Beware of the Target Valentine’s Gift Card scam claiming you can “Complete 4–5 Deals” to earn a free gift card. Learn how this scam works, warning signs, and tips to protect your personal information online.
Valentine’s Day is one of the busiest shopping periods of the year, and scammers are taking advantage of the excitement. One of the most common online scams right now is the Target Valentine’s Gift Card scam, where users are promised free gift cards by completing 4–5 deals online.
This scam is circulating widely on social media, fake websites, and email campaigns, and victims often fall for it thinking it’s a legitimate promotion. In this article, we explain how the scam works, the warning signs, real-life examples, and steps to protect yourself.
What Is the Target Valentine’s Gift Card “Complete 4–5 Deals” Scam?
This scam claims you can receive a free Target Valentine’s gift card by completing a few simple online tasks. Typical tasks include:
- Signing up for free trials of subscription services
- Completing online surveys for fake rewards
- Downloading apps or software
- Providing personal details like email, phone number, or home address
- Entering credit or debit card information for “verification”
Even if you complete all the steps, victims never receive the promised gift card. Instead, scammers profit through:
- Selling personal information to other scammers
- Enrolling victims in unwanted paid subscriptions
- Receiving affiliate commissions for completed “deals”
Example: One victim reported completing all 5 tasks on a fake Target promotion website. After submitting personal and card information, the website redirected them to a page claiming they were “not eligible” and instructed them to try other offers — a clear sign of a scam.
How the Scam Works (Step by Step)
- Enticing Ads or Pop-Ups
The scam starts with eye-catching ads on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or shady websites claiming:
“Claim your $250 Target Valentine’s Gift Card – Limited Time!” - Urgent Call to Action
Scammers create a sense of urgency with messages like:- “Only 10 gift cards left!”
- “Offer ends in 5 minutes!”
- Complete 4–5 Tasks
Users are asked to complete 4–5 tasks before receiving the gift card. These may include signing up for trial services, installing apps, or filling out surveys. - Data Collection and Hidden Charges
Some tasks require credit card info “for verification.” This often leads to:- Unauthorized subscription charges
- Identity theft
- Spam emails and calls
- No Gift Card Delivered
After completing all tasks, victims either receive nothing or are redirected to endless loops of more offers.
Red Flags of the Target Valentine’s Gift Card Scam
- Promises of free gift cards for minimal effort
- Websites not hosted on target.com
- Requests for credit card or bank details
- Poor grammar, fake countdown timers, and urgent messages
- No official Target branding or legal disclaimers
Tip: Always verify promotions directly on Target’s official website or Target Help & Contact Page.
Real-Life Examples of the Scam
- A Reddit user shared a screenshot of a website claiming:
“Complete 5 deals to unlock a $500 Target Valentine’s Gift Card.” After entering email and phone number, they received constant spam messages and scam emails. - Another victim on Scamwatch reported signing up for trial apps. Their bank statement showed recurring charges from unknown companies, even though the gift card never arrived.
These examples confirm that no legitimate Target promotion requires completing multiple deals to receive a gift card.
Is This Target Valentine’s Gift Card Offer Legitimate?
No. Target has not launched any Valentine’s promotion requiring users to complete multiple third-party deals. Any website or pop-up claiming otherwise is fake and potentially dangerous.
Always check Target’s official channels for legitimate gift card offers:
What to Do If You Encounter This Scam
- Do not complete the tasks or share your personal or financial information
- Close the suspicious page immediately
- Clear your browser cache and cookies
- Run a security scan for malware and adware on your device
What to Do If You Already Fell for the Scam
- Cancel any “free trial” subscriptions immediately
- Contact your bank or credit card provider to prevent unauthorized charges
- Monitor your statements for suspicious activity
- Change passwords for any accounts used
- Report the scam to consumer protection agencies:
How to Avoid Gift Card Scams in the Future
- Only trust official brand websites for promotions
- Avoid offers requiring multiple deals, downloads, or payments
- Be skeptical of social media ads promising free gift cards
- Use ad blockers and security software to reduce exposure to scam pop-ups
- Educate friends and family about online scams
FAQ About Target Valentine’s Gift Card Scams
Q1: Can I trust Target gift card promotions online?
A1: Only if they are hosted on Target’s official website or social media. Any third-party site offering free gift cards is likely a scam.
Q2: What should I do if I entered my card info on a scam site?
A2: Contact your bank immediately, monitor for unauthorized charges, and report the scam.
Q3: Are there any legitimate ways to get Target gift cards for free?
A3: Yes, through official promotions, rewards programs, or by purchasing gift cards from Target or verified retailers.
Q4: Can I report this scam?
A4: Yes, report it to the FTC, BBB, or your local consumer protection agency.
Q5: How can I identify scams like this in the future?
A5: Look for red flags such as unrealistic offers, requests for card information, fake countdown timers, and sites not hosted on the official domain.
Final Verdict
The Target Valentine’s Gift Card “Complete 4–5 Deals” promotion is a classic online scam. It preys on holiday excitement and promises something too good to be true. Protect your personal data, avoid suspicious links, and always verify promotions on official Target platforms.
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