Scammers have recently been impersonating the two biggest pharmacy store chains in the US — CVS and Walgreens — and sending out innumerable amounts of scam text messages. Keep on reading to learn why these messages are dangerous and how you can protect yourself against them.

CVS Survey Scam

Over the last week, we’ve detected massive numbers of CVS survey scam text messages spreading all over the US, with California, Texas, and New York targeted most heavily. Below are two examples of what these messages look like.

All the messages we’ve observed share the same goal: to get the victim to click on the included link (blurred in the images above). They do so by offering people the chance to win a gift card or some other form of “compensation”.

When clicked on, the links lead to a fake CVS survey page (shown below).

At present, the survey page doesn’t do anything except waste victims’ time — after all 16 questions have been answered, the survey just loops back to the first question, with no chance to claim the advertised prize.

However, survey scams such as this will commonly request victims’ personal information, including their full name, address, Social Security number, credit card number, and lots more. The scammers can use this information to commit any number of cybercrimes, such as targeted phishing attacks and identity theft.

Also, just because the website is relatively harmless now doesn’t mean the scammers won’t update it down the road with more malicious capabilities.

To learn more about CVS scams, click here to visit the CVS website.

CVS survey scam sample SMS content:

• At CVS we understand everyone is going through hard times. Which is why today you have a chance to get a 100$.  Take a minute, fill out thiis form and we’ll cover the cost‚ú®!  {URL}
• At CVS we are constantly seeking the public’s opinion to help make our communities great and meaningful. We‚Äôre making a positive impact in the communities we serve with important investments and support.  This abbreviated review takes 1 to 2 minutes and will give you compensation. {URL}
• At CVS, “Show Me the Money” is back on. You can go to $50 in a matter of minutes.  {URL}
• At CVS, it’s a giveaway that goes beyond a raffle! I receive at least $45 per day. Never takes longer than the time it takes me to sip my morning coffee. {URL}
• At CVS, there is a direct giveaway rather than a raffle. I always receive at least $45. Never more than the time it takes for me to have my morning coffee. {URL}

Walgreens Survey Scam

This Walgreens survey scam uses the same tactics (and even the same website template!) as the CVS scam above.

However, unlike the CVS survey scam, this Walgreens version does prompt people to enter their personal information — and lots of it, too.

After they’ve answered all 16 questions, they’re asked to complete the form below so they can claim their (non-existent) prize — although they still need to pay for shipping.

Of course, any information entered onto this site will be sent directly to the scammers and no gift will ever be delivered. Watch out!

Walgreens survey scam sample SMS content:

• at walgreens, it’s a giveaway that goes beyond a raffle! i receive at least $45 per day. never takes longer than the time it takes me to sip my morning coffee. {URL}
• At Walgreens, “Show Me the Money” is back on. You can go to $50 in a matter of minutes. {URL}
• At Walgreens, there is a direct giveaway rather than a raffle. I always receive at least $45. Never more than the time it takes for me to have my morning coffee. {URL}

How to Protect Yourself

• Be highly suspicious of unsolicited messages.
• Typos and strange wordings are dead giveaways of scams.
• Free gifts and prizes are always a major red flag.
• Use Trend Micro ScamCheck to detect scams with ease — for FREE!

Trend Micro ScamCheck — our 100% FREE browser extension and mobile app — can protect you against scams, malicious websites, dangerous emails, and lots more! If you come across something dangerous online, you’ll be alerted in real time so you’ll know to stay well clear.

As ever, if you’ve found this article an interesting and/or helpful read, please do SHARE it with friends and family to help keep the online community secure and protected.