Target text message scam offering $1,000 gift card

A text message scam is showing up on people's phones telling them they have won a $1,000 gift card for Target.

At first sight, the text message looked too good to be true. "It's Christmas time," said Patricia Bradley. "People really hope and pray for $1,000 gift card. That'd be great."

However, it was a scam.

Bradley received a text message saying she was the winner of a recent contest and was getting a $1,000 gift card to Target.

She became suspicious because she never entered a contest. Bradley decided to ignore the text's instructions directing her to a website.

"That's where so many people get their personal information compromised," said Bradley.

That is exactly what TargetContests.com wants. After unsuspecting victims enter the offer code in the text message, they are asked for their email, address and date of birth. Then, they see page after page of offers and no Target gift card.

Target said that it was not running a contest and is trying to get to the bottom of it.

Bradley had these words for the scammers.

"You're going to get caught," she said. "If not, at least this one had been uncovered."

The Better Business Bureau said it is a nationwide scam. Their best advice is to delete the text message.

Target says it only sends customers coupons to their phones. If you do get the scam text message, you should contact Target's guest relations line immediately.