Walmart-Related Scams Identifying And Avoiding Fake Freebies And Phishing Attempts

Consumers searching for legitimate Walmart freebies or customer support may encounter various scams and malware campaigns that abuse Walmart's name and reputation. According to security researchers, multiple threat actors are creating fake Walmart communications, including shopping lists, emails, and gift card offers, designed to trick individuals into disclosing personal information or downloading malicious software. These scams do not represent legitimate Walmart freebie programs but rather attempts by cybercriminals to exploit consumer trust in the retail brand.

Understanding Walmart-Related Scams

Several distinct scam campaigns use Walmart's name to deceive consumers. These operations range from fake customer support numbers to malicious email attachments and fraudulent gift card offers. Security researchers have identified these scams as part of broader malvertising and spam campaigns that impersonate legitimate businesses to facilitate fraud and malware distribution.

The common thread among these scams is their exploitation of consumer trust in established brands. By impersonating Walmart, a well-known American retail corporation, scammers increase the likelihood that recipients will engage with fraudulent communications or download malicious content. These campaigns often create a sense of urgency or importance to encourage quick action without proper verification.

Fake Walmart Lists and Support Scams

One particularly concerning scam involves the abuse of Walmart's virtual shopping list feature. Threat actors create fake Walmart Lists containing scammer phone numbers disguised as customer support contact information. According to researchers at Malwarebytes, these fraudulent lists appear when users search for Walmart's customer service through Google Ads, which place the scammer's content at the top of search results.

The scam works as follows: 1. Users searching for "Walmart customer service" encounter sponsored ads at the top of search results 2. Clicking these ads redirects users to a Walmart List containing a scammer's phone number 3. Instead of legitimate shopping items, the list includes "Walmart Customer Support" alongside a phone number 4. When users call this number, they connect with scammers who impersonate bank employees or law enforcement investigators 5. Scammers claim there is a warrant for the victim's arrest related to transactions with narco-trafficking groups 6. Victims are tricked into transferring their money to Bitcoin accounts to prevent further fraudulent transactions

This social engineering tactic preys on consumers' legitimate needs for customer support while exploiting fears of legal trouble and financial loss. The use of Walmart's official-looking platform adds credibility to the scam, making it more likely that victims will comply with the scammers' demands.

Malicious Emails Disguised as Walmart Communications

Another significant threat comes from spam campaigns that send fraudulent emails appearing to be from Walmart. These campaigns, referred to as "Walmart email virus" operations, distribute deceptive emails that mimic legitimate delivery notifications from the retail chain.

The characteristics of these fake emails include: - Subject lines such as "Invoice copy 6936415" (though the specific number may vary) - Content claiming that payment has been received and a parcel will be delivered soon - Requests to review a "payment invoice" before delivery - Attachments typically named "Invoice_78084.xlsm" (though filenames may vary)

When recipients open these attachments and enable macro commands, the system downloads and installs the Dridex malware. This malicious software possesses keylogging capabilities designed to steal sensitive information, including passwords and banking credentials. Once installed, Dridex can facilitate identity theft and may even add the victim's computer to a botnet for further malicious activities.

These email campaigns represent part of larger spam operations that have used similar tactics with other company names, including "Spring Marine Management S.A.", "Romanian Post", "Employee Retention Credit", and "KIO KOREA". The emails often create a sense of urgency or importance to encourage quick action without proper verification.

Gift Card Scams and Pop-up Ads

A third category of Walmart-related scams involves fraudulent gift card offers and pop-up advertisements. These scams manifest in two primary forms:

First, some consumers encounter browser pop-ups advertising free Walmart gift cards in exchange for completing surveys. According to security researchers, these pop-ups typically indicate that the user's device has been infected with adware—a specific type of malware that takes over browser functionality to repeatedly display advertisements. The scam works by promising valuable rewards (gift cards) in exchange for survey participation, while the primary goal is often to collect personal information or further distribute malware.

Second, scammers sell fake or spent Walmart gift cards on online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace. Even when gift cards appear brand new and untampered with, scammers may have already stolen the card numbers before listing them for sale. Victims who purchase these cards find them either already used or invalid, resulting in financial loss with no recourse for recovery.

These gift card scams exploit consumer desires for discounted purchases and free rewards, making them particularly effective at attracting victims who might otherwise be cautious about more obvious phishing attempts.

How to Protect Yourself from Walmart-Related Scams

Security researchers recommend several strategies for identifying and avoiding Walmart-related scams:

1. Verify Official Communications:

   • Walmart states it will never request personal information such as passwords or credit card numbers via email
   • Any email requesting such information should be considered suspicious
   • When in doubt, contact Walmart directly through official channels rather than using contact information from suspicious communications

2. Exercise Caution with Email Attachments:

   • Be wary of unexpected email attachments, especially those with extensions like .xlsm
   • Avoid enabling macros in Microsoft Office documents from untrusted sources
   • Consider using email security solutions that can identify and block suspicious attachments

3. Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Offers:

   • Legitimate companies rarely distribute high-value items like gift cards for free through simple surveys
   • Pop-up advertisements offering free gifts or prizes often indicate malware infection
   • Be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true

4. Use Security Software:

   • Install and maintain reputable antivirus/anti-malware software
   • Run regular system scans to detect and remove potential threats
   • Ensure security software is updated with the latest threat definitions

5. Protect Account Information:

   • If concerned about account compromise, sign in directly through the official website to change passwords
   • Never enter passwords on sites reached through links in emails or advertisements
   • Use unique, strong passwords for different accounts

6. Remove Malware Promptly:

   • If a scam attachment has been opened, run a scan with legitimate antivirus software
   • Professional automatic malware removal tools can help eliminate infiltrated threats
   • Some security solutions offer free trials for malware removal and protection

Conclusion

The various Walmart-related scams described in security research do not represent legitimate Walmart freebie programs but rather attempts by cybercriminals to exploit consumer trust in the retail brand. From fake shopping lists containing scammer contact information to malicious email attachments and fraudulent gift card offers, these scams use multiple vectors to deceive victims and distribute malware.

Consumers should remain vigilant when encountering unsolicited communications or offers related to Walmart, particularly those creating urgency or requesting personal information. By following security best practices—including verifying official communications, exercising caution with attachments and links, using security software, and protecting account information—individuals can significantly reduce their risk of falling victim to these scams.

In the absence of legitimate Walmart freebie programs in the provided security research, consumers seeking actual free samples or promotional offers should focus on verified brand websites and established sample programs rather than responding to unsolicited communications promising free goods or services.

Sources

1. KnowBe4 Blog on Scammers Abusing Virtual Shopping Lists
2. PCRisk Guide on Walmart Email Virus
3. Aura Learn on Walmart Scams