Bogus Google Chrome Survey Attempts to Trick into Purchasing Products

[Karamjit]

Users are exposed to products in an effort to increase sales

Emails allegedly part of a “2015 Annual Visitor Survey,” are floating on the web in search of recipients gullible enough to take the bait and be served advertisements for different products.

The message claims to have been sent to gather user statistics about the usage of Chrome web browser. In return for providing an honest answer, the recipient is promised a chance to win a certain software product.

However, the entire charade is nothing but a maneuver to expose the user to software or services in an attempt to drive sales up so that spammers earn a commission.
Disclaimer reveals the purpose of the message

The email, spotted by Online Threat Alerts, asks for a simple answer to a single question, “How often do you use Chrome?” despite the fact that in the previous string it is advertised that there would be four questions.

Spotting the deceit is hardly a tough job, especially since there is a disclaimer at the end of the message saying that the survey is, in fact, an advertisement. Furthermore, it is stated that Google, or any other browser maker, is not associated in any way with the operation.

“This website receives compensation for purchase of products featured,” the disclaimer continues. Well, even if they may use misleading messages, at least they are honest about the true purpose of the email.
Despite the warning, users could still fall for the trick

On the other hand, there is no telling how many users may fall for the trick and overlook the disclaimer text.

Although such tactics are not downright malicious, they may pose some risks, as some of the software and services promoted could be ill-intentioned.

Products under the label “potentially unwanted programs” (PUPs) are often passed to the users in this manner.

PUPs could lead to downloading other software, as part of affiliate marketing schemes, where the operator of the campaign earns a commission from the developer for each software installation.

From: http://news.softpedia.com/news/Bogus-Google-Chrome-Survey-Attempts-to-Trick-into-Purchasing-Products-479228.shtml