A scheme promising a major reward from a outstanding on-line retailer in alternate for finishing a questionnaire is a standard lure utilized in on-line scams. These fraudulent actions typically exploit the attraction of acquiring worthwhile gadgets, engaging people to take part with the expectation of receiving a considerable prize. The premise sometimes entails finishing a sequence of questions, typically disguised as market analysis, earlier than in the end requesting delicate private or monetary data.
The recognition of those misleading practices stems from the perceived worth and widespread use of a selected retailer’s reward playing cards. People are drawn to the opportunity of buying buying energy with out direct financial expenditure. Traditionally, such scams have proliferated as a result of ease of disseminating false data on-line and the problem in tracing the originators of those actions. The promise of considerable rewards serves as a strong motivator, overriding warning and main people to miss potential dangers.
Understanding the ways employed in these deceptions is essential for safeguarding oneself from on-line fraud. Recognizing the crimson flags related to these provides, similar to requests for upfront funds or private data, is paramount. Additional dialogue will delve into particular strategies utilized in these scams and techniques for avoiding them.
1. Illegitimate Information Assortment
The misleading “$1000 amazon reward card survey” serves as a standard conduit for illegitimate knowledge assortment. This happens when people, enticed by the prospect of a considerable reward, unknowingly present private data to malicious actors. The data solicited ranges from primary demographic knowledge to extra delicate particulars similar to electronic mail addresses, cellphone numbers, and even monetary account data. This collected knowledge is then utilized for numerous nefarious functions, together with spam campaigns, id theft, and the sale of non-public data to third-party entities. For instance, a person may full a survey believing it to be a official advertising and marketing initiative, solely to search out their inbox inundated with unsolicited emails or their cellphone quantity utilized in robocalling schemes. The significance of recognizing this misleading tactic lies within the prevention of future knowledge breaches and the safety of non-public privateness.
The effectiveness of illegitimate knowledge assortment by way of such surveys hinges on the exploitation of consumer belief and the attract of fast rewards. Many people fail to scrutinize the URL or privateness coverage of the survey web site, rendering them susceptible to offering data to fraudulent sources. The collected knowledge could be aggregated and used to create detailed profiles of potential targets for phishing assaults or different types of cybercrime. Furthermore, the data can be utilized to tailor misleading advertising and marketing campaigns that particularly goal people primarily based on their revealed preferences or vulnerabilities. The results of this apply prolong past mere inconvenience, doubtlessly resulting in important monetary loss or reputational harm.
In abstract, the “$1000 amazon reward card survey” presents a transparent and current hazard within the realm of on-line safety resulting from its inherent capability for illegitimate knowledge assortment. Understanding the mechanisms by which this data is obtained and the potential repercussions is essential for mitigating threat. Vigilance in scrutinizing on-line provides, verifying web site legitimacy, and exercising warning when offering private data are important steps in safeguarding in opposition to this kind of fraudulent exercise.
2. Phishing Makes an attempt
Phishing makes an attempt characterize a major menace vector inextricably linked to misleading schemes such because the “$1000 amazon reward card survey.” These makes an attempt exploit the attract of a worthwhile reward to control people into divulging delicate data or putting in malicious software program.
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E-mail Spoofing
Phishing emails typically masquerade as official communications from Amazon, using the corporate’s logos, branding, and even mimicking official electronic mail addresses. These emails sometimes declare that the recipient has been chosen to take part in a survey in alternate for the promised reward card. Clicking the hyperlink directs the consumer to a fraudulent web site designed to reap credentials or set up malware. The implication is that unsuspecting customers are deceived into believing they’re interacting with a trusted entity, growing the probability of compliance.
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Malicious Web site Redirection
The hyperlinks embedded inside these phishing emails redirect customers to web sites that mimic Amazon’s official web site, typically with refined variations within the URL. These counterfeit websites are particularly designed to seize login credentials (username and password) or immediate customers to enter private and monetary data underneath the guise of finishing the survey. Actual-world examples embrace pretend login pages that look an identical to Amazon’s, however transmit the entered knowledge on to the attacker. The implications contain rapid compromise of Amazon accounts and potential monetary losses.
