McDonald's warns of Facebook hoax

Facebook users have been warned not to share or click on links from viral Facebook events offering free McDonald's vouchers, which the fast food chain says are a hoax.

One Facebook "event" which had gathered more than 40,000 members by midday today, but has since been removed from Facebook, was promoted as a celebration of "a whopping $50 billion revenue in 2011".

"McDonald's has decided to give away free vouchers to our loyal customers," it touted.

Users were told if they invited 50 friends to the page they would get a $20 voucher and the more friends they added, the bigger the voucher they would receive.

The page encouraged users to click a link to another website to get their vouchers.

McDonald's Australia released a statement to warn customers of the scam.

"It has come to our attention that there is a Facebook page offering a free McDonald's voucher," McDonald's wrote. "This page is not authorised by McDonald's. if you see one of these pages do not follow any instructions or click on any links that it contains."

WA ScamNet manager Lanie Chopping said consumers should always check that the account that has created an offer or event is the official account of the business concerned.

“Consumers should not provide personal information and should always be cautious of any offer or event made openly available online for free. If in doubt contact the business concerned to confirm if the approach is legitimate."