We’ve all filled out quick surveys and gotten a $10 gift card for a movie or a buy-one-get-one coupon at Chipotle. But what if you could get a free $325 YETI cooler just for taking a survey from Dick’s Sporting Goods? It sounds great, but actually, it’s part of a new email scam that tricks people and steals their information.
This scam was unique because it managed to bypass Gmail’s spam filter, reaching more people than usual. However, whether the prize is a YETI cooler or AirPods, there are easy ways to avoid falling for these scams.
How does the YETI cooler scam work?

The email used a clever trick to get past Gmail’s spam filter, making it seem like a real email with important information. It then asked people to fill out a survey that required personal details. At the end, it asked for credit card information to pay for shipping the cooler.
This is why you shouldn’t just depend on spam filters to protect you. Instead, learn how to spot these scams. As Dick’s Sporting Goods points out in their security warning, the scammers want to steal your personal information to make money.
How to spot scam emails
1. Check the email address to see if it matches the company’s official one
Every company uses a specific email address for talking to customers and advertising, which you can find on their “contact us” page on their website. This email address usually looks like the company’s name.
So, if you get an email from something like deswasdabsdsbdbsr@criwaspothefi.ml, you can be sure it’s a scam and not really from Dick’s Sporting Goods.
2. Visit the company’s website to see if they are really offering the deal
If Dick’s Sporting Goods were giving away $325 YETI coolers for taking a survey, they would definitely advertise it on their website and social media. So, take some time to check their social media or even call them to confirm the offer.
Also, if a suspicious email takes you to a website, make sure it’s the real company’s site. Search for the company’s website on Google and compare the URLs. If the website address is different from the company’s name, like www.dickssportinggoods.com, it’s probably a scam.
3. Never give out your credit card information for things that should be free
Scams often try to get more than just your name, address, and email; they want your credit card details too. Remember, they can only get this information if you give it to them.
So, always be careful and never give your credit card details for something that is supposed to be free or hasn’t been confirmed as legitimate.
4. Be careful with any requests for your information
While some real surveys might ask for your name or address, be cautious and try to avoid these if possible. Most surveys these days don’t need your personal details; they’re usually anonymous.
If a survey asks for more information than usual, that’s a warning sign. Also, if you’re told you’ve won a contest you never entered, it’s likely a scam.
5. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is
Take some time to think about whether the offer really makes sense. Talk to a trusted friend or family member who isn’t involved and ask if they think it might be a scam. (If you feel the need to ask, it usually is a scam.)
What should you do if you sent money for the YETI cooler?
If you gave your credit card or other personal information for the YETI cooler offer, the first thing you should do is call your bank right away.
Tell them what happened and ask them to watch your account for any unusual activity. Follow any advice they give you to protect your money.