The article will aid you to differentiate between a $1000 Amazon Gift Card and scams related to it. Follow the removal instructions for the related adware and scams given at the end of the article.
What Is $1000 Amazon Gift Card Scam?
$1000 Amazon Gift Card Scam has many variants and has circled Web space for years now. With every new version of the scam that pops up, more and more users fall victim to it.
That is due to the fact that every new scam tends to mimic and be as close as possible to the original Gift Card provided by Amazon.com, Inc. One of the latest is an adware that keeps showing pop-ups with the message $1000 Amazon Gift Card is reserved for you.
Many different domains host a web page with that version of the scam. Older versions are still found across the Internet and there are also videos promoting the $1000 Amazon Gift Card Scam on YouTube. Adverts will be pushed on your browsers, and thus the scam is also recognized as adware.
$1000 Amazon Gift Card Scam Summary
| Type | Adware, PUP, Phishing |
| Symptoms | You see adverts in your browsers, like pop-ups listing you as a winner or rightful recipient of an Amazon Gift Card for 1,000 US dollars. You can get redirected from ads and links related to it that may show on websites you visit. |
| Removal Time | 5 Minutes |
| Detection Tool |
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What Does It Do?
$1000 Amazon Gift Card Scam might distribute via a third-party installation setup. Applications connected to $1000 Amazon Gift Card Scam can intrude your computer, without your knowledge of that.
Bundled packages and freeware setups could be distributing this adware. Installer setups like those could be set by default to install additional components.
To avoid installations of such unwanted applications, you have to search for the Custom or Advanced settings. From there, you should be able to deselect any component that is not necessary.
NOTE! Rare instances of this kind of $1000 Amazon Gift Card scam have been seen to be pushed to e-mail addresses, so beware if you get an e-mail from somebody else than Amazon about gift cards.
Websites hosting the $1000 Amazon Gift Card Scam can load pop-ups and other advertising content as you are browsing. Heaps of advertisements might show, promoting ways to get Amazon Gift Cards of different money amounts. The one with 1,000 US dollars is the most common one.
You can preview this variant of the $1000 Amazon Gift Card scam below:
Lots of shopping pages are being bombarded with pop-ups and other adverts promoting the scam. The adverts might be presented in the pretext of shopping deals, discount coupons, and all kinds of related content that may fit marketing and shopping sites.
The text on its page states the following:
Congratulations!
(1) $1000 Amazon Gift Card is reserved for you!
Step 1: Click the “CONTINUE” button to claim your prize.
Step 2: Enter the correct information on the next page to claim your prize.Important: Hurry, limited quantities only.
You only have 0 minutes 0 seconds to claim your prize!
$1000 Amazon Gift Card
2 remaining!
[CONTINUE]
In the case your browser software and your computer machine have any program or Trojan horse associated with this scam or adware type, you can witness sponsored advertisements about the $1000 Amazon Gift Card often inside shopping sites you browse regularly.
Amazon Gift Card Scam – How to Avoid It?
Refer to the following guidelines on how to avoid most scams related to gift cards and phishing pages below:
- Never use the gift card for payment outside of Amazon
- Don’t provide any gift card details (like the claim code) to someone you don’t know/trust
- Avoid payment requests for Amazon.com Gift Card claim codes
- Avoid payments that are made off the merchant site
- Avoid payments to guarantee the transaction
- Avoid payments to receive a large amount of money
- Avoid payments to guarantee a credit card or loan
- Avoid offers that seem too good to be true
- Avoid payments to someone whose identity you can’t confirm
The guideline rules listed above were taken directly from official resources of Amazon, namely Amazon.com Common Gift Card Scams and Amazon Help (Internet scams and phishing) pages.
Some of the scams related to Amazon can be removed by closing the tab or the whole browser. In case the scam pages, advertisements, pop-ups, and similar landing pages continue to bother you, then you probably have something on your computer generating them, and you should consider removing the malware and its related files. Read the instructions below for more information.
Remove $1000 Amazon Gift Card Scam Malware
To remove $1000 Amazon Gift Card Scam manually from your computer, follow the step-by-step instructions manual provided down here. If the manual removal does not get rid of the ads and shopping pop-ups from appearing, you should search for and remove any leftovers with an advanced anti-malware tool. Such a program can keep your computer secure in the future.
Tsetso Mihailov
Tsetso Mihailov is a tech-geek and loves everything that is tech-related, while observing the latest news surrounding technologies. He has worked in IT before, as a system administrator and a computer repair technician. Dealing with malware since his teens, he is determined to spread word about the latest threats revolving around computer security.
