Target scams
Last updated September 19, 2026
The short answer
Target scams include fake gift card giveaways, phishing emails about orders you didn't make, and bogus Target coupon offers shared on social media. Target will never contact you to ask for gift card numbers, personal information, or payment to claim a prize.
Target is a frequently impersonated brand in phishing and gift card scams. Scammers use Target's trusted name for fake promotions, phishing emails about nonexistent orders, coupon scams shared through social media, and fake Target job offers. Target gift cards are also commonly requested as payment in unrelated scams.
How Target scams work
- 1
Fake Target gift card promotion
An email, text, or social media ad claims you can get a $200 Target gift card by completing a survey or clicking a link. The survey collects your personal data and requires sign-ups for paid services. No gift card ever arrives.
- 2
Phishing order confirmation
An email claims you placed a large Target order. It provides a link or phone number to "dispute" or "cancel" the charge. The link leads to a phishing site, or the phone call connects to a scammer asking for your payment details.
- 3
Fake Target coupons on social media
A social media post shares a "leaked" Target coupon for 40-75% off your entire purchase. The link goes to a phishing site or installs malware. Target doesn't distribute coupons this way.
- 4
Fake Target job application
A job posting claims Target is hiring for high-paying remote positions. After a fake interview, you're asked to provide your SSN and bank info for "onboarding" or pay for a background check.
Warning signs
- An unsolicited email or text offers a free Target gift card
- An email confirms a Target order you didn't place
- A social media post shares an unbelievable Target coupon or discount
- A "Target" job offer requires upfront payment or sensitive personal information before an official start date
- The email sender doesn't use a @target.com address
- Anyone asks you to buy Target gift cards to pay a bill, fine, or fee
Examples
"Target Holiday Survey — Get a $100 Gift Card!"
An email invites you to complete a short Target customer survey for a $100 gift card. After answering questions, you're told to enter your credit card for a $1.99 shipping fee. You're actually signing up for recurring subscription charges, and the gift card never arrives.
Fake Target.com order email
An email says you ordered an Apple Watch for $429 from Target.com. You don't recognize the order. You call the number in the email, and the "agent" asks for your credit card to process the cancellation. They charge your card instead.
What to do
- Check your Target account at target.com or the Target app to verify any orders.
- Don't call phone numbers from suspicious emails. Contact Target directly at 1-800-440-0680.
- Ignore social media posts claiming to offer massive Target coupons. Check target.com for real deals.
- Never share gift card numbers with anyone who asks for them as payment.
- Report suspicious emails to Target's customer service and the FTC.
Report it to Target
Target takes these through its Security Concerns form rather than an inbox. Check real orders in the Target app.
Getting your money back
If you shared payment information with a Target impersonator, contact your bank or credit card company immediately. If you purchased Target gift cards and gave the numbers to a scammer, call Target Gift Card Services at 1-800-544-2943. They may be able to freeze remaining balances, though funds already redeemed are generally unrecoverable.
Frequently asked questions
Does Target send gift cards via email promotions?
Target does not send unsolicited emails offering free gift cards. Legitimate Target promotions appear on target.com, in the Target app, and through Target Circle deals. Any email claiming you won a free gift card from Target is a scam.
Are Target coupons shared on social media real?
No. Target distributes coupons through the Target app, Target Circle, and target.com. Coupons shared on Facebook, Instagram, or WhatsApp claiming 50-75% off entire purchases are scams designed to steal your information.
What should I do if someone asks me to pay with Target gift cards?
Stop immediately. No legitimate organization (not the IRS, not your utility company, not law enforcement) accepts Target gift cards as payment. This is a hallmark of a scam regardless of what reason the caller gives.
Other companies scammers impersonate
Scams reuse their scripts across brands. If you were contacted about Target, these are the guides worth reading next.