NEW DELHI: If you are an avid WhatsApp user with a penchant for Adidas shoes: Beware! The messaging platform is under the radar of cyber criminals, who are trying to extract personal details of its users with the lure of free Adidas shoes.
A message which is circulating across the WhatsApp, Facebook-owned messaging app’s platform says that users can get a free pair of shoes from an international brand (Adidas) as the company is distributing many freebies on account of its anniversary.
The message reads: “Adidas is giving away 3,000 Free Pair of Shoes to celebrate its 93rd anniversary. Get your free shoes at:…” was reported in February but is still going viralon social media platforms.
This is nothing but a trap to lure the users to share their personal details on the platform.
Experts have warned unsuspecting users about the scam and cautioned against sharing personal details. The malicious message has already duped thousands, according to reports.
Adidas has confirmed that the message is a hoax. “We are aware of the WhatsApp message that is currently circulating claiming that Adidas is giving away free footwear and would like to caution the public about believing this, as it is definitely a hoax”, Lauren Haakman, Brand Communications and PR Manager of Adidas South Africa, was quoted in a UK tabloid.
This comes days after Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had issued a notice cautioning the citizens about the fake websites created with a layout similar to the central bank’s official website.
The fake website asks for the customer’s banking ID, PIN, email address, phone number, bank name among others details.
(With IANS inputs)