In March 2017, third-party pages heralded Dairy Queen's "free cone day", leaving some users confused as to whether the promotion was legitimate or a form of like-farming.
Popular versions of the rumor were often shared without links to Dairy Queen's web site or social media pages, social media behavior which often signals a promotion or freebie is a hoax:
free cone day on march 20th @ dairy queen ?
— amy? (@ayeeeamyy) March 1, 2017
rt to save a life you can get a free soft serve cone at dairy queen on march 20th I AM READY 4 THIS
— kace (@faceofkace) March 8, 2017
Although the rumor frequently spread through word of mouth, Dairy Queen confirmed it is real, not a phantom giveaway (as other purported chain restaurant promotions have been in the past):
@MKDouglasCounty #FreeConeDay this year is on March 20th at participating locations. Please check with your local DQ on their participation!
— Dairy Queen (@DairyQueen) March 8, 2017
Dairy Queen's 20 March 2017 free cone day is real, but not all locations are participating in the giveaway. Dairy Queen representatives advised those interested in claiming a complimentary cone to check in first with nearby locations and confirm participation before visiting.