hellofresh scam

HelloFresh Scam Emails Targeting Creators With Fake Partnerships

The HelloFresh scam is a growing brand-impersonation campaign that targets creators on YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram. Attackers send emails that look like real partnership offers, but the goal is to trick victims into clicking malicious links or opening dangerous attachments that install malware, harvest login credentials, or phish personal information. Victims have reported losing access to social accounts and even retail or banking logins after engaging with these messages.

One example email reads:

From: HelloFresh <partnership@hellofresh.click>
Subject: Example × HelloFresh — Creator Opportunity

Hey Example,

I’m Jack from HelloFresh.
I came across your channel and thought your audience might really enjoy what we do.

HelloFresh makes it easy for people to cook fresh meals without all the extra planning.
We’re connecting with creators who love sharing creative content and might be open to collaborating on a project.

The idea’s super simple – a natural, authentic way to feature HelloFresh in your content.
It could be a creative clip – whatever fits your tone best.

If this sounds interesting, I can send over next steps.

Warm wishes,
Jack
HelloFresh

Although messages like this appear professional, they are fraudulent. The domain hellofresh.click was registered in October 2025, while the legitimate site operates on hellofresh.com and has been active since 2008. A quick WHOIS lookup can confirm these dates and expose look-alike domains that are often created only to run scams.

For clarity, HelloFresh itself is not a scam. It is a legitimate subscription meal-kit service founded in 2011. Criminals are exploiting the brand name to run a creator-targeted scam that spreads malware and steals accounts.

Table of Contents

Is HelloFresh a Scam

Some people may wonder if HelloFresh is a scam because the service is so heavily advertised, frequently promoted by influencers, and often offers discounts that appear too good to be true. In reality, HelloFresh is not a scam. It is a legitimate subscription meal-kit delivery company founded in 2011 and headquartered in Berlin, Germany. The official website hellofresh.com was registered in March 2008 through Amazon Registrar, Inc., and has operated securely for more than a decade.

is hellofresh a scam

HelloFresh is one of the largest meal-kit services in the world. Customers can choose from over 60 weekly recipes with flexible plans serving between 2 and 6 people, and select between 2 and 6 recipes per week. Options include vegetarian, calorie-conscious, and family-friendly meals. The subscription is transparent, allowing users to skip weeks, pause, or cancel anytime directly through their account settings.

Promotional offers such as “Free Breakfast for Life” or coupon codes like “HELLO50FH” are part of HelloFresh’s legitimate marketing campaigns. The company also partners with many content creators to reach new customers, and authentic sponsorship opportunities come with detailed campaign information, professional branding, and official contact details.

Independent checks confirm that the service is legitimate. A WHOIS lookup shows hellofresh.com was created in 2008 and remains active under Amazon Registrar. The Domain Blacklist Checker confirms: “The domain HELLOFRESH.COM is not blacklisted.” A scan with the Website Malware Scanner also reports: “The website hellofresh.com is not infected with malware.” Together, these results prove that the official HelloFresh site is safe and trustworthy.

The confusion comes from scammers misusing the HelloFresh brand in fraudulent emails. While HelloFresh itself is a legitimate service, criminals exploit its reputation to trick people into opening fake partnership offers and malicious links. It is important to separate the real company from the impersonation campaigns abusing its name.

What is the HelloFresh Scam

The HelloFresh scam is a fraudulent email campaign that impersonates the company in order to mislead creators and consumers. These emails are usually framed as partnership or sponsorship opportunities, but the real purpose is to lure recipients into clicking unsafe links or opening malicious attachments. Once engaged, victims may have their social accounts hijacked, their devices infected with malware, or their personal data stolen.

hellofresh email scam

Scammers design these emails to look convincing by copying HelloFresh branding, using professional-sounding language, and sending from deceptive addresses like partnership@hellofresh.click. The domain hellofresh.click was registered in October 2025 and has no connection to the real company. In contrast, the legitimate website hellofresh.com has been active since 2008 and is verified as safe.

These scams target content creators on platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram because they are often approached for genuine brand partnerships. By imitating a well-known global service that already works with influencers, criminals increase their chances of tricking victims into believing the offers are authentic.

Ultimately, the HelloFresh scam is not run by HelloFresh at all. It is a brand impersonation scheme created by cybercriminals to spread malware, steal login credentials, and phish for sensitive information. Understanding how these campaigns work is the first step to avoiding them.

How the HelloFresh Scam Works

The HelloFresh scam follows the same tactics used in many brand impersonation campaigns. It typically begins with an unsolicited email that looks like a legitimate partnership request. The subject line may reference a “creator opportunity,” “sponsorship,” or “collaboration,” which is designed to grab attention and appear professional.

While the email may use HelloFresh branding, the sender address usually exposes the fraud. For example, scammers use addresses tied to domains like hellofresh.click, which was only registered in 2025, instead of the verified hellofresh.com domain that has operated safely since 2008.

