BBB Warns Of Post-Holiday Redeem And Reward Scams

It's a new year, but some of the old tried-and-true scams are still tricking people out of their money and personal information here in Illinois and across the nation.

The holidays are over, the decorations are coming down, and for many of us, the credit card bills are starting to arrive. Unfortunately, this is also the time of year when scammers ramp things up, especially when it comes to rewards and loyalty points.

According to the Rockford Regional Office of the Better Business Bureau (BBB), scammers are targeting shoppers right now with fake emails, text messages, and pop-up alerts claiming you’ve earned cash rewards, bonus points, or special incentives from major retailers.

After another year of record holiday spending, a lot of people actually have earned legitimate rewards, and that’s exactly what makes this scam so effective.

The Messages Sent By Scammers Often Look Completely Legit

The messages are designed to look like they’re coming from well-known companies like Amazon, Kohl’s, Costco, or even credit card issuers. The subject lines usually sound urgent: “You have a reward to claim” or “Redeem your points before they expire.” That urgency is intentional. Scammers are counting on you being busy, distracted, or a little worn out after the holidays.

Dennis Horton, Senior Director Of The Rockford Regional Office of the BBB:

Con artists want you to redeem your rewards points with them. These fraudsters will send fraudulent emails and texts that mimic messages from major retailers or credit card companies, inviting you to redeem your hard-earned reward points. That could be a financial disaster and open you up to identity theft, money loss, and more.

Here's A Breakdown On How The Scams Work

The email or text looks legit, complete with company logos, colors, and official-sounding language. But when you click the link, you’re sent to a fake landing page designed to steal your login credentials, credit card information, or personal data. In some cases, clicking that link can even install malware that gives criminals access to your device.

The BBB says the safest move is also the simplest: don’t click. Delete the message. If you think a reward might be real, go directly to the retailer’s website by typing the address into your browser or opening the official app, but never through a link in an unsolicited message.

As is usually the case with scams, if a reward message feels rushed, generic, or just a little too good to be true, trust your instincts. A few extra seconds of caution now can save you a major headache later.