What is the Visa250.com scam?

The visa250.com scam is a common telephone scam where the victim receives a text message stating that they have won a “free $250 Visa prepaid giftcard”. Clicking links provided in the text message may install malware to the cellular phone or computer system including adware and spyware.

This is also similar to many scam surveys where the primary purpose of the phishing attempt is to direct the phone or internet user to suspicious surveys. These surveys often state that they must be filled out before receiving the free $250 prepaid Visa gift card.

Please note, you did not actually win and will not receive a free $250 Visa gift card.

Visa250.com text message scam example:

The criminal attempts to trick unsuspecting victims into beliveing they won a $250 prepaid Visa gift card by leaving a similar text below:

Your mobile # has won a FREE $250 Visa prepaid giftcard! Click on visa250.com and enter your winning code 3287 to obtain with in 24 hrs

Clicking the link may bring the victim of the phishing attack to a similar website below that asks to enter the winning code. Please note, this may often lead to hijacked Facebook accounts, where criminals use the account to spam the fake prepaid Visa survey/$250 gift card scam.

How to Deal with the Visa 250 Scam:

If you did make the mistake of clicking links in the text message or from your internet browser follow the suggestions below to “deal” with the Visa 20 scam and protect your computer from malware and  stop this scam from spreading to your Facebook friends.

1. Clean up your newsfeed and profile to remove references to the scam. (click the “x” in the top right hand corner of the post and report it if possible).

2. Change your Facebook password in your General Account Settings.

3. Scan for and remove malware using reputable Antivirus and Anti-Malware software.

If you or your Facebook friends have fallen for the Visa 250 scam, inform your friends about it. Share this post or send them a courtesy message and please do not make be negative towards those who fall for any cyber scams.