The Corpus Christi Police Financial Crimes Investigators have received information from the Better Business Bureau to warn the public about an other scam. A circulation of new gift card scam emails use the BBB name. The following message is an announcement from the Better Business Bureau:

BBB joined Wal-Mart, Target and Best Buy as another established brand used to promote fake gift cards. Don’t bother trying to redeem this offer. It’s just a trick to get your email address, cell number and other personal information.

How the Scam Works:

People nationwide are receiving emails informing them that Better Business Bureau is giving away $1,000 Visa gift cards. Emails come from a variety of email addresses and contain different links, but all use a variation of the message below:
“Dear John

On behalf of Better Business Bureau you have been issued a $1,000 Visa Gift Card free of charge.

Card type: Visa Gift

Card Issued to: JOHN SMITH

Issuing branch: Amarillo, Texas

Valid until: 08/2015

Please use the following website to claim your card and have it shipped to the address of your choosing: Go to: www reward2012 com Note that claims must be made within 48 hours from this email being sent, or the above link will become invalid.

Sincerely, Rachel

Customer Service Employee Benefits Center, LLC ”
Go to the web address given in the email, and you will be asked to input information about your age, address, email and cell phone number. Given that the survey does not request your Social Security Number, banking information or ask you to download a maleware file, it is not likely an attempt at ID theft. Rather, it’s probably an unscrupulous way to collect consumer data, such as email addresses and phone numbers.

More Information:

See BBB.org’s complete scam directory for more information about breaking scams in your area.