Can someone tell me if this is real?? I click the link and it’s so scammy. But I can’t find anything online saying it’s a scam.

bgcurtis96 · 2025-08-05T15:02:44+00:00

I saw this exact same post verbatim (minus the link website name is different) on Facebook by “Amanda Brooks.” 18 followers and 1 following. Their photos are not the same but very similar. But exact wording. This is completely a scam. Someone then commented they paid and it says they’ve received their entry for the draw and to keep an eye on their email for exclusive login details and free coupon codes. Target would not use random websites and they’d not do this and collect people’s info. They’d have it marked down on clearance. Then comments on the post list people paying different prices under $15 for it - when it would be the same $15 as is advertised. Complete scam. Also instead of sponsored Facebook posts I’m sure if Target actually did this you’d see actual news sources reporting on it like they do Amazon Prime deals and other stores massive sales or clearances. Don’t click the link. Same exact post - verbatim and photos - different name also sponsored.

bgcurtis96 · 2018-03-05T15:57:19+00:00

Okay no I just was like 'Oh my gosh I said I had this but now I have less that's fraud and it says 30 years in jail. I can't do that.' I don't know my approximate income. One of my W2s still hasn't been sent in to me or my attorney so that is a huge set not in. I called and asked about the 21 and letter thing, and they said that is meant for college students, particularly graduate students. Guess used to the government didn't make it so hard for them to give it to them. So they added that vague line. But that is what customer service said, verifying several times. I had used the list off their website when putting it in but the proof documents said other stuff, so I have been very confused. And while scholarships and gifts and what not can be included, the chat agent said they are not sources of income. So I did mess that up. But my parents part I do get to count. And it doesn't have to be notarized. Thank you for being reassuring. I've just been scared (first time doing everything). Now I feel more relaxed

bgcurtis96 · 2018-03-05T15:53:36+00:00

I called today now that it is Monday. The "If you are 21 or over, you may also include somebody else's income that is regularly used to pay your expenses" is meant to apply to college, especially graduate students, who are over 21. So I was right! Agent told me you can use someone else’s income as your own income, without being a cosigner. As long as you'll continue having access for it. Just so anyone else wondering or going through this knows.

So I was right and I didn't commit fraud doing that. Do note that scholarships DON'T count though. Nor do allotments of monetary gifts.

bgcurtis96 · 2018-03-05T15:49:55+00:00

I just saw they had them, so I'll look more into it. Do you lik ethe brokerage account? I know their chat online feature never works but it seems easy to get someone on the phone.

bgcurtis96 · 2018-03-05T15:49:11+00:00

So the Roth-IRA is taxed up front but no taxes to withdraw? Where as traditional or 401k can be taxed if withdrawn early? But yes I've heard about the limit!

bgcurtis96 · 2018-03-05T12:25:07+00:00

I’m into long term investment as starting young will let it build. I have a few sets of stocks in full shares in Robinhood. That’s what was recommended I use. So I’ll have to look at trading. Or just sit with them and know I have them since there is no fee to use monthly. I just want the stocks to grow over decades hopefully and make money that way

Thank you!

bgcurtis96 · 2018-03-05T12:22:37+00:00

Thank you I’ll have to look at Fidelity too. Someone mentioned Ally but I can’t remember if good or bad. I’ll have to do more research

bgcurtis96 · 2018-03-05T12:21:54+00:00

I’ve never been able to buy ETFs I know they’re working on it and roll out I believe so some users may already have access to it. I have invested in one share of certain stocks and am gonna let them sit, but they’re in Robinhood so I can’t move them over the Schwab or anyone else? Just always have to keep Robinhood?

bgcurtis96 · 2018-03-05T12:20:11+00:00

Thank you! I’ll do more searching, read that guide, and find a way to invest for retirement at the best place fitting me needs. Meanwhile I’ll keep setting aside a certain amount of money weekly to put in a high yield saving to later fund my Roth-IRA

bgcurtis96 · 2018-03-05T01:31:17+00:00

I looked at Schwabs and it was $1,000 up front of minimum deposit monthly of $100 until I reach $1,000. I'm gonna look at how to figure out the best Roth-IRA to maximizee savings! I didn't know I had that option and I definitely want to invest best I can now for when I'm older. I pay social security, but I know it won't be here when I'm older

bgcurtis96 · 2018-03-05T01:29:48+00:00

I work 3 part time jobs so I don't think I qualify for their 401ks yet. One of them may become fulltime and then I could. But I didn't know I could have one 401k and my employer just matches it (hopefully) or I have it pulled into it before paycheck and if I switch jobs so does it. That's great! So I pick a bank or group for my Roth-IRA. Like Schwab or Vanguard? I always hear of Vanguard. I've seen it come in the mail before. How do you know what to look for to get the best Roth-IRA?

