Wal-Mart gift card scam reaches state

A Wal-Mart gift card scam has made its way to Kentucky. A local consumer contacted the Better Business Bureau to inquire about a text message she received, advising her that she won a $200 Wal-Mart gift card. When she called the number in the text message, (877) 232-5149, she was told that in Kentucky the gift card was for $180 and that she would need to pay $7.60 for shipping fees. She was then asked to provide her credit or debit card number, according to the BBB Louisville branch.

Wal-Mart does award gift cards if you take part in a customer service survey found on your receipt. But a Wal-Mart representative says the company tells consumers they’ve won through certified mail and a phone call. Wal-Mart will never ask for personal or banking information, according to the BBB.

This type of scam is becoming more popular, and the BBB advises consumers to be wary of random messages sent to your phone, especially anything dealing with finances. BBB officials say to not reply to such messages, don’t call the number in the texts, don’t click on any hyperlinks and delete the messages.