should also contain the official website address in it too.

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