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Information Harvesting
As soon as on the fraudulent web site, customers are sometimes subjected to a sequence of seemingly innocuous questions designed to collect private data. This data can embrace identify, tackle, cellphone quantity, date of delivery, and even bank card particulars. This harvested knowledge is then used for id theft, fraudulent purchases, or bought on the darkish net. The “survey” ingredient serves as a pretext for gathering a variety of information factors, making the phishing try extra complete and harmful.
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Malware Set up
In some cases, the fraudulent web sites related to these surveys might try to put in malware on the consumer’s system. This will happen by way of drive-by downloads or by prompting the consumer to obtain a malicious file disguised as a required survey part. As soon as put in, this malware can steal delicate knowledge, monitor consumer exercise, or encrypt information for ransom. The mixing of malware distribution into phishing makes an attempt considerably elevates the chance related to these schemes.
These ways underscore the pervasive nature of phishing makes an attempt related to the “$1000 amazon reward card survey.” By mimicking official communications and using misleading strategies, these schemes pose a major menace to unsuspecting customers. The mix of electronic mail spoofing, malicious web site redirection, knowledge harvesting, and malware set up creates a multifaceted assault vector that can lead to extreme monetary and private penalties.
3. Malware Distribution
Malware distribution, a severe concern in cybersecurity, is regularly facilitated by way of misleading on-line schemes such because the “$1000 amazon reward card survey.” These fraudulent surveys typically function a car for delivering malicious software program to unsuspecting customers, resulting in potential system compromise and knowledge breaches.
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Drive-by Downloads
Fraudulent web sites related to these surveys might make use of drive-by downloads, robotically putting in malware onto a consumer’s laptop with out express consent. This sometimes happens when a consumer visits a compromised web site, and malicious code embedded inside the web site exploits browser vulnerabilities to provoke the obtain and set up of malware. Examples embrace redirects to use kits that scan for vulnerabilities and silently set up malware. The implication is that customers might unknowingly obtain dangerous software program just by visiting the survey web site, even with out actively clicking on any hyperlinks or prompts.
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Faux Software program Updates
Survey contributors might encounter prompts to obtain software program updates or plugins ostensibly required to finish the survey or declare the reward card. These updates are, in actuality, malicious software program disguised to seem official. Examples embrace pretend Adobe Flash updates or browser extensions that, as soon as put in, can steal private data, monitor searching exercise, or set up further malware. The misleading nature of those prompts depends on the consumer’s belief in established software program manufacturers, main them to inadvertently compromise their methods.
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Malicious Attachments
In some cases, the preliminary contact relating to the survey might arrive by way of electronic mail, containing a malicious attachment disguised as survey directions or a affirmation doc. These attachments typically include executable information (.exe), script information (.js), or macro-enabled paperwork that, when opened, execute malicious code. Examples embrace ransomware payloads that encrypt a consumer’s information and demand fee for his or her decryption. The implication is that even opening an attachment from a seemingly credible supply can result in extreme system compromise.
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Phishing for Credentials resulting in Account Takeover for Botnet Inclusion
Whereas not direct malware distribution, the survey can phish for Amazon credentials. If profitable, compromised accounts can be utilized to additional the attain of botnets, which may then be used to distribute malware throughout different methods. This creates a cascading impact of an infection. The implication is that even seemingly innocent actions, similar to getting into login particulars on a pretend web page, can contribute to widespread malware dissemination.
These aspects of malware distribution underscore the numerous dangers related to taking part in on-line surveys promising substantial rewards. The “$1000 amazon reward card survey” serves as a chief instance of how these schemes could be leveraged to ship malicious software program, highlighting the significance of exercising warning and skepticism when encountering such provides.
4. Id Theft
Id theft, a extreme type of fraud, is regularly facilitated by misleading schemes such because the “$1000 amazon reward card survey.” This tactic exploits the attract of a high-value reward to entice people into divulging private data, which is subsequently misused for illicit functions.
