Fake Target Circle Rewards Redemption Scam
Fraudsters send fake Target Circle reward notifications claiming the recipient has earned significant points or a bonus that must be redeemed immediately, leading to a phishing or fee-charging trap.
Part of: Fake Loyalty Points Redemption Scams
Last reviewed: 7 June 2026
Target Circle is Target's free loyalty programme that offers personalised deals, 1% earnings on purchases, and community giving votes. Because millions of shoppers use Target Circle, fake notifications about unspent rewards are an effective lure.
The scam typically arrives as a text or email claiming the recipient has a large Target Circle balance that is about to expire. The message uses Target Circle branding and directs the user to a fake redemption portal. Some variants require the user to log in (harvesting credentials), while others ask for a small fee to 'unlock' the rewards.
Target Circle rewards earned through genuine purchases are always visible in the Target Circle app or at Target.com after sign-in. They are applied automatically at checkout with no special portal or fee required.
How this scam works on the Target brand
Fake Target Circle messages arrive from non-Target domains or spoofed sender names. They typically claim the recipient has earned a reward — a dollar-denominated offer or a large point balance — but must click a link within a short time window to redeem it before it expires. The link leads to a lookalike site that asks for a Target.com login.
Once credentials are captured, the attacker can access the real Target Circle account and any linked payment methods. Some fraudulent sites go further and display a survey the victim must complete to 'unlock' their reward, after which the victim is asked for a card number to cover a nominal processing charge.
Social media variants use look-alike Target accounts to post 'exclusive Target Circle giveaways' asking followers to comment, share, and enter their email — building a list for further phishing.
Common red flags
- Target Circle notification from a sender that is not @target.com or @e.target.com
- Rewards expiry deadline creating urgency — Target Circle balances do not typically expire in 24 hours
- A fee required to 'process' or 'release' your Target Circle rewards
- Redemption link leads to a domain that is not target.com
- Social media account posting the offer has a different handle or recently created profile rather than Target's verified account
How to protect yourself
- Check your Target Circle balance by opening the Target app directly or visiting Target.com/circle after signing in
- Do not click links in unexpected Target Circle notifications; go directly to the app or website
- Never pay a fee to redeem loyalty rewards — Target Circle rewards are free and applied automatically at checkout
- Report fake social media accounts impersonating Target to the platform using the 'Report' function
How to report it
- Forward phishing emails to [email protected]
- Report fake social media accounts impersonating Target to the respective platform
- Report to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov
Frequently asked questions
The text named my city and seemed to know things about me — does that make it more likely to be real?
No. Scam texts are often personalised with publicly available or purchased data like your city or name to seem more credible. Personal details in the message don't confirm it came from Target — only checking the Target Circle app directly does.
If I already clicked the link but didn't enter any information, am I at risk?
Simply clicking a link is generally lower risk than entering data, but the page itself could still attempt to load tracking scripts. Close the page, don't enter anything, and consider running a security scan if you're concerned, especially on an unfamiliar or unofficial-looking site.
How much can Target Circle rewards actually be worth, so I can judge if an offer sounds implausible?
Target Circle rewards are typically modest, tied to a small percentage of your spending or specific item promotions. A text promising a large windfall balance you don't recall earning is a strong sign of fraud, since real balances build gradually through purchases.
Do Target Circle rewards expire?
Some Target Circle offers have expiry dates, but these are visible in the Target Circle app or at Target.com. You will not receive a last-minute text demanding you act within hours to avoid losing a large balance.
I received a text about Target Circle rewards expiring. How do I know if it is real?
Open the Target app or go to Target.com directly and check your Circle account. If the reward is there, it is real. If not, the text is fraudulent — forward it to 7726 and delete it.