AT&T Rewards Scam Targets Cell Phone Users—What to Know About This Phishing Attack
If you've received a text about expiring AT&T reward points, don't click! Find out why
It can be exciting to learn that you have unclaimed rewards points, but if this news arrives via an unsolicited text message, you may want to pause. Though it sounds promising, this notice is usually nothing more than a phishing attempt. That’s been the case with a recent AT&T rewards scam, and officials are warning Americans to stay alert. Thankfully, simply knowing what to watch for with this phony text will ensure you outsmart the bad actors—and protect your money and data!
What is the AT&T rewards scam?
This scam is targeting cell phone users, who unexpectedly receive a detailed text message regarding their AT&T customer rewards points. Fraudsters posing as the company tell recipients they have unclaimed points and should use them before they expire.
Anyone who is a current AT&T customer may see this message and assume it’s legitimate at first glance. But the reality is that it is a phishing attempt meant to obtain personal information, money or both.
How does the AT&T rewards scam work?
Phishing messages are usually sent out to a large number of people with the hopes that at least a few will fall for the scam. In this case, criminals are assuming that at least some recipients will be AT&T customers who believe the text about rewards points applies to them.
Here’s how it works: The first part of the message is designed to grab your attention. “Your AT&T account currently has 11,430 reward points, which will expire on January 13,” reads one example of the text message shared by ABC 24.
To avoid losing these valuable points, you’re then instructed to redeem them through the link provided in the text, which will take you to an alleged redemption portal. (Surprisingly, the scammers say you can also access the rewards program through the AT&T app, which is likely done to instill trust. However, you won’t actually see these points when you use the app as they don’t actually exist!)
The other key part of this phishing text? A false sense of urgency. The “AT&T representative” claims that, “according to our program terms, unused points will be permanently forfeited after this date.”
If that wasn’t enough to convince you to use the provided link, the message mentions twice that you should act quickly or risk losing your rewards.
While little has been shared about what happens if you click on the link, the result is likely similar to other phishing scams. You could end up with a virus installed on your device, or be taken to a fake AT&T website where you’ll be prompted to enter sensitive information. That data is then used to access banking accounts, commit identity theft or both.
Does AT&T actually have a rewards program?
You may have heard that AT&T does offer rewards, but it’s not in the way that is described in the scam text message. In reality, there is no longer a loyalty program for current customers, and you can only earn “points” if you have the AT&T Points Plus credit card from Citi bank. However, these points are linked to Citi, not any AT&T service.
Instead, the company will give rewards during specific promotions, usually if you switch from another carrier to AT&T or sign up for AT&T services like fiber internet. These usually come in the form of money deposited on AT&T Visa Reward Cards (physical or virtual) that can be used when shopping anywhere Visa cards are accepted.
Unlike the phishing text claims, you check the balance of these rewards on the AT&T website. It’s a safe and secure way to see how much money you have available!
What to do if you get the scam text
If you receive one of these suspicious text messages, avoid engaging or clicking on the provided link. Instead, report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission, then delete the text and block the sender.
There’s no need to take any further action unless you provided any sensitive information to the scammers. In that case, you’ll want to contact your bank if applicable, change any relevant passwords and consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze with the major credit reporting agencies (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion).
Remember, if a text message includes a link and a sense of urgency, it’s almost always a scam! When in doubt about any issues related to your actual AT&T rewards, contact the company directly.
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