Like to play social games on Facebook? You could now be a target for health insurance industry trade groups opposed to President Obama's health care reform efforts. At least, that's what OMGPOP chief executive Dan Porter told Business Insider after spotting a petition on Facebook offering virtual cash if users would fill it out and submit. The petition would then be immediately forwarded to your U.S. senators and House representatives.
Virtual cash is a big driver in popular Facebook games like Farmville and Mafia Wars. As users progress in the game, virtual goods are needed to advance further, and virtual cash is how you buy them. There are several ways to earn virtual currency: win it, pay for it, or complete advertising or company offers. Most users don't want to pay for it, and winning comes with time, so the third option of completing tasks is the easiest and quickest way.
GetHealthReformRight.org is the owner of the survey Porter uncovered. While offering people virtual currency to act as political supporters is not illegal, the ethics of such a practice are questionable. However, with the growing number of social gamers -- mostly teenagers and women in their 30s and 40s -- there is no shortage of willing targets.
The mules behind the offers are third-party platforms such as Gambit. The platform brings together those looking for virtual cash, developers looking to monetize on their games and companies looking for users. Porter says Gambit distributed this particular offer, though Gambit disputes this, telling Business Insider, "You don't have any evidence this is from Gambit."
Here's the screenshot from Business Insider.