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Assortment of Private Identifiable Data (PII)
The “$1000 amazon reward card survey” sometimes requests an array of PII, together with names, addresses, cellphone numbers, electronic mail addresses, dates of delivery, and even safety questions. Fraudulent actors combination this data to assemble detailed profiles of people, enabling them to impersonate victims for monetary achieve. As an illustration, stolen addresses and cellphone numbers can be utilized to open fraudulent bank card accounts or apply for loans underneath the sufferer’s identify. The cumulative impact of gathering numerous PII parts considerably amplifies the chance of id theft.
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Phishing for Monetary Information
Past primary PII, these surveys typically make use of phishing strategies to accumulate delicate monetary knowledge, similar to checking account numbers, bank card particulars, and social safety numbers. Victims, believing they’re offering this data for verification or to assert their reward, unknowingly hand over the keys to their monetary id. Actual-world examples embrace using stolen bank card numbers for unauthorized purchases or the opening of fraudulent financial institution accounts used for cash laundering. The direct entry to monetary knowledge allows rapid and important monetary hurt.
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Account Takeover
Information gleaned from these surveys can be utilized to facilitate account takeover, the place perpetrators achieve unauthorized entry to current on-line accounts, similar to electronic mail, social media, or e-commerce platforms. That is achieved by way of using compromised usernames and passwords collected throughout the survey course of. As an illustration, accessing a sufferer’s electronic mail account permits the perpetrator to reset passwords for different accounts, additional increasing their management. The implications prolong past monetary loss, doubtlessly together with reputational harm and the compromise of delicate private communications.
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Artificial Id Creation
In additional subtle circumstances, the data collected from these surveys is mixed with fabricated knowledge to create artificial identities, that are then used to use for credit score, open financial institution accounts, or commit different types of monetary fraud. This entails the creation of a very new id that’s partially actual and partially fabricated. For instance, a perpetrator may mix a stolen social safety quantity with a fictitious identify and tackle to create a brand new persona for illicit actions. The usage of artificial identities makes it tougher to hint fraudulent actions again to the perpetrator, growing the complexity and scale of potential hurt.
In conclusion, the multifaceted method of the “$1000 amazon reward card survey” considerably elevates the chance of id theft. By gathering a variety of non-public and monetary data, facilitating account takeover, and enabling the creation of artificial identities, these schemes pose a considerable menace to people’ monetary safety and private privateness. Vigilance and skepticism are essential in mitigating the chance of falling sufferer to those fraudulent actions.
5. Monetary Dangers
The “$1000 amazon reward card survey” inherently generates monetary dangers for contributors. The first threat stems from the potential theft of monetary knowledge. People, believing they’re legitimately claiming a present card, might present bank card numbers, checking account particulars, or different delicate data on fraudulent web sites. This knowledge is then used for unauthorized transactions, resulting in direct financial loss. A secondary threat entails the set up of malware, which may compromise banking credentials or facilitate ransomware assaults, additional exacerbating monetary hurt. The perceived worth of the reward card outweighs warning, inflicting people to bypass safety protocols and unknowingly expose themselves to those risks. For instance, a consumer may enter their bank card data to “confirm” their id for the reward card, solely to search out unauthorized prices on their assertion days later.
Furthermore, these surveys typically function a gateway to subscription scams. Members might unwittingly comply with recurring prices for companies they neither need nor want. The phrases and situations, typically buried in high-quality print or offered deceptively, bind people to those subscriptions, leading to ongoing monetary drain. One other important threat is the sale of non-public data on the darkish net. Monetary establishments are then focused with the stolen knowledge. Understanding these dangers is vital for mitigating potential losses. Vigilance in scrutinizing web site legitimacy, avoiding the availability of delicate data, and punctiliously reviewing all phrases and situations are important protecting measures.