The message then pushes the recipient to click a link or open an attachment to view supposed campaign details. These links often redirect to phishing websites built to capture login credentials, payment information, or personal data. Attachments may contain hidden scripts or files that install malware immediately after being opened.

Once the victim interacts with the scam, several risks arise:

  • Account takeovers: Phishing pages harvest credentials for email, social media, or even online banking accounts.
  • Malware infections: Malicious files can install spyware, keyloggers, or remote access tools that allow attackers to monitor and control a victim’s device.
  • Identity theft: Personal information submitted through fake forms can be used for fraudulent purchases, account creation, or financial fraud.

These scams are effective because they combine urgency with familiarity. Content creators are often eager for real brand deals, and criminals exploit that eagerness by disguising their attack as a business opportunity. This mixture of trust-building and deception is what makes the HelloFresh scam particularly dangerous.

How to Spot a Fake HelloFresh Email

Scam emails impersonating HelloFresh may look convincing at first, but there are clear signs that separate them from legitimate communication. Knowing what to look for can help you avoid falling victim.

  • Suspicious sender domains: Genuine HelloFresh emails are sent from addresses that use hellofresh.com. Fake ones often come from look-alike domains such as hellofresh.click, which was registered only in 2025 and has no connection to the real company.
  • Generic or vague messaging: Scammers avoid providing real campaign details. Instead of describing a specific project, timeline, or compensation plan, they use broad phrases like “your audience might really enjoy what we do.”
  • Lack of professional branding: Legitimate HelloFresh offers include clear campaign information, verified contact details, and branded signatures. Scam emails often end abruptly with a line like “Warm wishes, Jack, HelloFresh” without any official sign-off or links to corporate resources.
  • Unverified links or attachments: Fake emails may include buttons or files to “review” or “accept” the partnership. These are usually designed to lead to phishing websites or to deliver malware to your device.
  • Too good to be true promises: Fraudulent offers may suggest guaranteed partnerships, easy income, or rewards with little to no effort. Real brand collaborations never make unrealistic guarantees.
  • Poor formatting or language issues: While some scams look polished, many still include strange spacing, odd punctuation, or awkward phrasing that can expose them as fraudulent.

Authentic HelloFresh partnerships are usually more structured and detailed, outlining exactly what the collaboration involves and often including branded campaign documents or links to verified company platforms. If an email lacks these professional details, it should be treated with suspicion.

How to Protect Yourself from the HelloFresh Scam

Protecting yourself from the HelloFresh scam requires a mix of caution, awareness, and the right security tools. Since these emails are designed to look like legitimate partnership requests, it is important to carefully evaluate every message before taking action. Below are proven steps to stay safe:

  • Do not click links or open attachments in suspicious emails. If you receive a partnership request claiming to be from HelloFresh, always type hellofresh.com directly into your browser instead of using any links inside the message.
  • Check the sender’s email domain. Real HelloFresh communications will use @hellofresh.com. Fraudulent ones often use new or unusual domains like hellofresh.click. A quick WHOIS lookup can confirm if a domain is legitimate or suspicious.
  • Look for campaign details. Authentic sponsorship offers from HelloFresh include full campaign outlines, official contact information, and proper branding. Fake emails usually rely on vague promises and minimal detail.
  • Never share personal data or pay fees. HelloFresh will not ask you to provide social media passwords, bank details, or pay any kind of “partnership fee.” Requests like this are clear indicators of a scam.
  • Use up-to-date security software. Reliable anti-malware programs with real-time protection can block phishing websites, prevent malicious downloads, and alert you before threats spread.
  • Regularly scan your device. If you clicked on a link or opened a suspicious file, run a full system scan immediately. Hidden malware can steal information and compromise accounts long after the original email is deleted.

The most effective way to scan and clean your system is with Malwarebytes, a trusted security tool designed to remove malware, adware, and phishing threats. Follow the instructions below to scan your device:

Remove HelloFresh Scam Malware with Malwarebytes (Recommended)

Manual cleanup may leave behind hidden files or registry entries that allow malware to persist. Using Malwarebytes ensures a complete removal:

mbsetup

  1. Download Malwarebytes from the official website. Save the installer (MBSetup.exe) to your Downloads folder and open it to begin installation.

install malwarebytes

  1. Follow the on-screen instructions to install Malwarebytes.

choose your protection type

  1. Select whether you are installing Malwarebytes for personal or business use, then click Next.

malwarebytes browser guard

  1. Optionally install Malwarebytes Browser Guard, which blocks scams, ads, and phishing attempts in real time.

malwarebytes get started

  1. Launch Malwarebytes and click Get Started.

malwarebytes all in one protection

  1. If you do not have a subscription, you will begin with a 14-day free trial of Malwarebytes Premium. After the trial ends, it switches to the free version, which still allows scanning and removal.

malwarebytes scan

  1. From the dashboard, click Scan. Malwarebytes will check your memory, startup items, registry entries, and files for threats.

scanning for threats

  1. Wait for the scan to complete. The duration depends on your system speed and file volume.

threats detected

  1. If threats are detected, click Quarantine to remove them. Malwarebytes may ask you to restart your computer.

malwarebytes trust advisor

  1. After restarting, Malwarebytes may perform additional checks with features like Trusted Advisor to ensure your system is fully secure.

