Last Updated on April 14, 2023
In recent weeks, we’ve been tracking a wave of CVS Pharmacy scams utilizing phishing SMS text messages and emails. (Real CVS text short code is 898287.) The scams attempts are so frequent that CVS have addressed the issue with their own warning, which you can find on their help page. Be safe out there, folks! In the meantime, the following is a summary of the CVS scams we have encountered.
CVS Text Message Scams
Screenshots from Reddit
As seen above, CVS survey scam text messages are spreading across the US, with California, Texas, and New York targeted most. All the texts share the same goal: to get the would-be victim to click on the phishing link. They’ll use gift cards and other giveaways to entice you — don’t fall for it! See below for where the link takes you.
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‚! {URL}
- At CVS we are constantly seeking the public’s opinion to help make our communities great and meaningful. We‚ adore 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}
CVS Email Scams
Consumers have also reported receiving phishing emails, in which the scammers pose as CVS — complete with design and logo mimicry. Note the long, convoluted email address — official email addresses NEVER look like this.
The aim here, like the texts above, is to get the would-be victim to click on the attached phishing link. When clicked on, the links lead to a fake CVS survey page, as seen below.
These fake survey pages don’t appear to be especially malicious. Nonetheless, there is no prize to be had, making the whole thing a waste of time. At the same time, it is possible a user could have their details scraped during time spent on the page. Survey scams typically request/steal victims’ personal information. The scammers can use this information to commit any number of cybercrimes, such as targeted phishing attacks and identity theft.
Shop Safe with ScamCheck
- Always double-check reviews of shopping websites.
- Giveaways, while sometimes legit, are often a red flag.
- Pay attention to the company’s age, and be suspicious of great-sounding discounts.
- Strange payment methods (such as only PayPal) is also a red flag.
- NEVER use links or buttons from unknown sources! Use Trend Micro ScamCheck to detect scams with ease: ScamCheck is an all-in-one browser extension and mobile app for detecting scams, phishing attacks, malware, and dangerous links — and it’s FREE!
After you’ve pinned the ScamCheck extension, it will block dangerous sites automatically! (Available on Safari, Google Chrome, and Microsoft Edge).
You can also download the ScamCheck mobile app for 24/7 automatic scam and spam detection and filtering. (Available for Android and iOS).
Check out this page for more information on ScamCheck. And 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. Happy summer shopping!
11 Comments
Here is one I just received. I assume it is a scam.
C.V.S.Cares: Reba, you will forfeit a $99 in-store credit if you don’t finish our survey today. Your code is #CV515 Claim Your Unused In-store Credit Here ❤️📨
Text stop to opt out
By Reba Clemmons | July 27, 2023I have received two text messages from CVS informing me about a prescription ready for pickup. I do not even have a prescription from CVS. is someone trying to use my name and phone number to fill a prescription that is not mine?
By Carlos A Gonzalez | June 19, 2023My scam was a fake invoice notice from CVS Health Corp. The invoice was supposed to be in an attachment, and in bold font the e-mail said to download and open the attachment, work only on PC/Desktop.
By Gaylan Mathiesen | May 24, 2023On 4/28/23 I click on an email that the CVS reward survey, after answering the survey it took me to another screen, and I was rewarded the following free product. The payment method stated it only takes a Visa credit card then it told me on the screen that the card (was declined). I then tried my MCard I tried to stop the payment from going thru because and that split second I thought it might be a (scam or fraud). Then I panic. I tried looking up the (email addresses) of different websites. so then I just started to email all those websites. I did not get a response. Card services called me early morning on 4/28/23 and ask did I authorized a payment of $8.98 (give and take a few cents) I told them I did, so she “said to cut up my (cc) and we will stop payment on it. I also ask her about my (debit card) should it be canceled, and she told me no, it was only the (cc). Then I check my bank online and there was a (pending reauthorized) payment on 5/3/23 of ($68.49), and the payment will expire on 5/6/23, this is what the (rep.) told me over the phone. So this morning 5/4/23 I will go to my (bank/credit union) to try to stop this payment and any further payments.
By shonda creswell | May 4, 2023I received a scam CVS link after talking a refilling my prescriptions at my Dr’s office . As soon as we hung up ( meaning the pcp associate and myself) a link claiming to be from CVS came to my phone .then ask me for my pass word to open the CVS link ..( I op that I don’t have or forgot my password.. so a password recovery link sent a recovery code .( AS SOON AS I HIT THE FIRST NUMBER THE PHISHSNG / SCAMMERS SITE DISAPPEARED..I was unable to go back to my g mail or anywhere on my phone to find the original CVS non requested solicitor site .( that’s when I got suspicious)
By Reginald Strachan | March 21, 2023Why is there not a direct email address to report fraud or phishing emails directly to CVS?. I have hunted high and low and have found none on the net… did I miss something? thank you for a response…
By Karl m | February 25, 2023I believe I have been scammed by a company offering a $500 Credit at CVS, which in an unthinking manner I foolishly filled out the email return request along with my credit card number to be used for $4.50+ in shipping charges. The company name used was Reward Depot, and the signature was Melanie Barrett. Please let me know about this if possible. I am a longtime customer of CVS, and I need to know if I should contact my credit card company and warn them about a possible scammer.
Many thanks, Kennerth S. Lazar
By Kenneth S. Lazar | February 17, 2023I got the CVS survey email yesterday and it did look very real. After completing the survey I was offered a mini blender for just shipping charges. I stupidly did it, and immediately regreted it. I called to make sure that it was a one time thing and I wasn’t obligated for anything else. They said they would cancel my “membership”. I then contacted my credit card to tell them and to get a new credit card.
By Gwendolyn Moore | February 5, 2023On Friday,January 20th,I received a text message that was supposedly from CVS stating that I needed to update some account information by going to I attempted to visit this site,but I was unable to access it.I suspect that this might be a scam.
By bill mccarty | January 21, 2023I am getting texts that have fake cvs sweetstakes winner notifications. I never entered a sweepstakes with CVS. The text comes from somebody that started with from WHL , second attempt to deliver a $2000 gift card but when you enter your address then they ask for $1 asking for your debit card I fo. I clicked on some of the categories at the bottom, one being the code of conduct which did nothing. Should have redirected me or taken me to the page but it just underlined the topic. I knew for sure then that it was fake so if you get a text from “WHL” saying first or second attempt. Know it’s fake
By Dayna davis | January 4, 202311/17/2022
So far this AM I have had 4 calls claiming to be CVS wanting to send me covid tests. I hang up before they get to any numbers. My desire is that the people in supposedly watching out for the general public would actively go after the culprits and when they catch them remove a finger or two. Punishment to fit the crime!By Steven Hunt | November 17, 2022
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