In the past couple of days I have received a couple of text from a short number, such as 58988 telling me I either need to click the link to claim a $1000 gift certificate to Best Buy or Click the link to re-enable my Apple account.

They both had the same URL primary address of :  http://tinyurl.com/  followed by a page related to the text: ie:  appleid-usa  (full URL being http://tinyurl.com/appleid-usa)

THESE are all scams looking to gather your personal information.  DO NOT click on the link.  Instead notify your provider of the scam:

REPORT:  Copy the original message and forward it to 7726 (SPAM) free of charge, if you are an AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, or Sprint subscriber

For More information on this SCAM, please go to the following government link:  https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/random-text-wait-wait-dont-click

As a reminder – NEVER click on any link from any unknown source.  Scammers may use a friend’s name when sending an email and only their display name is shown.

Check the FULL email address before replying or clicking on anything contained in an unknown or “weird” message.  You can typically verify a senders email address by hovering over the name, right clicking on the name, or selecting view from a drop down box. Method depends on your email provider.

Never provide personal data, emails, DOB or SS number on any site unless you are positive of the site is real. Most Financial and Government agencies will never solicit personal information via email.