Mobile telephone users are receiving text messages stating they have won a $1,000 Target Gift Card. This is a scam, according to the Colorado District Attorney’s office.
Target Corporation does not engage in this type of activity. The text message requests the recipient to click on a link in the message and provide information in order to claim the prize. You know what to do -- delete the text and don’t click on the link.
Recently a similar scam text was received by mobile telephone users indicating they had won a Wal-mart gift card. You can count on the fraudsters using other company names in the future trying to deceive you. Mobile users should be aware of these scams and should follow the following prevention tips:
- Con artists sent texts phishing for your personal information.
- Never provide personal or financial information to unsolicited texts, emails or calls.
- Delete those texts and don’t click on links.
- Don’t go to websites provided in the message.
- Texts can include information-stealing viruses.
- You never have to pay a fee in order to collect winnings of contests, drawings, sweepstakes or lotteries.
- You cannot win something if you did not enter.
- If you think the message might be legitimate, contact the company at a website, phone number, store or address you independently obtain.
These scams seem obviously fraudulent. Remember, they work or they wouldn’t keep using them. They are hoping to catch you off guard – and fall for it. How do they get your cell phone number? They have a lot of personal information about you to make scam attempts look legitimate.
