Got a text about expiring reward points? Look closer

If you’re signed up for a rewards program, you may have gotten texts warning that your points are expiring soon. A message like that may catch your attention, but people are reporting to the FTC that some of those messages aren’t real — and come from scammers. So how can you tell which messages are real and which are phishing scams?

Here’s how these scams work: Scammers say you need to click on a link to save your points or they’ll expire today. But if you click, they’ll try to steal your personal information (like your Social Security or credit card number) or download harmful software on your phone. 

If you get a text like this, resist the urge to click. Check it out first. Go to the company’s website or app, but find it yourself. Don’t use any links from the text. Then check your rewards points. Are they really expiring?

Here are some other ways to protect yourself from phishing scams:

• Turn on filters on your phone. Adjust your settings, use carrier tools, or try a call-blocking app (some also help with texts) to limit how many unwanted texts you get.
• Update your phone’s software regularly. Updates often include critical patches and protections against security threats. These can come in handy if you accidentally do click on a phishing link.
• Report spam. Whether you have an Apple or Android phone, there are steps to report junk or spam.