Amarillo Reward Point Scam: Don't Click These Fake Links

When you are spending money in Amarillo, you want as many chances to save money at the same time. Several businesses in the area have rewards programs. We shop or order food, and those points start to stack up.

Then you get to use those points to save. You may get a discount on gas. The points may get you free food at the window. Those points can make going out to eat or shopping a little cheaper. We will take that win when we can.

Of course, with any good thing, there seem to be scammers trying to get us. Your reward points are no exception. The Amarillo Police Department recently warned us about a scam involving those points.

Red Flags: Identifying the "Expiring Soon" Trap

If you’re accruing points, there is more than likely a timeframe to use them before they expire. That is where this scam comes in. You will receive a text warning you about expiring points.

The Rise of Smishing: How the Reward Scam Works

Scammers are sending text messages claiming your reward points are about to expire—and they want you to act fast.

The message may look like it’s from your bank or mobile provider and say you have thousands of points that will disappear in just a few days. It includes a link to “claim” your rewards.
Don’t click it.

This is a smishing (text phishing) scam. The link takes you to a fake website designed to steal your login or banking information.

If you click on that link, your information will be at risk. You could have your accounts drained. As always, stay vigilant. Think before you click. Always go to the source to verify points and information.

The Golden Rule: Verify Through Official Sources

There are steps to protect yourself:

• Don’t click links in unexpected text messages
• Check your rewards through the company’s official app or website
• Be cautious of urgent messages like “expiring soon.”
• Don’t reply—report and block the number

Scammers count on you acting quickly. Take a moment to verify before you click.

Yes, collecting and using those reward points does save you a lot of money. Just don't get too worried about losing points, because you act too quickly and lose more than points. Save your information by not clicking on links in texts.