In abstract, the “$1000 amazon reward card survey” presents a multifaceted array of monetary dangers. Direct theft of monetary knowledge, malware-enabled fraud, subscription scams, and the publicity of non-public data on the darkish net contribute to potential financial losses. Recognizing and avoiding these schemes requires a proactive method to on-line safety and a wholesome dose of skepticism relating to unsolicited provides of considerable rewards. Consciousness stays the simplest protection in opposition to the monetary perils related to these fraudulent surveys.
6. False Promoting
False promoting performs a central function within the misleading “$1000 amazon reward card survey.” The core premise, promising a considerable reward for minimal effort, inherently misrepresents the true nature of the provide. This misrepresentation kinds the inspiration of a scheme designed to extract private data or monetary knowledge from unsuspecting people.
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Deceptive Claims of Reward
Essentially the most overt type of false promoting lies within the exaggerated declare of a assured $1000 reward card. The surveys not often, if ever, ship the promised reward. As an alternative, contributors are subjected to a sequence of situations, similar to finishing quite a few further surveys, signing up for paid subscriptions, or offering delicate private data. This discrepancy between the preliminary promise and the precise final result constitutes a transparent occasion of false promoting. A hypothetical instance entails a person spending hours finishing surveys, solely to learn that they didn’t qualify for the reward resulting from undisclosed standards.
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Misleading Use of Model Names
The surveys regularly make the most of the Amazon model identify and brand with out authorization, creating the misunderstanding that the provide is formally endorsed or sponsored by the corporate. This unauthorized use of a good model lends credibility to the scheme, making it extra possible that people will belief the provide. The unauthorized use is a deliberate act of deception, designed to use the model’s constructive status. This tactic typically leads customers to consider they’re interacting with Amazon immediately when, in actuality, they’re coping with fraudulent actors.
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Omission of Materials Information
The surveys typically omit vital data relating to the phrases and situations of the provide, similar to the truth that the reward is contingent upon fulfilling quite a few obligations or that participation might lead to undesirable solicitations or subscription prices. This omission of fabric info is a type of misleading promoting, because it prevents people from making knowledgeable choices about whether or not to take part. As an illustration, the high-quality print may stipulate that the person should join a number of paid companies to qualify, a situation not disclosed within the preliminary commercial.
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Creation of False Sense of Urgency
Many of those surveys make use of ways to create a false sense of urgency, similar to limited-time provides or claims that the reward is barely out there to a choose few. This strain encourages people to behave impulsively with out fastidiously contemplating the dangers concerned. For instance, the survey may state that the provide expires inside 24 hours, compelling customers to supply their data rapidly earlier than absolutely assessing the legitimacy of the scheme. This manipulative tactic exploits the human tendency to keep away from lacking out on potential rewards, overriding rational decision-making.
The aforementioned parts of false promoting are central to the success of the “$1000 amazon reward card survey.” The deceptive claims, misleading use of name names, omission of fabric info, and creation of a false sense of urgency collectively contribute to a fraudulent scheme designed to use people for monetary achieve. Recognizing these ways is essential for safeguarding oneself from falling sufferer to this kind of misleading promoting.
7. Rip-off Indicators
The identification of rip-off indicators is vital in mitigating the dangers related to misleading on-line provides, such because the “$1000 amazon reward card survey.” These indicators function crimson flags, alerting potential victims to the fraudulent nature of the scheme and enabling them to keep away from turning into ensnared.
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Unsolicited Communication
Unsolicited emails or messages selling the “$1000 amazon reward card survey” ought to instantly elevate suspicion. Reliable corporations not often provoke contact with people providing substantial rewards with out prior interplay or established relationships. For instance, receiving an sudden electronic mail claiming choice for a survey with a high-value reward, significantly if the sender is unknown or the e-mail tackle seems suspicious, is a robust indicator of a rip-off. The implication is that real alternatives are sometimes preceded by some type of official engagement.
