Want free McDonald’s for a year? First, you need to catch the Hamburglar

What’s better than a McDonald’s hamburger? How about a free McDonald’s hamburger? Even better: how about free McDonald’s burgers for an entire year? Good news, this is all possible. But there’s one, big catch: you have to spot the Hamburglar.

Thankfully, you don’t have to perform a citizen's arrest yourself or anything, though that absolute menace has been committing burger-related crimes for decades now. Instead, as part of a new promotion, the Hamburglar will be driving around America in a souped-up (burgered-up?) Burgercuda. Or, more specifically, it’s a custom 1970 Plymouth Barracuda with black and white stripes, bun-like hubcaps, a license plate that says “RBL RBL,” and a spare tire that looks like a giant cheeseburger.

Honestly, Hamburglar, if you want to get away with your crimes, you’re going to need a lower profile. Haven’t you seen Heat? Anyway.

If you do spot the car and scan the code on it, you’ll get an Arch Card and Hamburglar-inspired swag. But the contest isn’t limited to finding the Hamburglar in person. If you go to SpotHamburglar.com, you can enter to win free McDonald’s burgers for a year.

“McDonald’s built a legacy on serving delicious burgers, but anytime we have an opportunity to make the best even better, we take it,” said Tariq Hassan, Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer at McDonald’s, via a press release provided to Guilty Eats. “It's no surprise these changes caught the attention of our biggest burger fan – the Hamburglar. We’re excited for fans to join in on the fun as they look for him on his burger-stealing spree. You never know where he’ll pop up next.”  

Here’s how to spot the Burgercuda:

As provided by McDonald’s, here’s everything you need to find the Hamburglar’s Burgercuda in person:

• Hamburglar’s iconic look: His signature black-and-white stripes are portrayed across the car's interior and exterior, along with his logo on the headrests and red detailing throughout.
• Burger-loving details: The getaway car features bun-like hubcaps, a spare tire disguised as a giant cheeseburger, and a hidden burger warmer in the center console to ensure his stash stays perfectly hot, juicy and tasty.
• RBL RBL: Hamburglar’s signature catchphrase makes an appearance on the hood scoop and license plate.

How long is McDonald’s free burgers for a year contest running? Contest details:

The race to spot the Hamburglar is on now, and will end at 11:59:59 p.m. ET on February 25, 2024.

Additionally, you must be a resident of the 50 United States or Washington D.C. to win, as well as 16 years of age, or older. Which makes sense, the Hamburglar is too dangerous for children to tangle with. Just kidding, he’s a kid’s mascot, it’s fine.

Last but not least, there are only four prizes available with an average value of $1,188.57 each. In case you’re curious, that breaks down to about $3.25 a day for a year. The average price of a McDonald’s cheeseburger is $2.99 plus tax, so this prize will about cover that.

Good luck, Hamburglar hunters!