Dick’s YETI Hopper M20 Giveaway Scam: How to Spot It, Protect Yourself, and Avoid Online Fraud

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Online giveaway scams are widespread, and one of the most persistent is the Dick’s YETI Hopper M20 Giveaway Scam. This fraudulent promotion claims that Dick’s Sporting Goods is giving away a free YETI Hopper M20 Backpack Cooler, but in reality, it is a phishing and payment fraud scheme with no affiliation to Dick’s or YETI.

This article explains how the scam works, how to identify it, what to do if you encounter it, and how to find legitimate giveaways from trusted brands.

What Is the Dick’s YETI Hopper M20 Giveaway Scam?

The Dick’s YETI Hopper M20 giveaway scam is a deceptive online promotion circulated through unsolicited emails, social media posts, and fake websites. It falsely states that recipients have been selected to receive a free YETI Hopper M20 cooler from Dick’s Sporting Goods.

Scammers use the reputation of well-known brands to lure victims into clicking links, providing personal information, or paying small “shipping fees” for nonexistent prizes. Reports confirm that these emails and offers are not from Dick’s Sporting Goods and are part of phishing campaigns. WIRED+1

How the Scam Typically Works

The scam often follows this sequence:

You receive an unsolicited email or social post claiming you won a free YETI Hopper M20.
The message includes a link to a site designed to look like an official promotion.
You are asked to complete a survey or verify your details.
The next step requests a payment for “shipping,” “processing,” or “handling.”
When you enter your credit card information, scammers collect financial data and may charge additional unauthorized fees.
You never receive the promised free cooler. infoquu.com+1

Scammers may also enroll victims in unwanted subscriptions or expose devices to malware if the link leads to a malicious site. infoquu.com

Recognizing Common Red Flags

It is important to recognize the warning signs of this giveaway scam:

The email sender address does not come from an official Dick’s Sporting Goods domain (e.g., @dickssportinggoods.com). noctechnology.com
The URL of the landing page is not dickssportinggoods.com or another verified domain. Mytour.vn
You are asked to pay a fee to claim a supposedly free prize. MalwareTips Forums
Social media accounts hosting the giveaway are newly created or unverified. Better Business Bureau
The post contains poor grammar, spelling mistakes, or unusual formatting. Better Business Bureau

Legitimate companies do not ask winners to pay fees to receive free products. If an offer sounds too good to be true, it usually is.

Why Scammers Use Fake Giveaways

Scammers use fake giveaways because they are effective at attracting attention and encouraging clicks. By leveraging recognized brands like Dick’s Sporting Goods and YETI, they gain perceived credibility and lower people’s guard.

Their goals include:

Collecting personal contact and financial information
Charging unauthorized fees or recurring subscriptions
Selling harvested data to third parties
Installing malware or spyware on devices

Even when initial payments are small, scammers can extract much larger amounts of money through hidden charges or identity theft.

How to Verify Real Promotions

If you receive an offer and want to check its authenticity, follow these steps:

Visit the official Dick’s Sporting Goods website directly at https://www.dickssportinggoods.com. If a giveaway is real, it will be prominently featured there.
Check official brand social media accounts (verified with blue checkmarks).
Confirm any promotional emails by looking at the sender domain and contacting customer service if unsure.
Search for official press releases or announcements from Dick’s Sporting Goods or YETI.

Real giveaways always include clear terms and conditions, a defined entry period, and transparent winner selection processes.

For a general guide on spotting fake giveaways and avoiding scams, see How to Find Legitimate Giveaways (And Avoid Scams). thegiveawayfairy.com

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is the Dick’s YETI Hopper M20 Giveaway real?

No. The Dick’s YETI Hopper M20 giveaway promotion circulating via email and social media is fraudulent. It is not endorsed by Dick’s Sporting Goods or YETI, and it is designed to trick you into sharing personal information or making payments. WIRED

Why did I receive an email about a YETI cooler if I never entered anything?

Scammers often use randomized email lists or compromised addresses to send fraudulent messages. Receiving such an email does not mean you signed up for any giveaway. centerpost.org

How can I tell if an email is a phishing scam?

Check the sender’s email domain, inspect the link without clicking it (hover over it to view the real URL), and see if the offer appears on the official company website. Legitimate brands rarely send unsolicited prize notifications by email. noctechnology.com

What should I do if I clicked the link?

If you clicked the link but did not enter information, close the site immediately and avoid further interaction. Run an antivirus or anti-malware scan on your device to check for threats.

What if I already provided my credit card details?

Contact your bank or card issuer immediately to report potential fraud, request a blocked card, and dispute unauthorized charges. Monitor your accounts for unusual activity.

How do legitimate giveaways work?

Real giveaways from companies include published rules, entry requirements, and transparent terms and conditions. They do not ask for sensitive information like bank details or require payment to claim a prize. thegiveawayfairy.com

Are there trustworthy places to find real giveaways?

Yes. Sites like ContestGirl, SweetiesSweeps, and GiveawayFrenzy curate legitimate contests and promotions so you can participate safely. thegiveawayfairy.com

Final Thoughts: Protect Yourself from Online Scams

The Dick’s YETI Hopper M20 Giveaway is a scam. If you encounter a similar offer, do not click the link, provide information, or make any payments.

To stay safe online:

Always verify the source of promotions.
Use official channels to confirm offers.
Report suspicious messages to your email provider or the platform where you found them.