Is the Target Gift Card Scam real or a scam?

This is a confirmed scam. Do not click any links, do not provide personal information, and do not send money. This is a phishing scam that impersonates Target.

What should I do if I received the Target Gift Card Scam?

Do not respond or click any links. Block the sender, report the message as spam, and delete it. If it came via text message, forward it to 7726 (SPAM).

What if I already fell for the Target Gift Card Scam?

Change your passwords immediately, contact your bank if you shared financial information, place a fraud alert on your credit, and file a report with the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

How do I report the Target Gift Card Scam?

Report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at ic3.gov, and your local law enforcement. If it impersonated a specific company, report it to that company as well.

Target Gift Card Scam: Is It a Scam?

High Prevalence Type: Phishing Impersonates: Target

Yes, this is a scam. Do not click any links or provide personal information.

Scammers impersonate Target through fake emails, texts, or phone calls, either claiming you have won a Target gift card or asking you to purchase Target gift cards as a form of payment. Both approaches are designed to steal your money or personal information.

How This Scam Works

In one version, you receive a text or email claiming you won a Target gift card or reward. Clicking the link takes you to a survey page that asks for personal details and a small 'shipping fee' via credit card. In another version, a scammer posing as a government official, tech support agent, or even a boss demands payment using Target gift cards. They ask you to buy the cards, scratch off the back, and read the numbers to them. Once they have the card numbers, the funds are gone instantly and cannot be recovered.

Red Flags to Watch For

Unsolicited messages claiming you won a prize from Target
Any request to pay for something using gift cards
Pressure to buy gift cards and share the numbers by phone
Survey pages that require a credit card for a 'free' prize
Target does not give away gift cards via random text messages

Example Scam Messages

Text: Congratulations! You've been selected for a $500 Target gift card! Complete a short survey to claim: target-rewards-winner.com/claim --- Text: TARGET: Your $200 reward is waiting! You were chosen from our loyalty program. Claim before it expires: tgt-giftcard.com/redeem --- Phone call: 'This is Agent Williams from the IRS. You owe back taxes of $3,000. To avoid arrest, purchase Target gift cards totaling $3,000 and call me back with the card numbers.'

What to Do If You Received This

Do not click links in prize notification messages
No legitimate entity will ever ask for payment in gift cards
Delete unsolicited prize or reward messages
If unsure, visit target.com directly or call their official number

What to Do If You Fell For It

If you shared gift card numbers, call Target Guest Services at 1-800-544-6765 immediately
Report the gift card numbers as stolen; recovery is unlikely but possible if fast
If you entered credit card info on a fake site, contact your bank
File a police report for documentation
Save all receipts and communication with the scammer

How to Report This Scam

Report to Target at target.com/contact-us
Report to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
File a complaint with FBI IC3 at ic3.gov
Forward scam texts to 7726 (SPAM)
Report gift card fraud to the FTC at ftc.gov/giftcards

Last updated: February 10, 2026