Yes, it's that time of year again, when the scams come out of the woodwork. This year, the scammers aren't just using the phone and e-mail -- now they're using text messages to tell you that you've won a gift card.
From the BBB website:
How the Scam Works:
You receive a text message. When you open it, you are surprised by a message informing you that you've won a Best Buy gift card (or Target, Wal-Mart or other major retailer). You just need to go to a website and enter a PIN, and the card is yours.
The text's URL leads to a website that has the company's colors and logo. It looks authentic with the company's name as the site's sub-domain (example: www.bestbuy.scamwebsite.com).
You are asked to enter the PIN and an email address. Then, you are taken to a form and instructed to fill out your name, cell number, mailing address and answer unrelated personal questions, such as "Are you interested in going back to school?" and "Are you diabetic?" When you reach the page to "claim your gift card," you instead find yourself directed to another site to apply for a credit card.
The texts are just a way to collect personal information for shady advertisers. Scammers often change the store names and cash amounts of the gift cards. A typical text message is below:
"Black Friday Winner #88323! You have WON the Best Buy Gift Card for $1000! Get your prize at WEBSITE now! Use the code 5417."
So don't fall for the BULL DROPPINGS!
Don't just ignore the text message, forward it to your cell phone carrier at 7726 (SPAM). Then delete it and forget about it. Don't reply to the message in any way or they'll keep texting you.
And remember, if a deal is just too good to be true...
Link: http://www.bbb.org/us/article/text-message-gift-card-scam-is-back-for-the-holidays-38633
