The Better Business Bureau is warning people who are receiving “phishing” text messages on their cell phones regarding Target gift cards.
Phishing is the act of trying to acquire usernames, passwords and credit card details by acting as a trustworthy entity in an electronic communication.
The message the BBB is referring to reads: “Attn: Ne. Target shopper your entry won! Go to http://targetrdzn.com/?111 and enter code XXX to claim your $1000 Target gift card now!” According to the BBB, this link took the person to numerous pages asking for personal information in order to continue.
After completing the entire process, a call was received requesting $4.95 and a credit or debit card number to get two $100 gift vouchers to Target, Walmart, Home Depot or Best Buy. There was no mention of the original off for a $1,000 Target gift card, and the BBB cannot verify anyone has ever received a free gift card from these offers.
“Consumers responding to these kinds of deals may unknowingly be registering for products that they would have to pay for,” BBB President CEO Jim Hegarty said. “Also, you are giving out personal information to an unknown party that could sell it to others or use it to steal your identity.”
The Better Business Bureau also said people have reported receiving test messages of an entity appearing to be from Verizon Wireless. The number appearing at the top has the recipient’s area code, the three digit prefix of their cell phone number and it’s followed by “@vtext.com.” The test message states, “Attention required Contact (561) 232-3007.”
The BBB reports that when this number is called a recording says, “This is an important message from Bank Service. Your Debit card has been compromised due to a security error.” It then requests that you enter your 16 digit account number.
The BBB warns that financial institutions do not use text messages to notify customers of security risks. BBB recommends customers to call their financial institution to check on questions about their accounts, and to be extremely cautious when responding to any unsolicited text messages.