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Walmart targeted in online free coupon scam
If you see an Internet offer from Walmart promising a $75 coupon, know that it’s a scam.
A story circulating on Facebook appears to offer a discount in exchange for taking a three-question survey about Walmart. Why? Because, the story says, the mammoth retailer is celebrating its 125th anniversary.
First of all, Walmart was founded in 1962. So it’s at least 55, not 125.
More importantly for Walmart fans, the offer is not real.
Walmart spokeswoman Tara Aston confirmed the scam.
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"We care deeply about our customers and have procedures in place to help protect them from criminal behavior," she said. "We frequently review our educational and prevention measures and when necessary, take additional steps to better inform our customers about the dangers of scams."
Walmart also clarifies on its website cases of fraud in which surveys are listed as potentially suspicious. A legitimate survey from Walmart is only taken on its official website.
PolitiFact decided to test out the offer. When clicking on the survey link, we were notified that only 456 coupons remained. (That number didn’t change as we refreshed and revisited the page at different points.)
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The survey consists of three questions: Have you ever shopped at Walmart? You prefer Walmart because of? Are you satisfied by the services of Walmart?
When we finished, we were asked to share the survey with our Facebook friends — the promised coupon never materialized.
It wasn’t a bug. It’s just not real. Neither were free Delta and Southwest airline tickets.
We rate this scam Pants on Fire.
Our Sources
Walmart, website
E-mail interview with spokesperson, Tara Aston
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Walmart targeted in online free coupon scam
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