Marshfield Woman Scammed While Attempting to Pay Target Credit Card
MARSHFIELD, WI (OnFocus) – A Marshfield resident fell victim to a scam on June 16 while attempting to make a payment on her Target RedCard credit account, highlighting the growing threat of online fraud and the importance of digital vigilance.
According to police, the woman had gone online intending to make her regular credit card payment. However, instead of accessing the official Target website, she unknowingly visited a fake site designed to mimic the real one. A key detail she later noticed was a subtle misspelling—“Target” was spelled with an extra “T” at the end, appearing as “TARGETT.”
The fraudulent website directed her to call a customer service number. Once on the phone, the scammer convinced her to download a remote-access app onto her device. From there, she was instructed to purchase several gift cards and provide the codes—allegedly to use them as payment toward her credit card balance.
She complied, sending multiple gift card codes as instructed. It was only after speaking with local police that she realized she had been scammed. Authorities confirmed that the website was fraudulent and provided her with a case number. She was also advised to file a formal complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at IC3.gov.
A Cautionary Tale
This incident serves as a sobering reminder that scammers often exploit well-known brands and rely on small details—like a misspelled web address or convincing phone instructions—to deceive consumers. Once gift card codes are sent, the funds are typically unrecoverable.
Law enforcement emphasizes the following tips to avoid similar scams:
- Never use gift cards as a form of payment for bills, taxes, or debts. Legitimate companies and government agencies will never request gift cards.
- Always double-check website URLs for accuracy before entering sensitive information.
- Be cautious of unsolicited phone numbers or requests to download unfamiliar apps.
- Report scams promptly to local authorities and the IC3 to help prevent others from falling victim.
For more information on how to protect yourself from online fraud, visit FTC.gov or consult your local law enforcement agency.
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Author: News Desk
This piece was posted by our news team! Contact us or submit stories at [email protected].
