What looked like a routine social media giveaway took on a different meaning after followers realized that entering an iPhone raffle required registering with an online betting platform.
Influencer Nathalia Valente posted a giveaway on Instagram announcing that two followers would receive iPhones.
To take part, users were instructed to send the word “iPhone” via direct message. After doing so, participants began receiving automated audio messages and instructions guiding them through the next steps, including confirming they were over 18 and registering via a personalized link.
The link redirected users to Superbet, the operator that sponsors one of the biggest state football championships in the country.
After registration, participants were instructed to place a minimum bet of BR15 ($2.88) to keep their account active. None of these conditions were disclosed in the original giveaway post.
Similar activity was identified on the profiles of two other influencers. Both deleted the posts shortly after publication, prompting speculation from followers that their accounts may have been compromised. Neither commented on the matter before publication.
One follower said she followed the instructions believing the giveaway was unrelated to betting.
“At no point did she specify what the link was. She just asked me to enter. I went in and saw it was a betting site. Since she hadn’t asked me to place a bet, I registered,” she said. The request to place a wager, she added, came later.
After the registration, followers had no more information about the giveaway.
Valente’s legal team stated that the action followed “practices commonly used in the digital market” and said no money was requested or received by the influencer.
Superbet is yet to comment on the case.
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