On May 30 a "pop-up" on my computor stated that I had been chosen as "Today's Winner", just complete a short survey. Depending just on my retirement pay, I was of course the perfect target.
The "Chase": On May 23 after completing the survey, you are prompted to
go to the next page to complete the "redemption" process. On THIS page you
answer a few more moronic (speaking of morons... How could I forget the old adage, "If it sounds/looks to good to be true...") questions you reach the bottom
where your are prompted to call a number to obtain a "Authorization/Claim" code to enter in the blank box right beneath the telephone number. Upon calling the number the trap was closed.
In order to get the "Authorization/Claim" code I first had to listen to a sales pitch about a 14 day trial of "NeatRewards.com" & "CouponTravelShop.com" for just $1.95 each. Like the afore mentioned moron, I agreed and of course gave them my debit card info. I obtained my "Authorization/Claim" code and entered it.
This sent me to yet the next page which had 3 boxes displayed, click the first box to verify that you in fact want the FREE $1000.00 Walmart Gift Card, click the second box to submit, the third box states that I am, at that very moment being texted a "4 digit pin#" to enter in the box and submit. Of course you NEVER get texted a "4 digit pin#".
In an effort to expose what was going on AND to find out which "third party" was responsible for this fraudulent operation and get my $3.98 returned I went through the process again. The only difference this time was that I did not have to call in for a "Authorization/Claim" code because they do not want you calling.instead you go straight to the afore mentioned final three boxes where you are again told a "4 digit pin# is being texted to you.
If you scroll all the way down to the bottom of what appears to be an otherwise blank page you find a statement from T-Mobil that by entering they will now begin charging you $9.99 a month to receive 3 texts a month with various offers.
I am embarrassed and feel violated. I hope my experience can help just one person from falling for the Walmart/T-Mobil scam. Thanks!
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