Target Warns Customers of Text Scams About Free Groceries

Target has addressed online security following reports of a text scam. These scams trick recipients, saying they qualify for $175 worth of free groceries during the COVID-19 pandemic.

On its website, Target noted some schemes to help customers avoid gift card fraud.

“Don’t click on or respond to online ads or websites offering free gift cards. These are often scams,” the company said on its website.

“If you get a call from a stranger who says that a loved one is in trouble and they ask you to provide gift card numbers to help them, hang up and contact your loved one directly. Don’t always trust your caller ID. Scammers can manipulate a caller ID to look like a legitimate company or government agency,” Target then mentioned.

SCAM ALERT! Don't click that link: A text message is making the rounds claiming Target is giving away free groceries, but it can actually give hackers access to your banking passwords, credit card numbers and other personal information. SPREAD THE WORD: https://t.co/7mt38wCqVC

— FOX 13 Tampa Bay (@FOX13News) May 19, 2020

Also, a January 2020 report by the Federal Trade Commission shows the top frauds of 2019. This includes imposter scams and social security scams.

Referring to protecting data, Ronn Torossian, chief executive officer of 5WPR, said: “We tell people to ‘own it, secure it and protect it’ by using long and strong passwords, implementing multi-factor authentication on any account it’s offered and to update the latest security software, web browser and operating systems.”

On Target’s website, the company also gave examples of common gift card scams. These include the IRS scam, the grandparent scam, and the mystery shopper.

“If you think you’ve been the victim of a gift card scam, report it to the Federal Trade Commission at ftccomplaintassistant.gov,” the company also said.

Up Next:

• Costco Removes Two-Shopper Limit in Most Stores
• Costco’s New Mask Policy Prompts Negative Reactions on Social Media
• Scammers Take Advantage of Pandemic to Deceive Users; Use Templates for Phishing

Featured Image by Nicholas Eckhart/Flickr