BBB Warning: Watch for Scam offering ‘Free’ $1,000 Best Buy Gift Card | Crime

Have you received a text message offering you a free $1,000 Best Buy gift card? The BBB has a warning that the Best Buy gift card text message is another smishing scam.

The text message says: “You have been randomly selected for a Best Buy gift. Get your $1000 gift card now at LINK REMOVED.”   

A smishing scam is a phishing scam that is sent to you via SMS text to your phone, instead of via email to your computer.

WEB EXTRA: Screen shot of scam text message

"This smishing scam is using a popular retailer to lure in victims," said BBB President Tom Bartholomy. “If you click on the link in the text message to sign-up for the free gift card, you will be asked for personal information that could be used to steal your identity."

If you receive similar texts or emails, the BBB has this advice:

• Do not click on links in text messages or emails offering prizes or ‘free’ products or trial offers.
• Delete any texts or emails that claim you have won a prize or are eligible for a free product.
• Do not provide personal information to claim ‘prizes’ or to sign up for free trials.
• Never give your credit card number, social security number or bank account information to pay for fees, taxes, or shipping costs for anything that you may have ‘won’ or are getting for ‘free’.
• Discuss smishing scams with all members of your family who have cell phones, from the youngest to the oldest.
• Check your bank statements and credit cards on a regular basis for unauthorized charges.
• Check your family’s credit reports with all three credit bureaus annually for any unauthorized credit accounts that have been opened using your social security numbers. You can get a free credit report at www.annualcreditreport.com

For more information about protecting your identity, please visit www.bbb.org.