DEFENDERS: Fake messages offering money, grants during COVID-19 pandemic

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Federal Trade Commission is warning Facebook and WhatsApp users of a possible scam going around during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The FTC said people who have received messages from Pepsi, Walmart, Whole Foods, Target and other big-name brands offering money. The messages offer money to people through grants and coupons for food support or other giveaways.

The FTC said all of the messages are fake and are not sent from the companies whatsoever.

The message will tell you to click on a link to receive your money. If you click, you might find a survey or they might ask you to enter your name and other personal information.

The commission is reminding users not to click on any such links, delete the message, and not to share it. If you already clicked or shared a link, run a security scan on your device to look for malware, federal officials said.