Father’s Day Heineken beer scam goes viral on WhatsApp as millions issued a warning

WhatsApp users are being warned to avoid a nasty scam making the rounds promising heaps of free beers to treat yourself over Father’s Day – but be warned, the message has a far more cynical purpose

People using the messaging service WhatsApp have been warned of a new scam making the rounds this Father’s Day.

All users are cautioned to watch out for a cynical message regarding a message promising to give away free coolers of Heineken beer.

The alarm was triggered by Online Threat Changes which states: “The Heineken Whatsapp scam claiming to be giving away free Heinekens is circulating on social media like wildfire.

“Recipients are asked not to follow the instructions contained therein. The scam tricks potential victims into visiting phishing, spam, and malicious websites that steal personal information and account credentials.

“The scam can also trick potential victims into signing up for unwanted services.”

The message is now believed to be passed organically between friends and family.

The trick falsely promises 5,000 coolers up for grabs, but when people collect their “reward” they are in for a nasty surprise.

The embassy promises “free crates of beer” and that the “Heineken Beer Father’s Day Contest 2022” will deliver “5,000 coolers full of Heineken for your dad”.

The message is believed to have come from a contact with a picture of a Heineken 18-pack as the contact icon.

It comes with a link to a fake beer website.

“If the link in the fake post is clicked, potential victims will be redirected to the deceptive website,” warns OnlineThreatalerts.

Heineken has also been outspoken on the matter, making it clear to consumers through its official channels that this is not a genuine offer and is not associated with the famous beer brand.

Heineken said: “The website is used in phishing and scam campaigns set up by cyber criminals.

“This is a scam.

“Please do not click on links or forward messages. Thank you.”

The scam is similar to one that made the rounds back in 2020.

This competition promised people “free Heineken beer kegs”, but of course there never were any.

Heineken was forced to issue a statement refuting all claims that the scam was not a genuine offer.