The Hidden Cost of 'Free' Gifts: How Survey Scams Are Evolving to Steal Financial Data
KnowBe4, Friday, August 22nd, 2025
You've probably seen them: enticing online offers for free products from brands you trust, like a Yeti beach chair from Costco or an emergency car kit from AAA.
All you have to do is fill out a quick survey and pay a small "shipping fee" of a couple of dollars. But what seems like a harmless transaction is actually a sophisticated scam with a high price tag.
The KnowBe4 Threat Lab team has been tracking a phishing campaign where scammers use these fake surveys to steal financial data. While the initial loss might seem trivial (just a few dollars for shipping) the reality is far more costly.