“If you’ve been tagged, you’ve won a JBL portable speaker,” the post reads. Don't get excited too soon: This post is fake and comes from a fake JBL profile! If you follow the instructions, you will fall into a subscription trap that can cost you over 100 euros per month. Report such posts and unmark them. Our partners at Watchlist internet clarify.

How does the scam work?

Beware of fraudulent JBL competitions on Instagram. Image: Watchlist Internet
Beware of fraudulent JBL competitions on Instagram. Image: Watchlist Internet
  • You are tagged in a post on Instagram by a fake profile from the JBL brand. The sender is not the JBL company!
  • In the post you will find out that you have won a competition.
  • You will be asked to click on the profile linked in the post.
  • In the bio you will then find another note that you have won and that you have to follow a link
Beware of fraudulent JBL competitions on Instagram. Image: Watchlist Internet
Attention: This profile is fake! You are lured to a fraudulent website. Image: Watchlist Internet
  • This link then leads to a short survey with 3-4 questions about JBL.
  • After filling it out, you are allowed to open virtual gifts.
  • The second attempt succeeds. There is a prize in the gift.
  • You will only receive the prize if you pay 2 euros by credit card.
  • But if you pay, you fall into a subscription trap.

This is how you fell into the subscription trap

If you entered your credit card details in the fake competition, you fell into the subscription trap that has nothing to do with JBL. The criminals write in the small print that by paying the 2 euros you are taking out a membership. The notice is very small and easy to miss. It reads as follows:

This is a special offer for a limited period of 3 days, linked to a €15.00 welcome voucher that you can use to discover and purchase products on any of our partner websites. By purchasing this membership you will automatically be enrolled in our affiliate membership services. The membership fee is €63.85 and is automatically debited every 14 days unless skipped or canceled. You can cancel the service at any time with 30 days' notice or pay the €6.95 to exit immediately. This campaign expires on Sep 8.

The fine print states that you are taking out a membership that will cost you €63.85 every 14 days. You can cancel with 30 days' notice or get out immediately if you pay €6.95.

The subscription is fraudulent, ask for your money back

The subscription contract is invalid because you were only informed about the conclusion of the contract in a hidden and contradictory manner. Even if you have provided your credit card details voluntarily, no legal contract will be concluded. But with a little time and effort, you can get your money back. The costs for immediate termination are also not legal! Follow these steps:

  1. Check your credit card statement or website for contact options.
  2. Contact the dubious subscription provider and demand immediate cancellation and a refund of the debited amounts.
  3. Please point out that this subscription contract was not legally concluded because you were not clearly informed about the conclusion of the contract.
  4. If the dubious subscription providers do not respond to your request, contact your credit card company. Request a refund of the debited amounts. Because: Amounts that were debited from you without your consent (e.g. amounts that were not adequately mentioned during the purchase or that exceed the value of your order) must be refunded by your payment service provider in accordance with Section 67 of the Payment Services Act 2018.
  5. Also try to block the subscription provider from further charges to your credit card, if possible.
  6. You may have to block your credit card - it's best to clarify this with your credit card company.

How do I recognize fake competitions?

  • Have you taken part in a competition or were you simply contacted? If you are contacted without participating, it is fake!
  • Do you have to pay a small amount? Hands off!
  • Is it the real company profile? Real company pages usually have a blue tick. The blue tick means the profile has been verified by Instagram.
  • Fake profiles usually have few followers and posts.
  • There are no conditions of participation.

What should I do if I see a fraudulent post on Instagram?

  • Report the post to Instagram. The more often fakes are reported, the more likely the profile will soon be blocked!
  • Block the profile and don't respond!

Don't be contacted by strangers on Instagram

Advice & help

For specific advice requests, please contact the relevant offices that we have listed for you Advice & Help www.watchlist-internet.at/beratung-hilfe .

Source: Watchlist Internet

Also interesting: The Fake Shop Detector warns you of fraud in real time

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Notes:
1) This content reflects the current state of affairs at the time of publication. The reproduction of individual images, screenshots, embeds or video sequences serves to discuss the topic. 2) Individual contributions were created through the use of machine assistance and were carefully checked by the Mimikama editorial team before publication. ( Reason )