SCAM ALERT: Target Texting Scam
SCAM ALERT! There is a Target texting scam going around. The text looks similar to the one in the picture to the left, and generally says you’ve won a $1,000 gift card if you simply click on the link and collect the money. When you click on the link, it takes you to a Target-looking site that a criminal has set up to collect your private information. The information is then used to steal your identity. In other cases, clicking on the link installs a small piece of malware that takes control of your phone and forwards your private information to the criminals.
Where do the criminals get my mobile phone number to text me in the first place?
- They purchase it off of black-market sites on the internet
- You give your mobile number away to enter contests, vote on reality shows, etc.
