A Free Public Service

Attribution: US Federal Trade Commission

April 12, 2026

SCAMS BULLENTIN HOST Jay White is an inactive attorney in San Mateo County, California, USA.

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 receive a text like this, resist the urge to click. Firdt, 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. 

Notify US Federal Trade Commission FTC.gov of your experience.

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