As the festive season unfolds, scammers are once again taking advantage of the goodwill and excitement surrounding holiday giveaways. A recurring scam involving the fake promise of a “Cadbury Christmas Magic Chocolate Hamper” has resurfaced, targeting unsuspecting individuals on social media and messaging platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.
We’ve been made aware of circulating posts on social media claiming to offer consumers a free chocolate hamper. These fraudulent posts are designed to deceive and steal personal information. We have previously warned of similar scams promising free Cadbury chocolate (Cadbury Easter Scam).
How the Cadbury Hamper Scam Works
The Cadbury chocolate scam operates by enticing users with a fake offer of a free chocolate hamper. Victims are directed to a fraudulent link where they are asked to provide personal information, such as their name and phone number. Scammers use this information to either:
- Sell it to third parties for marketing purposes.
- Re-target victims with more sophisticated scams designed to steal money or sensitive information weeks, months, or even years later.
It’s important to note that while Cadbury’s official “Christmas Magic Chocolate Hamper” giveaway is legitimate, scammers are exploiting its popularity to trick victims. Posts on social media claiming to offer a free Easter chocolate basket have been widely reported in the past, and similar tactics are now being employed for Christmas.
Spotting the Difference: Is the Cadbury Giveaway a Scam?
Here are some tips to differentiate between legitimate giveaways and scams:
- Check the source: Legitimate competitions will only be promoted through Cadbury’s official channels, such as their verified website or social media accounts. Legitimate site: cadburygiftsdirect.co.uk/competition
- Avoid suspicious links: If you’re directed to an unfamiliar website or asked to fill out a form that looks unprofessional, it’s likely a scam.
- Don’t forward unverified messages: Many of these scams rely on victims sharing the fake offer with their contacts, amplifying its reach. Avoid forwarding such messages on platforms like WhatsApp or Facebook no matter how good the offer sounds.
How to Stay Safe from Cadbury Scams
To protect yourself from scams like the Cadbury free chocolate scam or the Cadbury text scam:
- Verify before you click – always check the authenticity of any link or offer you receive.
- Don’t share personal information and avoid providing your name, phone number, or other details unless you’re sure of the source.
- Be wary of urgency. Scammers often create a sense of urgency to pressure you into acting quickly without thinking.
- Inform your friends and family about scams to prevent them from falling victim.
Has Anyone Been Scammed on the Cadbury Competition?
Unfortunately, many individuals have already fallen victim to the Cadbury scam WhatsApp messages and fake links circulating online.
The Cadbury hamper and Cadbury competition scams are reminders to stay vigilant, especially during the holiday season. Always double-check offers, avoid sharing suspicious links, and educate those around you about the risks. If scammers have targeted you or you want to learn more about protecting yourself, CEL Solicitors is here to help.
CEL Solicitors specialise in helping victims recover money lost to scams. Our expert team is here to guide you through the process and provide the support you need. Visit our Scam & Fraud Recovery page for more information.
If you have lost money to a scam, we can help you recover your losses. Call 0330 822 3759 or complete our online form, and a team member will contact you to discuss your options.
