iScam
Recently, I’ve received invites to the group “First 10,000 Fans get to Test and KEEP an Apple iPad!!!“
Dear Lord. It’s 2010 and you people still fall for this stuff. Let’s ignore the fact that in Step 2, the group creator has no way of knowing whether or not you invited all your friends. Actually, let’s just skip to the fun part: Step 3.
In Step 3, you are told to “Get you Apple iPad!” and are given a link. However, if you mouse over the link on the fan page, it uses the tinyurl URL shortener. There are very few legitimate uses for this site. The only one I can think of is for use in services like Twitter, where the user has a character limit to conform to. Almost every other use is to hide something shady.
However, duty calls. I followed the link to this site (Click at your own risk). But hang on, why does it ask for an email address? Shouldn’t it be asking for a shipping address? Y’know, for the iPad?
Let’s take a look at the fine print, shall we?
By entering your email and continuing, you certify that you are a US resident over the age of 18 and that you agree to the Privacy Policy, Redemption Instructions and Gift Rules and Terms & Conditions. You agree to receive promotional emails and special offers from trusted 3rd parties including DealSave.net.
Fantastic. And no opt-out button, either. But wait, there’s more! Their privacy policy states:
We may sell, brand or share your personal information that you supply to us with other 3rd party businesses so they can bring selected retail opportunities via direct mail, e-mail, SMS text messaging, telemarketing, pre-recorded messages, or automated attendant telemarketing.
But I’ll get a free iPad, right? RIGHT?!
In order to receive your gift you must: (1) Meet the eligibility requirements (2) complete the rewards bonus survey (3) complete a total of 13 Sponsor Offers as stated in the Gift Rules (4) Follow redemption instructions.
12 OFFERS TO GO, BITCH
A list of example offers can be found here. And by the time you finish the “offers,” maybe you’ll get an iPad, if you follow even more “redemption instructions.” Please, for the love of God, just get a job and buy the fucking thing. Unless you’re really interested in knockoff Viagra.
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