Free gift card survey text scam
These texts say a store picked you for a big gift card if you complete a quick survey and pay a small shipping fee. The "shipping fee" page steals your card details, and sometimes signs you up for hidden charges.
How this scam works
The tiny fee feels harmless, which is the point. Once you enter your card, the scammer can charge it again or sell the details.
Common versions of the message
- A gift card for a quick survey
- A short claim window
- A small shipping fee
What the message looks like
Text from +1 (555) 014-3378
Walmart: Congrats! You have been selected to receive a $500 gift card for completing a 30-second survey. Claim within 2 hours, just pay $1.95 shipping: http://walmart-rewards-claim.top/gift
Fictional example based on common, publicly reported scam patterns.
The red flags
- 1
Free prize: “selected to receive a $500 gift card”
Real stores do not text random prizes
Stores do not text random people gift cards.
- 2
Rushed deadline: “Claim within 2 hours”
So you click before you think
The short deadline is there so you click before you think.
- 3
Small fee: “just pay $1.95 shipping”
The small fee is how they get your card
A small fee is how they get your card number.
- 4
Not Walmart: “walmart-rewards-claim.top”
Real Walmart links end in walmart.com
The link is not the store's real website.
What to do
- Do not tap the link.
- Forward the text to 7726 (SPAM) and delete it.
- If you want to check, go to the store's real website by typing it yourself.
If you already replied, clicked, or paid
- If you entered card details, call the number on your card and ask for a new card.
- Watch your statement for small recurring charges.
- If you entered a password, change it wherever you used it.
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