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Requests for Private or Monetary Data
Any survey that requests delicate private or monetary data upfront ought to be handled with excessive warning. Reliable market analysis not often requires people to supply checking account particulars, bank card numbers, or social safety numbers earlier than taking part. An actual-world instance can be a survey that asks for bank card data “for verification functions” previous to the completion of the survey. The implication is that official surveys sometimes collect this data individually and solely when mandatory and that respected organizations don’t request delicate knowledge upfront.
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Poor Grammar and Spelling
Schemes such because the “$1000 amazon reward card survey” typically exhibit poor grammar, spelling errors, and awkward phrasing. These errors are indicative of unprofessional or fraudulent operations. As an illustration, a survey riddled with typos or grammatical errors suggests an absence of consideration to element, attribute of many scams. The implication is that official corporations keep excessive requirements of professionalism of their communications.
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Suspicious URLs
The web site addresses (URLs) related to these surveys typically differ barely from the official Amazon web site. Discrepancies similar to misspellings, uncommon area extensions, or using subdomains could be indicators of a fraudulent web site. An actual-world instance can be a URL that features “amazon-gift.com” as a substitute of “amazon.com.” The implication is that official web sites use safe and official URLs, making slight variations a possible warning signal.
Recognizing these rip-off indicators is a vital step in defending oneself from the “$1000 amazon reward card survey” and different misleading on-line schemes. By remaining vigilant and skeptical of unsolicited provides, requests for delicate data, poor grammar, and suspicious URLs, people can considerably cut back their threat of turning into victims of fraud. Proactive consciousness and a cautious method to on-line interactions are important for safeguarding private and monetary data.
Ceaselessly Requested Questions
This part addresses widespread inquiries and misconceptions relating to the “$1000 amazon reward card survey,” offering readability and factual data to advertise knowledgeable decision-making.
Query 1: Is the “$1000 amazon reward card survey” a official provide?
No, the “$1000 amazon reward card survey” is usually not a official provide. It’s typically a fraudulent scheme used to gather private data, distribute malware, or trick people into subscription traps. Genuine promotional provides from respected corporations sometimes don’t require the submission of delicate private or monetary knowledge upfront.
Query 2: What kinds of data are sometimes requested within the “$1000 amazon reward card survey?”
These surveys generally request a variety of non-public data, together with names, addresses, cellphone numbers, electronic mail addresses, and dates of delivery. In some cases, they might additionally solicit monetary knowledge, similar to checking account numbers, bank card particulars, and social safety numbers. Provision of such data considerably elevates the chance of id theft and monetary fraud.
Query 3: What are the potential dangers of taking part within the “$1000 amazon reward card survey?”
Taking part in this kind of survey carries a number of potential dangers, together with id theft, monetary loss resulting from fraudulent prices, malware an infection of digital units, and enrollment in undesirable subscription companies. The data supplied can also be bought to 3rd events for advertising and marketing functions or utilized in future phishing makes an attempt.
Query 4: How can one establish a fraudulent “$1000 amazon reward card survey?”
A number of indicators may help establish fraudulent surveys, together with unsolicited communications, requests for delicate data, poor grammar and spelling, suspicious URLs, and a common lack of transparency relating to the phrases and situations of the provide. If any of those crimson flags are current, the survey ought to be handled with excessive warning.
Query 5: What steps ought to be taken if private data has already been submitted by way of a “$1000 amazon reward card survey?”
If private data has already been submitted, rapid motion is critical. Change passwords for all on-line accounts, monitor credit score stories for unauthorized exercise, contact monetary establishments to alert them to potential fraud, and contemplate inserting a fraud alert on credit score information. It might even be advisable to file a report with the Federal Commerce Fee (FTC) and native legislation enforcement.
Query 6: Does Amazon endorse or sponsor the “$1000 amazon reward card survey?”
Amazon doesn’t endorse or sponsor the “$1000 amazon reward card survey.” The unauthorized use of the Amazon model identify and brand in these surveys is a misleading tactic employed by fraudulent actors to lend credibility to the scheme. Genuine promotions from Amazon are sometimes communicated by way of official channels and don’t require the submission of delicate private data upfront.