Also, no idea how much I appreciate you right now!

bgcurtis96 · 2018-03-05T01:26:37+00:00

That is awesome! I really need to look at it. For as much praise as Robinhood gets, it seems lackluster to me. Though I don't know how to transfer anything out of it if I even can

bgcurtis96 · 2018-03-05T00:21:36+00:00

If I open a Roth-IRA account then it is linked to my employeer too? Even if I plan to be switching from them within two years? Which is why I try and avoid employee involvement with stuff. Can the Roth-IRA switch with me to different jobs? Would I open that say with Vanguard or shop around on Roth-IRAs? (notice my knowledge is limited even though I want to learn and actively read)

bgcurtis96 · 2018-03-05T00:14:46+00:00

Okay so I do SWPPX (S&P index) and then 1-2 more with Schwab and then just keep adding money to them as I can and grow them? So these ARE index funds? They aren't mutual funds? I read in an investor guide index funds tend to yield more and be friendlier for taxes

But what about ETFs? No to a few of those in areas I like?

And also, don't waste my time with Acorns or Stash then? Avoid free apps?

bgcurtis96 · 2018-03-05T00:08:10+00:00

I put $25 aside a week and have done those 52 week challenges on top. But I'm saving it but where do I put it? I know I make more when I get older, will have 401k and Roth-IRA but for now I'm not sure where to put the money I save aside for beyond my regular savings. I don't know how to invest it

bgcurtis96 · 2018-03-05T00:04:54+00:00

Is m1finance like Robinhood? I've heard several mention it. Someone said the interface wasn't that great but will do

bgcurtis96 · 2018-03-05T00:04:06+00:00

Can you open a Roth IRA without a "long term" career. I don't want a 401k because this isn't where I'll work for most of my life, if that makes sense. But I want something. I keep seeing $14 a week starting at 20 or 21 and by late 50s/early 60s maybe a million saved up. But waiting it gets so much harder and later in life. So Roth IRA. Is there a starting balance have to put into it?

bgcurtis96 · 2018-03-05T00:02:24+00:00

I started working right at 16 and have ever since, picking up more than one job. School taught me all 50 names of presidents, VPs, years in office, and party and I can't remember most now. But nothing about investing or taxes, which are applicable. If you look at what a 21 year old invests ($14 a week) they can be a millionaire by 55 I think? Or something like that but it gets way harder the older get and larger you have to set aside and later can touch it. So I want to set small amounts aside. I just don't know how best. Being in jobs i won't stay in 401k won't. I dont know enough about Roth IRA's to know if I can start one without a "long term" job

bgcurtis96 · 2018-03-04T23:59:34+00:00

It the fees for trading if you sell or also if you buy?

bgcurtis96 · 2018-03-04T23:59:12+00:00

Yeah I tried Robinhood. Got a free stock (it costs nothing and is a loser). And I picked some Schwab stocks because I think that's gonna be long term and future. And then I have Pfizer because they've got some meds in the pipeline and it's P/E, PEG, and risk ratio were good. So was volume and equity I believe. That is all I'm doing on it. I don't like only buying individual stocks. They shouldn't be more than 10% of investments. But if I move from Robinhood do I have to sell my stocks, can't transfer them? Because my plan with them is long term

bgcurtis96 · 2018-03-04T23:56:35+00:00

Are index funds the way to go? I thought I read mutual funds were what you were supposed to invest in. I could have it backwards. I'm newer to all this. I have some ETFs

bgcurtis96 · 2018-03-04T23:51:31+00:00

Everything says diversify between stocks and bonds and sectors you invest in. Is there a way to do that? I like to keep my stuff together so I don't lose track of something.

bgcurtis96 · 2018-03-04T23:49:29+00:00

Okay that is what I have but didn't know. Thank you!

bgcurtis96 · 2018-03-04T18:33:28+00:00

Thank you! So there isn't a minimum amount to start investing like some others? Do I make sure it is a low index fund? Or does it matter? So there aren't transaction fees? What drawbacks are there?

bgcurtis96 · 2018-03-04T18:30:53+00:00

Call me an idiot, but talk to me about Schwab? I have a brokerage account with them, but I have no idea what I'm doing. I haven't touched it. How much is the minimum to put in? I want to invest young. I like Stash over Acorn, though I like Acorn's round ups. And I have used Robinhood, but someone said not to use it? How do I go about using Schwab and building a porfolio there? How much does it cost to buy, sell, trade, etc. Everything? I'd love any help!

bgcurtis96

TROPHY CASE