The UK’s most iconic chocolate brand has fallen victim to a widespread WhatsApp scam, aimed at causing chaos during the festive season.
Social media users have been targeted with fake links promoting a Cadbury chocolate giveaway.
Operating through Whatsapp, users are sent a message with a picture of a Cadbury chocolate selection, according to Which?.
The link directs users to a website designed to imitate the official UK Cadbury site.
You are then asked a series of questions as part of a quiz to find a ‘golden ticket’ to win ‘an exclusive Christmas chocolate magic basket’.
To win your prize box, a link must be sent to give groups or 20 friends before the gift can be claimed by entering your delivery address.
A spokesperson from Cadbury told Which?: “We’ve been made aware of circulating posts on social media, claiming to offer consumers a free Christmas gift from Cadbury.
“We can confirm that this has not been generated by us and would urge consumers not to interact or share personal information through the post.
“Customer security is our priority and we’re working with the relevant organisations to ensure this is resolved.”
The national campaign ‘Take Five to Stop Fraud’, found that more than half of people in the UK have admitted to feeling lonely, which can leave them more susceptible to scams before Christmas.
A survey of 2,000 across the UK also found that people who feel isolated can become targets for fraudsters, who attempt to befriend and manipulate them into passing on personal and financial information.
Giles Mason, spokesperson for the Take Five to Stop Fraud campaign, said: “Fraud is a terrible crime that preys on people’s vulnerabilities.
“During the Christmas period, loneliness can leave people more susceptible to scams. Criminals are very cunning and will try to exploit the goodwill and emotions of the season to build trust and manipulate their victims.”
Have you lost money to a scam? Contact National Fraud Helpline. Call 0333 0033218 or fill out our Claim Form.