This FAQ part goals to equip people with the data mandatory to acknowledge and keep away from the dangers related to the “$1000 amazon reward card survey.” Vigilance and skepticism are important in defending in opposition to on-line fraud.
The next part will present steering on reporting these fraudulent actions to the suitable authorities.
Protecting Measures Towards “$1000 amazon reward card survey” Schemes
The proliferation of fraudulent on-line schemes necessitates a proactive method to safeguarding private and monetary data. The next suggestions present actionable steps to mitigate the dangers related to misleading provides, such because the “$1000 amazon reward card survey.”
Tip 1: Train Skepticism Relating to Unsolicited Presents. Chorus from participating with unsolicited emails, messages, or commercials promising substantial rewards. Reliable alternatives not often originate from sudden sources. Confirm the authenticity of any provide by independently contacting the purported sender by way of official channels. Don’t click on on hyperlinks or present data till the supply’s legitimacy is confirmed.
Tip 2: Scrutinize Web site URLs and Area Names. Rigorously study the web site tackle (URL) for any discrepancies, similar to misspellings, uncommon area extensions, or using subdomains. Fraudulent web sites typically mimic official websites with refined variations designed to deceive customers. Confirm that the web site makes use of a safe connection (HTTPS) and that the area identify aligns with the purported group.
Tip 3: Keep away from Offering Delicate Private or Monetary Data. By no means present delicate private or monetary data in response to unsolicited requests. Reliable surveys or promotions sometimes don’t require the upfront submission of information similar to checking account numbers, bank card particulars, or social safety numbers. Be cautious of any survey that requests this kind of data previous to participation.
Tip 4: Assessment Privateness Insurance policies and Phrases of Service. Earlier than taking part in any on-line survey or promotion, completely assessment the privateness coverage and phrases of service. These paperwork define how private data will likely be collected, used, and guarded. If the phrases are imprecise, ambiguous, or excessively broad, train warning and contemplate avoiding participation altogether.
Tip 5: Make the most of Sturdy, Distinctive Passwords. Make use of robust, distinctive passwords for all on-line accounts, together with electronic mail, social media, and e-commerce platforms. Keep away from utilizing simply guessable passwords, similar to birthdays, names, or widespread phrases. Allow multi-factor authentication (MFA) every time potential so as to add an additional layer of safety.
Tip 6: Maintain Software program and Units Up to date. Frequently replace software program, working methods, and net browsers to patch safety vulnerabilities and shield in opposition to malware infections. Allow computerized updates every time potential to make sure that units are all the time working the newest safety patches. Set up and keep respected antivirus software program and firewalls to supply a further layer of safety.
Tip 7: Monitor Credit score Studies and Monetary Accounts. Frequently monitor credit score stories and monetary accounts for unauthorized exercise. Search for suspicious transactions, unfamiliar accounts, or every other indicators of id theft. Report any irregularities to the related monetary establishments and credit score bureaus instantly.
These protecting measures function a protection in opposition to the fraudulent ways employed in schemes just like the “$1000 amazon reward card survey.” Adherence to those tips enhances on-line safety and safeguards private and monetary data from exploitation.
The concluding part of this text will tackle the method of reporting fraudulent exercise and searching for help from related authorities.
Conclusion
The previous exploration of the “$1000 amazon reward card survey” has revealed its inherent dangers and misleading nature. This evaluation has detailed the strategies employed by fraudulent actors, together with illegitimate knowledge assortment, phishing makes an attempt, malware distribution, and id theft. The lure of a considerable reward masks a fancy net of potential hurt, emphasizing the necessity for heightened consciousness and warning.
The prevalence of schemes just like the “$1000 amazon reward card survey” underscores the continuing problem of on-line fraud. Vigilance stays the simplest protection. Shoppers are urged to critically consider unsolicited provides, safeguard private data, and report suspicious exercise to the suitable authorities. Continued training and proactive safety measures are important in mitigating the dangers related to these pervasive on-line scams.
