‘Total Wipeout Tour’ events spring up on Facebook
A large number of Facebook events have popped up on the social networking site advertising a ‘Total Wipeout Tour’ across cities in the UK. The events request that visitors register their interest by joining the event, visit an external website and then enter their personal details by answering a number of questions.
Total Wipeout is a gameshow that was filmed for the BBC where contestants had to complete physical obstacle courses, usually made from inflatables. However, in the event description it is noted that these supposed events have no connection with the BBC or the Total Wipeout franchise.
The description for an event apparently set to take place in Plymouth includes the following…
The biggest Total Wipeout Tour is coming to Plymouth this September!
Join the event for info and full listings!
Have you ever wanted to take part in a series of challenges like you may have seen on Total Wipeout, but never wanted to do it on TV, or think that you would not be able to even complete the first challenge? Well now is your chance to attempt it, without the pressure, and to just have fun.
Have fun with your friends and meet new people!
This will be an event you will not want to miss!
Venue & Date: To Be announced
This has no ties with the BBC or Total Wipeout
The events have been extremely popular with many thousands of Facebook users registering with each one. However these events to do not appear legitimate for a number of different reasons.
– The cover photo (above) used in these Facebook events is a publicity photo for the official Total Wipeout gameshow. However in the event description it is noted that there is no connection to these events and the Total Wipeout gameshow.
– The people behind the events are unknown since there are no contact details whatsoever. Only these Facebook events and a registration form on typeform.com (a website for people to create registration forms) exist. None of these reveal the people behind the proposed events or how to contact them.
– A quick search on Facebook for these events reveals that many of them are apparently being held in different cities across the UK at the exact same time. In some cases as many as 10 are listed as happening at the same time. It is reasonable to assume that only large companies or popular franchises would be capable of such a feat given the manpower and resources required to hold many events simultaneously across the UK. However as mentioned above, the people behind the events are unknown, thus unlikely to be a popular or well known company.
– Despite us and a number of media outlets approaching the organisers via their Facebook page requesting more information on their identities and the events, to our knowledge no one has yet received any kind if reply.
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The lack of any details for the people apparently organising these events is a significant red flag. Since there is no privacy policy on the registration form that dictates how your information can and cannot be used, it appears likely that this is a scheme designed to lure visitors into handing over their name and email address, as well as their city, so they can have their details sold to third party companies for marketing purposes.
We would not recommend registering or joining these Facebook events. At least not until the people behind it make themselves known so the legitimacy of the events can be investigated properly.
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