That friend who shared a link to a free $100 Chipotle gift card meant well. They really did. Sadly, they, and anyone else who clicked on their referral link, have been scammed. Sometimes things are too good to be true.
According to BuzzFeed News, social media users have been tricked into sharing the link “https://chipotle.guacamole.cards/” (don’t click on that!) in hopes that they’ll be rewarded with a $100 Chipotle gift card if they get four friends to click the link.
The scammers also made a fake verified Chipotle Facebook account where fake Facebook users left fake reviews about the fake giveaway to, you know, really sell their scam as being real. The internet is a crazy place.
But while the scam rapidly spread across social media, a few observant people noticed that things didn’t quite add up. For one, Chipotle’s real verified Facebook account name is “Chipotle Mexican Grill,” not just “‘Chipotle.” Then, when users tried to see who these Facebook reviewers were, their accounts lacked substance and were clearly just facades.
On July 31st, Chipotle confirmed that they had nothing to do with the $100 gift card giveaway. No free burrito bowls for you, you, or you.
Thanks for reaching out! This seems to be a scam going around and we are looking into this thoroughly. So sorry for any confusion. -Gabe
— Chipotle (@ChipotleTweets) July 31, 2018
But if you’re one of the many who fell for the convincing scam, don’t feel bad. You’re definitely not alone.
me after falling for the $100 chipotle gift card scam pic.twitter.com/7XeHZmMzl8
— salmon cannon (@oliviasedran) July 31, 2018
If you think I’m gonna fall for the $100 chipotle gift card scam and send it to all my friends then. Your goddam right I am.
— Jeremy castro (@j_cassstro) July 31, 2018
That combination of embarrassment and disappointment when you have to text everyone that that $100 Chipotle gift card link was a scam. pic.twitter.com/zOGOR7MnLN
— griot (@homo_africanus) July 31, 2018
Guys, it’s okay. We all make mistakes. Run a virus scan on your computer and then head to your local Chipotle to eat your embarrassment. Sure, you’ll have to pay for your meal rather than use that hypothetical gift card — but let’s just hope karma works in our favor this time around.
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