ISLAMABAD: A new scam is making the rounds on social media sites, specifically on Facebook, targeting users with promises of cheap North Face backpacks from Imtiaz, a retail chain in Pakistan.
Some fake accounts have been sharing fake emotional stories linked to Imtiaz with a phishing link, where the account claims that anyone can buy cheap North Face backpacks.
The scammers use a bogus story of an employee being fired, phishing links, and fake sensitive information of the company, which, they believe, can help customers get almost free North Face backpacks, which cost thousands of rupees.
Through the phishing link, the scammers collect sensitive personal and financial data.
Imtiaz North Face backpack scam
All employees had access to an internal platform where they could get a The North Face backpack almost free, just by answering a simple survey. It was never announced publicly, but the page is still active.
The scam starts with a post claiming to be from a former Imtiaz employee who was fired for refusing to work on their day off without payment. The post claims that Imtiaz employees had access to an internal platform where they could purchase the North Face backpacks at a discounted price of Rs 560, delivery included, by answering a simple survey.
“Yesterday, I got another backpack, yaar. All you need to do is answer some questions and make the payment. I’ll leave the link in the comments, but honestly, I don’t know how long this offer will last, boss,” the post read.
Other fake accounts also use the same strategy to trigger sympathy and lure the public into the scam. The account claims that “his/her father dedicated 7 years of his life to Imtiaz, and when he turned 50, they fired him, threw him out like a rag!”
Demanding revenge from Imtiaz, the users claim to have sensitive information about a loophole on the store’s website. They follow a similar pattern, telling users to click on the link and fill out the survey to get the cheap North Face backpack.
As the scam went viral on social media, Imtiaz shared a clarification, alerting the public not to click on any such suspicious links.
“We’ve received reports of fake links being circulated via Facebook and Messenger claiming to be from Imtiaz. These often mention fake prize draws or free giveaways.”
“All official Imtiaz offers are shared only through our verified social media platforms. Let’s stay alert and protect our community from online scams,” the statement read.
A concerned Facebook user, identifying as a media observer, confirmed that the Imtiaz backpack is a scam, adding that it includes a fake website pretending to be from Imtiaz Mall. “Even worse, they’re asking for all your VISA card details.”
Another user, Munifa Hareem, wrote that one of his friends just got scammed. “Never ever share any kind of account details with anyone, and especially don’t put any information about you on unauthorized websites/links.”
