A text message that promises free money may cost you more than trouble in the long run because it's a scam.
This week, a text message blast went to cell phones in the Grand Strand saying the receiver was the winner of a $1000 Target gift card. The message is only a way to lure cell phone users into sharing personal information.
The ploy begins as soon as you clink the link to claim your prize. The website asks you to put in a code from the text message which sends you to a different web page.
That page asks you to fill in information to claim your prize... like your name, email address and even your physical address.
The texts work much like email spam. The sender promises something for free, and many fall into the trap.
Target spokesperson Megan Mike said the texts are not from Target, but they are aware of them.
So, if you receive a text from Target claiming you've won a prize, delete it immediately.
Horry County police Sergeant Robert Kegler said he received two of the messages on his cell phone Wednesday.
He said police have not received any complaints about the texts.
The Better Business Bureau said it's answered questions about the text messages and advice cell phone users to delete the texts.
In March, a similar text message scam was sent out claiming people had won money from Walmart.
The BBB said Walmart has nothing to do with the scam, and anyone receiving that text should also delete it.
