In order to get the prize, users must first provide a serious amount of personal information, such as email addresses, postal addresses, phone numbers and date of birth. Afterwards, they must complete various questionnaires on various subjects.
In the end, it’s still not clear if the user will get the $250. However, the data he provides will be of some use:
"It’s not immediately obvious whether this spam is being sent to commit identity theft or whether it’s market research gone mad. If you visit the site and give it your personal information the chances are that you will be bombarded with unwanted junk email until hell freezes over," said Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant for Sophos.
"There’s no evidence to reassure people that they will really receive a gift card – and as the people behind this website have already proven themselves prepared to send unsolicited spam, this is probably more of a trick than a treat," he added.
According to Sophos, spammers lead similar campaigns during St Valentine’s Day, trying to sell various items such as lingerie, chocolate or jewelry.