Scam library · Texts · Shopping
Retailer survey and free gift card text scam
'Congrats! You've been selected for a $500 Walmart gift card. Complete a short survey to claim.' The link leads to a page with store logos and a countdown.
After the survey, you're asked to pay shipping or enter card details. You may be signed up for subscriptions you don't want.
What the message looks like
From: rewards-notice@ms-mail[.]net
Costco: You have been selected to receive a $500 gift card. Complete our 30-second survey.
Claim before midnight: costco-rewards-claim[.]com
How this scam works
These texts use names of popular retailers like Walmart, Costco, Target and Amazon. They're not from the stores.
The surveys collect personal information, which can be sold or used for more scams. 'Shipping fees' lead to recurring charges.
The FTC warns that unexpected texts offering free prizes or gift cards are a common way scammers get people to click.
Some messages appear to come from email addresses rather than phone numbers, which is a common sign of spam texts.
Real stores may offer survey rewards on receipts, but they don't send random texts promising big gift cards.
Some versions say you've been randomly chosen as a loyal customer, others claim it's an anniversary celebration or a reward for a recent purchase. They might show fake comments from other 'winners' to look trustworthy.
The goal varies. Some just want your phone number, address and email to sell to other scammers. Others get your card number through a 'shipping fee' that's really a monthly subscription. Some sites install malware or redirect to more scam pages.
Replying 'STOP' to spam texts can confirm your number is active. It's usually better to forward the message to 7726 (SPAM) and delete it.
Red flags
- Free gift card offers by text.
- Links to sites that aren't the retailer's.
- Countdowns and deadlines.
- Shipping fees for free prizes.
- Texts from email addresses.
- Fake comments from other 'winners' on the claim page.
How to tell it’s fake
- Check the retailer's official site for real promotions.
- Don't click links in unexpected texts.
- Forward spam texts to 7726.
- Never enter card details for a free gift.
- Look at the sender: a real retailer text comes from a short code you signed up for, not a random number or email address.
What to do if you clicked, paid or shared info
Don’t panic, and don’t blame yourself. These scams are built by professionals. Act quickly, one step at a time.
If you clicked a link or called back
- Delete the text and forward it to 7726.
If you paid
- If you entered card details, contact your card issuer and watch for subscriptions.
If you shared personal info, a password or a code
- If you shared personal information, be alert for follow-up scams.
Where to report and get help (U.S.)
If a message seems legit and you’re still not sure, get a second opinion before you act. Reporting helps stop scammers, even if money can’t be recovered. If you are in danger, call 911.
- Your bank or card issuer
Call the number on the back of your card or on your statement, not one from the message. Ask them to stop or reverse the payment and to watch the account. - Federal Trade Commission (FTC) · ReportFraud.ftc.gov
Report the scam and get a step-by-step recovery plan. - FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) · ic3.gov
Report scams that happened online, especially if money was lost. Include phone numbers, websites and payment details. - AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline · aarp.org helpline
Free, for anyone of any age: trained volunteers help you sort out next steps. 877-908-3360, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern. - IdentityTheft.gov · IdentityTheft.gov
If you shared your Social Security number or someone opened accounts in your name.
How Gmork Scam Guard would warn you
Scam Guard in Chrome and Edge on your computer recognizes fake retailer reward sites. It warns before you enter card or personal details. If an offer seems legit, ask a scam expert.
Scam Guard can miss things, so the checks above still matter. See what it warns about and what it keeps private.
Questions people ask
- Is the Walmart gift card text real?
- Random texts promising big gift cards are scams.
- I paid shipping. What now?
- Contact your card issuer and look for recurring charges.
- Where do I report spam texts?
- Forward them to 7726.
- Are receipt surveys real?
- Some are, but check the receipt's official link.
- Will the store reimburse me?
- The store isn't involved, but contact your card issuer to dispute charges and stop subscriptions.