Medium riskText Message Scams

Loyalty Points Scam

This scam claims your loyalty points, reward balance, or air miles are about to expire and pushes you to redeem them through a link, which leads to a phishing page built to steal your account login or card details.

Quick verdict

Risk level

Medium risk

Scam type

Rewards phishing scam

Main red flag

An urgent message saying your points expire soon and must be redeemed through a link right away.

What to do first

Do not use the link. Sign in to the rewards account directly through the official app or website to check.

What this scam usually looks like

Example message pattern

Example pattern — not a real report

Example pattern: 'Your 4,500 reward points expire in 24 hours. Redeem them now before they are lost: [suspicious link]'

This is a fictional, anonymised example used to illustrate the pattern. It is not a verified real message, and any names are used only to show how the scam typically reads.

Red flags to watch for

A claim that points or rewards expire within hours unless you act now
A specific points balance designed to feel real and worth saving
A link that does not lead to the official retailer or airline website
A request to log in or confirm card details to 'release' the reward
Wording that creates urgency or fear of losing something valuable

What to do

Avoid the link and do not enter your login or card details
Check your points balance by signing in through the official app or website directly
Compare the sender and link against the brand's genuine contact details
Report and delete the message if it appears to be a scam

If you already clicked or replied

Do not enter any more details on the page
Change your password for that rewards account and anywhere you reused it
If you entered card details, contact your bank to flag or freeze the card
Review the rewards account and your statements for unexpected activity

What not to do

Do not reply to the message or call any number it provides
Do not share verification or one-time codes
Do not log in through the link to 'save' your points

Similar scams

Medium risk Social Media

Fake Giveaway Scam

This scam tells you that you won a prize or giveaway, then asks for a fee, your login, or personal details to 'claim' it.

Medium risk Text Message

Customer Survey Scam

This scam invites you to complete a short customer satisfaction survey for a reward from a known brand, then asks for card details to cover 'shipping' on the prize or harvests your personal data.

Medium risk Online Shopping

Fake Coupon Scam

This scam uses fake discount codes, 'spin to win' wheels, or coupon sites that look like a deal but exist to collect your personal and card details, push survey traps, or spread links across social media.

Frequently asked questions

Do loyalty points really expire that suddenly?

Genuine schemes usually give long notice and clear terms about expiry. A message demanding action within hours through a link is a common scam pressure tactic.

The message named a real shop or airline I use. Is it safe?

Scammers often impersonate well-known brands. Even if you have an account, check your balance through the official app or site rather than the link in the message.

What if I already logged in through the link?

Change your password for that account immediately and for any other account using the same password. Then check the account for any unauthorised changes or redemptions.

How can I report a loyalty points scam?

You can report it to the retailer or airline through their official fraud page, forward suspicious texts to your mobile provider, and notify your national fraud reporting body.

Last reviewed: June 2026

Disclaimer: This page provides educational information only to help you recognise common scam patterns. It is not legal, financial, cybersecurity, or law enforcement advice, and it does not confirm whether any specific message, company, or person is genuine or fraudulent. When in doubt, contact the official organisation directly and report concerns to your local authorities.