Once these steps are complete, your device should be free from threats tied to the HelloFresh scam. For ongoing protection, consider upgrading to Malwarebytes Premium, which offers real-time defense against scams, malware, and phishing attempts.

What to Do if You Fell for the HelloFresh Scam

If you interacted with a fake HelloFresh email by clicking a link, opening an attachment, or entering personal details, it is important to respond quickly. These scams are designed to steal money, accounts, and sensitive information. Taking the right steps immediately can limit the damage and protect you from further harm.

  • Contact your bank or card provider. If you entered payment information, call your financial institution as soon as possible. They can block suspicious charges, cancel compromised cards, and issue replacements before more damage occurs.
  • Change your passwords immediately. Start with your email, social media, and financial accounts. Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever it is available to make it harder for attackers to regain access.
  • Scan your device for malware. Clicking links or downloading attachments may have installed spyware, keyloggers, or other threats on your device. Run a complete system scan using trusted anti-malware tools such as Malwarebytes. This will help detect and remove any hidden infections.
  • Check for unauthorized access. Review your accounts for signs of tampering. In some phishing cases, attackers secretly add forwarding rules to email accounts so that copies of your messages are sent to them. Remove any rules or settings you did not create.
  • Monitor for identity theft. If you shared personal details such as your name, address, or phone number, watch your accounts and credit reports carefully. In the United States, you can request a fraud alert or credit freeze from major credit bureaus if necessary.
  • Report the scam. Share details with HelloFresh, the domain registrar, and the proper authorities. Even if you did not lose money, reporting helps shut down fraudulent domains and prevents others from becoming victims.

Responding quickly is critical. The sooner you change your passwords, scan your device, and notify your bank, the lower the chance that scammers will be able to use your information for identity theft or financial fraud.

How to Report the HelloFresh Scam

Reporting the HelloFresh scam is an important step in protecting others and helping stop fraudulent campaigns. Even if you did not lose money, forwarding the details to the right places can prevent more people from being targeted. Below are the best ways to report suspicious HelloFresh emails and related activity:

  • Report to HelloFresh. Forward suspicious messages to HelloFresh through their official support channels. Although the company is not responsible for the scam, they track brand impersonation cases and can issue warnings to protect other customers and creators.
  • Report the domain. If the scam came from a domain such as hellofresh.click, you can confirm its details using a WHOIS lookup. Once identified, you can submit an abuse complaint to the registrar so the domain may be suspended or investigated.
  • Report to the FTC. In the United States, file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission. This helps consumer protection agencies gather data about fraud trends and issue alerts to the public.
  • Report to IC3. If you sent money, lost access to accounts, or suffered financial loss, report the crime to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). This organization works with the FBI and other law enforcement agencies to track and investigate internet fraud.
  • Mark the email as phishing. In services such as Gmail, Outlook, and Yahoo, mark the message as phishing. Doing this not only improves spam filters but also helps protect other users from receiving similar scams.

By reporting the HelloFresh scam through these channels, you contribute to a larger effort to stop brand impersonation campaigns and reduce the number of potential victims.

HelloFresh Scam Key Takeaways

The HelloFresh scam is a brand impersonation campaign that abuses the company’s trusted name to target creators and consumers. Fraudulent emails pretend to offer partnerships or sponsorships but are actually designed to spread malware, steal login details, and phish for sensitive information. Criminals use newly registered look-alike domains such as hellofresh.click, while the real HelloFresh website operates at hellofresh.com and has been active since 2008 without being blacklisted or infected with malware.

  • HelloFresh is a legitimate subscription meal-kit delivery service founded in 2011, not a scam.
  • The fraudulent emails are brand impersonation attempts designed to hijack accounts and steal money.
  • Signs of a scam include suspicious domains, vague partnership offers, and emails that lack official campaign details or proper branding.
  • Legitimate HelloFresh partnerships include clear terms, brand assets, and professional communication, not generic sign-offs like “Warm wishes, Jack.”
  • If you are targeted, do not click links or open attachments. Instead, mark the email as phishing, report it, and run a scan with trusted anti-malware tools such as Malwarebytes.

In summary, HelloFresh is not a scam, but scammers are exploiting its reputation through fake emails. Awareness, prevention, and quick reporting are the most effective defenses against these campaigns.

Sean Doyle

Sean is a tech author and security researcher with more than 20 years of experience in cybersecurity, privacy, malware analysis, analytics, and online marketing. He focuses on clear reporting, deep technical investigation, and practical guidance that helps readers stay safe in a fast-moving digital landscape. His work continues to appear in respected publications, including articles written for Private Internet Access. Through Botcrawl and his ongoing cybersecurity coverage, Sean provides trusted insights on data breaches, malware threats, and online safety for individuals and businesses worldwide.

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