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How to Remove $1000 Amazon Gift Card Scam from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for $1000 Amazon Gift Card Scam with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall $1000 Amazon Gift Card Scam and related software from Windows
Uninstall Steps for Windows 11
Uninstall Steps for Windows 10 and Older Versions
Here is a method in few easy steps that should be able to uninstall most programs. No matter if you are using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program are left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, errors with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.
Step 4: Clean Any registries, Created by $1000 Amazon Gift Card Scam on Your PC.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by $1000 Amazon Gift Card Scam there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.
Video Removal Guide for $1000 Amazon Gift Card Scam (Windows).
Get rid of $1000 Amazon Gift Card Scam from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall $1000 Amazon Gift Card Scam and remove related files and objects
Your Mac will then show you a list of items that start automatically when you log in. Look for any suspicious apps identical or similar to $1000 Amazon Gift Card Scam. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.
- Go to Finder.
- In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
- Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
- If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.
In case you cannot remove $1000 Amazon Gift Card Scam via Step 1 above:
In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:
You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:
→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons
Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.
Step 2: Scan for and remove $1000 Amazon Gift Card Scam files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as $1000 Amazon Gift Card Scam, the recommended way of eliminating the threat is by using an anti-malware program. SpyHunter for Mac offers advanced security features along with other modules that will improve your Mac’s security and protect it in the future.
Video Removal Guide for $1000 Amazon Gift Card Scam (Mac)
Remove $1000 Amazon Gift Card Scam from Google Chrome.
Step 1: Start Google Chrome and open the drop menu
Step 2: Move the cursor over "Tools" and then from the extended menu choose "Extensions"
Step 3: From the opened "Extensions" menu locate the unwanted extension and click on its "Remove" button.
Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Google Chrome by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.
Erase $1000 Amazon Gift Card Scam from Mozilla Firefox.
Step 1: Start Mozilla Firefox. Open the menu window:
Step 2: Select the "Add-ons" icon from the menu.
Step 3: Select the unwanted extension and click "Remove"
Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Mozilla Firefox by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.
Uninstall $1000 Amazon Gift Card Scam from Microsoft Edge.
Step 1: Start Edge browser.
Step 2: Open the drop menu by clicking on the icon at the top right corner.
Step 3: From the drop menu select "Extensions".
Step 4: Choose the suspected malicious extension you want to remove and then click on the gear icon.
Step 5: Remove the malicious extension by scrolling down and then clicking on Uninstall.
Remove $1000 Amazon Gift Card Scam from Safari
Step 1: Start the Safari app.
Step 2: After hovering your mouse cursor to the top of the screen, click on the Safari text to open its drop down menu.
Step 3: From the menu, click on "Preferences".
Step 4: After that, select the 'Extensions' Tab.
Step 5: Click once on the extension you want to remove.
Step 6: Click 'Uninstall'.
A pop-up window will appear asking for confirmation to uninstall the extension. Select 'Uninstall' again, and the $1000 Amazon Gift Card Scam will be removed.
Eliminate $1000 Amazon Gift Card Scam from Internet Explorer.
Step 1: Start Internet Explorer.
Step 2: Click on the gear icon labeled 'Tools' to open the drop menu and select 'Manage Add-ons'
Step 3: In the 'Manage Add-ons' window.
Step 4: Select the extension you want to remove and then click 'Disable'. A pop-up window will appear to inform you that you are about to disable the selected extension, and some more add-ons might be disabled as well. Leave all the boxes checked, and click 'Disable'.
Step 5: After the unwanted extension has been removed, restart Internet Explorer by closing it from the red 'X' button located at the top right corner and start it again.
Remove Push Notifications from Your Browsers
Turn Off Push Notifications from Google Chrome
To disable any Push Notices from Google Chrome browser, please follow the steps below:
Step 1: Go to Settings in Chrome.
Step 2: In Settings, select “Advanced Settings”:
Step 3: Click “Content Settings”:
Step 4: Open “Notifications”:
Step 5: Click the three dots and choose Block, Edit or Remove options:
Remove Push Notifications on Firefox
Step 1: Go to Firefox Options.
Step 2: Go to “Settings”, type “notifications” in the search bar and click "Settings":
Step 3: Click “Remove” on any site you wish notifications gone and click “Save Changes”
Stop Push Notifications on Opera
Step 1: In Opera, press ALT+P to go to Settings.
Step 2: In Setting search, type “Content” to go to Content Settings.
Step 3: Open Notifications:
Step 4: Do the same as you did with Google Chrome (explained below):
Eliminate Push Notifications on Safari
Step 1: Open Safari Preferences.
Step 2: Choose the domain from where you like push pop-ups gone and change to "Deny" from "Allow".
