A scam is spreading quickly on WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram. It claims that Cadbury is giving away a “Christmas Magic Chocolate Hamper.” Some people even see their name or home address included in the message. Scammers may be using information taken from old data breaches to make the message feel more personal and convincing. However, the giveaway is completely fake.
When people click the link in the message, they are taken to a website that is not connected to Cadbury at all. Here’s what happens if you click the link:
• You are asked to answer a short quiz or survey
• You play a “Choose Your Gift Box” game, which is rigged so you always win
• To claim your prize, you must forward the message to your contacts
• You are asked to share personal details like your name, address, phone number, and email
• They may also ask for your credit card details for a fake “small delivery fee”
Scammers often sell this data to third parties or use it to target people with more scams in the future. These follow-up scams can appear weeks, months, or even years later, and may be designed to steal money or even more sensitive information.
It’s important to know that Cadbury does run real Christmas giveaways every year. However, the genuine competitions are only shared through their official website (https://www.cadbury.co.uk/explore/promotions/competitions/) or verified social media accounts. Any giveaway arriving through an unexpected WhatsApp message or random link is not genuine.
There are some simple ways to spot the fake scam messages. Look for these red flags:
• The website link is not from cadbury.co.uk
• The message pressures you to share it
• The offer sounds too good to be true
• You did not expect the message
• It asks for payment or credit card details
If you receive one of these fake Cadbury messages, even if it comes from someone you know, it’s best to assume it’s a scam. The person who sent it may not realise that they have shared something harmful. Let friends and family know about these scams so they can avoid them too.
The Scam may look like:
Do not click the link. You can delete the message or report the sender in WhatsApp by opening the chat, tapping their name, and selecting “Report” and “Block.”
Stay safe online this Christmas.