Is Walt Disney World giving away free theme park tickets to Facebook users? The answer is no. The happiest place on Earth is not giving away free theme park tickets to those who like and share posts on Facebook. Instead, Facebook users who do this are falling for a form of sweepstakes scam.
While sweepstakes scams want users to pay to receive the prize, legitimate sweepstakes will never ask for payment to participate or to receive a prize. You should never have to pay handling charges, service fees, or any other kind of charges up front to receive a win. These are signs of sweepstakes scams.
For years now a scam alleging to provide free Disney theme park tickets to Facebook users who access a proffered link then enter their e-mail addresses and cell phone numbers has been spread by posts to social networking sites.
However, there is no legit offer from Disney for free theme park tickets, according to Snopes. What happens when you click on the link? Users will be led to a web page which is not operated or sponsored by Disney that asks them to provide personal information including address and telephone number.
Additionally, Snopes noted that these scams have the unfortunate user answer survey questions regarding various products and services. Finally, the sweepstakes scam has the user agree to receive multiple sales calls via text messaging and telephone even if they are on the official “Do Not Call” list.
Such “free giveaways” are not real but rather are sweepstakes scams meant to trick the social media users into revealing their personal information and signing up for expensive services. The Better Business Bureau provides this advice on avoiding being victimized by such scams:
- If you receive a questionable or unsolicited text message, check the URL or phone number for free on the Better Business Bureau website.
- Most financial institutions, utility, or other business will not communicate with you via text message. If you do not recognize the website or phone number being sent to you, don’t visit or call it.
- Don’t e-mail or text personal and financial information.
- Review your credit card and bank statements to make sure there are no unauthorized charges.