$1000 Amazon Gift Card Scam-FAQ
What Is $1000 Amazon Gift Card Scam?
The $1000 Amazon Gift Card Scam threat is adware or browser redirect virus.
It may slow your computer down significantly and display advertisements. The main idea is for your information to likely get stolen or more ads to appear on your device.
The creators of such unwanted apps work with pay-per-click schemes to get your computer to visit risky or different types of websites that may generate them funds. This is why they do not even care what types of websites show up on the ads. This makes their unwanted software indirectly risky for your OS.
What Are the Symptoms of $1000 Amazon Gift Card Scam?
There are several symptoms to look for when this particular threat and also unwanted apps in general are active:
Symptom #1: Your computer may become slow and have poor performance in general.
Symptom #2: You have toolbars, add-ons or extensions on your web browsers that you don't remember adding.
Symptom #3: You see all types of ads, like ad-supported search results, pop-ups and redirects to randomly appear.
Symptom #4: You see installed apps on your Mac running automatically and you do not remember installing them.
Symptom #5: You see suspicious processes running in your Task Manager.
If you see one or more of those symptoms, then security experts recommend that you check your computer for viruses.
What Types of Unwanted Programs Are There?
According to most malware researchers and cyber-security experts, the threats that can currently affect your device can be rogue antivirus software, adware, browser hijackers, clickers, fake optimizers and any forms of PUPs.
What to Do If I Have a "virus" like $1000 Amazon Gift Card Scam?
With few simple actions. First and foremost, it is imperative that you follow these steps:
Step 1: Find a safe computer and connect it to another network, not the one that your Mac was infected in.
Step 2: Change all of your passwords, starting from your email passwords.
Step 3: Enable two-factor authentication for protection of your important accounts.
Step 4: Call your bank to change your credit card details (secret code, etc.) if you have saved your credit card for online shopping or have done online activities with your card.
Step 5: Make sure to call your ISP (Internet provider or carrier) and ask them to change your IP address.
Step 6: Change your Wi-Fi password.
Step 7: (Optional): Make sure to scan all of the devices connected to your network for viruses and repeat these steps for them if they are affected.
Step 8: Install anti-malware software with real-time protection on every device you have.
Step 9: Try not to download software from sites you know nothing about and stay away from low-reputation websites in general.
If you follow these recommendations, your network and all devices will become significantly more secure against any threats or information invasive software and be virus free and protected in the future too.
How Does $1000 Amazon Gift Card Scam Work?
Once installed, $1000 Amazon Gift Card Scam can collect data using trackers. This data is about your web browsing habits, such as the websites you visit and the search terms you use. It is then used to target you with ads or to sell your information to third parties.
$1000 Amazon Gift Card Scam can also download other malicious software onto your computer, such as viruses and spyware, which can be used to steal your personal information and show risky ads, that may redirect to virus sites or scams.
Is $1000 Amazon Gift Card Scam Malware?
The truth is that PUPs (adware, browser hijackers) are not viruses, but may be just as dangerous since they may show you and redirect you to malware websites and scam pages.
Many security experts classify potentially unwanted programs as malware. This is because of the unwanted effects that PUPs can cause, such as displaying intrusive ads and collecting user data without the user’s knowledge or consent.
About the $1000 Amazon Gift Card Scam Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this $1000 Amazon Gift Card Scam how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific, adware-related problem, and restore your browser and computer system.
How did we conduct the research on $1000 Amazon Gift Card Scam?
Please note that our research is based on independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, thanks to which we receive daily updates on the latest malware, adware, and browser hijacker definitions.
Furthermore, the research behind the $1000 Amazon Gift Card Scam threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.
I want to stop getting fake unredeemable rewords….help
I got this for the first time online @ Sheetz through Century Link I believe is their cable people; I fell for it due to the social media links; then I got a shot of T&A–we could all use some of that every once in awhile–problem is, it can get you in a lot of trouble. My phone sometime around this began dialing on its own although it seemed to have started doing so on its own a little earlier than when the gift card appeared–my lucky day aw
The first time I saw this, I pressed cancel. Then it redirected me to a page that looked a lot like the Apple website, but with a pixelated logo in the top left, and it told me that my phone was infected with a virus and I needed to install some program to get rid of it. Extremely deceptive site.
The people creating these scams are sick jerks and they need to have their rights to use technology revoked.
They are now sending this via text….are there any special instructions to make sure my phone is not infected????
I need to cancel what it submitted. Inc ss#. How do I do something?? Help. Critical time is of essence. They really took my social. Amazon 1k card is bogus and a scam.