Police Warn of Texting Scam

Hundreds, if not thousands of people have received a scam text telling recipients they have won a $1,000 gift card to Best Buy.

Redmond Patch Editor Caitlin Moran got the text yesterday and decided to follow up on the fishy message.

are warning residents of a text-based phone scam that sends out a message telling recipients they have won a $1,000 gift card to Best Buy.

Renton Patch Editor Jenny Manning also received the same text with the same bogus link, but it originated from a different phone number.

The message includes a link to a website where recipients are asked to provide personal information, such as their names, email addresses and dates of birth. Redmond Police spokesman and community outreach facilitator Jim Bove offered the following advice to people who receive questionable text messages:

Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it likely is. You can check similar websites to find out if they are legitimate or you can call the business directly to confirm—just make sure you are looking on their legitimate website to get the appropriate contact information. If you have fallen victim to this, or a similar, scam, please report it to your local law enforcement agency.

In a news release issued earlier this year, the Better Business Bureau offered additional information on the scam and tips to for those who receive such text messages.

Have you received this message or other scamming texts?