Security firm Sophos cautions users to be aware of a widespread spam campaign that promises cash in exchange for completing a McDonald's customer satisfaction survey.
Sophos says the e-mails, supposedly from “McDonald's Survey Department”, feature the subject line “McDonald's Customer Survey”. The mails direct people to a survey that poses questions on McDonald's food.
Once filled in, users are asked to provide personal information, including credit card numbers and security codes, to purportedly receive a $90 fee for completing the survey.
"Exploiting online surveys is a popular way for scammers to make money as legitimate customer satisfaction surveys are becoming increasingly common," says Brett Myroff, CEO of regional Sophos distributor, Sophos SA.
Myroff adds that, while it is not unusual to be offered a reward for completing an online survey, no genuine questionnaire would ever ask for credit card details. “Anyone falling for the scam is more likely to have their bank account emptied by the spammers.
"Ironically, some Internet users may be more likely to hand over their credit card information in these instances, because they're more used to receiving phishing e-mails pretending to come from online banks. Phishers use a multitude of disguises - posing not just as online banks, but social networks, online stores, Web e-mail providers and now fast food giants too."
To protect against such threats, the company recommends organisations protect themselves with a consolidated solution, which can defend against the threats of spam, hackers, spyware and viruses.
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