CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Who doesn't love a good deal?
But sometimes they can be too good to be true, and that's the case with a social media post making the rounds that's promising a free meal at Longhorn Steakhouse.
The scam says Longhorn, which is a popular steakhouse chain across the U.S., will offer a free dinner for two in October to anyone who simply posts and comments on the post.
THE CLAIM
Longhorn Steakhouse is offering a free dinner and drink for two at any of their restaurants if they post and comment.
OUR SOURCES
THE ANSWER
No, for the month of October, Longhorn Steakhouse is not offering a free dinner for two on social media.
WHAT WE FOUND
Darden Restaurants, which owns the Longhorn Steakhouse chain, told WCNC Charlotte:
"This offer is not real and cannot be redeemed."
The Facebook post shared by Longhorn Steakhouse's Fans looks real with pictures from the Longhorn website, but Bartholomy said that's how they get you.
"With this Longhorn one, they lifted a picture right of their website that is the CEO of Longhorn," Bartholomy said.
For people who share or comment on the post, Bartholomy said this is a way scammers can get your information. What's next? They may reach out to you through Facebook Messenger or ask you to fill out a survey. They may also send you a link claiming it's your way to get the deal.
"That's their ploy just to get you to give up that type of information, and unfortunately, it's working for them," Bartholomy said.
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He said if you see a free deal like this, go to the actual website or even talk to the business and ask if it's real before you click on any links. If you did click on the link and give out information, call your credit card company or report it to the three credit report agencies, just in case.
Contact Meghan Bragg at mbragg@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
WCNC Charlotte's Verify series is all about trying to make a difference in the Carolinas by making sure the community has the correct information. WCNC Charlotte outlines concisely what we know and what we don't know. Sometimes the answer can be surprising. Watch previous stories where we verify social media claims in the YouTube playlist below and subscribe to get updated when new videos are uploaded.
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