The message promising a chance to win the Heineken Box is unfortunately a scam (credit: Reuters)

WhatsApp users have been warned about scam messages in the app promising free beer.

If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is. So don’t be fooled if you get a message offering you a chance to win a “free case of beer” on Father’s Day.

The scam is believed to be a WhatsApp message from the contact, along with a photo of the Heineken 18-pack refrigerator.

There is a link where you can enter the contest by clicking on the company’s website. However, using the link takes you to a phishing website designed to steal details.

Heineken itself admitted the fraud. He responded to a Twitter message: “This is a scam. Thanks for pointing this out. Do not click on links or send messages. Thank you very much.”

If you get this message, it's a scam (credit: which one?)

If you get this message, it’s a scam (credit: which one?)

What consumer rights group is it? That said, no matter how attractive the offer is, people should always be wary of the unknown number in the message.

“The links in the message are absolutely because scammers can use URLs to download malware onto your devices or redirect you to websites that are trying to steal personal or banking information. Don’t click,” warns Heineken’s scam website.

Sure, beer is a perfectly acceptable Father’s Day gift, but you have to go out and buy it instead of relying on fishy messages to win the old man over.