From ADAGE.COM: "A November e-mail signed by a Hong Kong-based Coca-Cola sales and marketing manager promised a Mercedes-Benz ML Jeep convertible and a chance at $800,000 cash for entries submitted to a link in the e-mail. . . . These offers didn't signify aggressive interactive-marketing efforts. They were "phishing" expeditions. And the first clue might have been that there is no such car as a Mercedes-Benz ML Jeep convertible." More at: http://adage.com/digital/article?article_id=113731
OK, so "phishing" turns out to be some kind of ploy to get personal contaact info from people excited by a new crossbreed of expensive luxury/all-terrain vehicles, but i was excited that people were hijacking brand names allover the place. And even more excited by the notion that maybe all the brands had just combined in some secret backroom deal where they made absolutely everything.
I try over and over to explain phishing to co-workers and family members, who all complain the internet is evil and insecure. They ask how I can do my Christmas shopping and music buying online and not worry about identity theft. I give them the childish answer first, "...because I'm not a dumbass." and then I give them the real answer and explain how to keep themselves safe.
I wouldn't have clicked to win a Mercedes-Benz ML Jeep convertible from Coke... but if they ever come up with that non-alcoholic Skittlebrau in a can, that includes one free download from iTunes in every six-pack, I'll be all over that shit.