Beware of Facebook Scam Ads Targeting Fijians with Fake Prize Claims
In recent weeks, many Fijians have encountered alarming Facebook ads that promote fake lottery claims, falsely suggesting that locals are winning life-changing sums of money. These fraudulent ads exploit manipulated images and the recognition of a now-defunct UAE-based lottery brand to lure unsuspecting users into their traps.
The Outrageous Scam Unveiled
A Facebook page titled FJ Draws has emerged, misleadingly utilizing the branding of Mahzooz, a lottery that ceased operations on January 1, 2024. These deceptive ads frequently boast about individuals winning $FJ200,000, enticing potential victims to "apply quickly" through suspicious links. If you’re approached by such ads, it’s crucial to exercise caution.
In a riveting statement to AAP FactCheck, Mahzooz confirmed its total lack of affiliation with the page in question. This revelation should raise immediate red flags for anyone who stumbles upon these dubious claims.
Manipulated Images: A Closer Look
Each ad is accompanied by manipulated or AI-generated images showcasing supposed winners, further bolstering the deception.
- One ad features a man named Anania Daunoco, allegedly awarded $FJ200,000 to cover his father’s urgent surgery. The accompanying image depicts two men shaking hands over a massive cheque adorned with the Mahzooz logo. However, a reverse image search paints a different story, revealing that the original photo was taken from a 2022 Fiji Live article about a genuine donation to the Fiji Rugby Football Union Trust Board.
Another dubious claim showcases a cheque supposedly made out to Vilimone Tabaka. But a simple image search reveals that the original image stemmed from a donation event by the Rotaract Club of Suva to the Fiji Cancer Society.
Even the third manipulated image purportedly shows a $FJ200,000 victory for a certain Ulaiasi Raturaga, revealing a striking resemblance to a genuine photo published by The Fiji Times in 2023.
In addition to fake cheques, other ads feature AI-generated imagery laden with errors, such as distorted flags, which are typical pitfalls of artificial intelligence.
The Deceptive Links: A Closer Examination
Each of these scam ads directs users to a website masquerading as a legitimate lottery portal. Once there, users face a questionnaire designed to collect sensitive information, including their gender, the current prime minister’s name, and previous winnings.
Despite providing answers, users are misleadingly informed that they are eligible to claim a prize, only to be redirected to an entirely different website. This text redirects potential victims to phishing scams, where personal information may be harvested or malicious software might be downloaded.
How to Spot a Scam on Facebook
It’s essential to remain vigilant online. Here are some key red flags to help identify scam ads on Facebook:
- An urgent call to share the post widely
- No contact information provided
- Requests for users to send direct or private messages
- Vague details regarding the alleged giveaways
- Recently created accounts with no profile picture and limited friends
- Disabled comments, preventing others from alerting you
Stay Informed and Protect Yourself
As digital scams become increasingly sophisticated, it’s vital to stay informed. AAP FactCheck is an accredited member of the International Fact-Checking Network and dedicated to uncovering the truth behind various claims.
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Remember, awareness is your best shield against online scams. Always verify claims and trust your instincts—if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!
