Is this order or prize text from Target a scam?
Scammers impersonate trusted retailers like Target with fake order-problem, prize and gift-card messages. A text, email or message that looks like it's from Target can be genuine — but it can just as easily be a scam built to look identical. The good news: a few quick checks almost always tell a real Target message from a fake.
Genuine Target links only ever go to target.com.au. Below is exactly what a real Target message looks like, the scams currently circulating in its name, the red flags that give a fake away, and a real example to compare against. Got a message in front of you? Check it now for an instant verdict.
What a real Target message looks like
Genuine messages from Target only ever link to target.com.au.
- Genuine Target Australia messages only arrive through the Target app or logged-in account notifications on target.com.au.
- Target never initiates contact about competitions, refunds or delivery issues via SMS or direct messages on Facebook or Instagram.
- Any email from Target will come from an address ending exactly in @target.com.au and will reference your existing order or account.
- Target will never ask you to click a link in a social-media comment or DM to claim a prize or update payment details.
Crucially, Target will never tell you that you've won a prize you didn't enter, or ask for card details to 'release' an order, over SMS.
Common Target scams
- Facebook posts claiming you have won a $500 Target gift card, directing you to message a page or click an external link.
- Instagram DMs pretending to be from Target Australia offering a free giveaway for liking and sharing a post.
- Fake 'Target Australia' competition pages asking for your name, address and bank details to 'send your prize'.
Red flags to watch for
- The message or post arrives via Facebook or Instagram DM rather than the Target app or target.com.au account inbox.
- It promises you have been 'selected as 1 in 20 winners' or similar random prize draw you never entered.
- The link uses a domain that is not target.com.au, such as target-giftwin.com.au or targetau-prize.net.
- You are asked to provide personal or bank details to 'claim' or 'verify' the prize.
- Target Australia does not run 'select 1 in 20 winners' giveaways via social DMs.
Scam text examples
Here's a real example of a scam message impersonating Target, with the tell-tale red flags highlighted. Compare it against anything you've received.
Hi, you've been randomly selected in our Target Australia giveaway! Tap here to claim your $200 gift card before it expires: target-prize-claim.net/au
What gives it away:
- The message or post arrives via Facebook or Instagram DM rather than the Target app or target.com.au account inbox.
- It promises you have been 'selected as 1 in 20 winners' or similar random prize draw you never entered.
- The link uses a domain that is not target.com.au, such as target-giftwin.com.au or targetau-prize.net.
- You are asked to provide personal or bank details to 'claim' or 'verify' the prize.
- Target Australia does not run 'select 1 in 20 winners' giveaways via social DMs.
Not sure about your message?
Paste the suspicious Target text or email and get an instant scam verdict, free.
How to verify a message from Target
- Log in to your account at target.com.au or via the official Target Australia app.
- Type target.com.au yourself in your browser to check any order or competition details.
Where to report a scam impersonating Target
Received — or fell for — a message impersonating Target? Report it. It helps authorities and carriers shut the campaign down for everyone who gets the next one.
- Scamwatch — Report the scam to the ACCC's national scam service.
- ReportCyber — Report cybercrime and financial loss to the police.
- ACMA — Report scam texts and spam SMS or calls.
- Forward to 7226 (SPAM) — Forward the scam SMS to short code 7226 so your carrier can block the source.
- IDCARE — Free identity and cyber support if your details were taken.
Frequently asked questions
I got a Facebook message saying I've won a Target giveaway — is it a scam?
Yes. Target Australia does not notify winners through Facebook DMs or run random '1 in 20 winners' competitions that way. Delete the message and do not click any links.
How do I know if a Target Australia competition post is real?
Only competitions run through the Target app or on target.com.au are genuine. Any post directing you to message a page or visit a non-target.com.au link is a scam.
What should I do if I clicked a link in a fake Target message?
Visit scamwatch.gov.au for steps to secure your accounts and report the incident. If you entered personal details, contact IDCARE on 1300 432 273.
Related scam types
Scams impersonating Target usually fit one of these patterns. Learn how each works:
Related brands
Other retail names scammers impersonate — check a message from one:
This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice — always verify with Target through an official channel.