If Amazon really wanted to give us free money, we’d all be billionaires by now, right?
In this publication, we're uncovering a scam that has been making waves and could potentially affect you or someone you know. Let’s dive right in.
Scammers are sending fake Amazon refund texts claiming a problem with a recent purchase. The link promises money back — but it’s actually a trap to steal your info.
How It Works:
Here’s how the scam unfolds:
- You receive a text that looks like it’s from Amazon.
- It says there's a problem with an item you recently bought — a recall or “quality issue.”
- You're offered a full refund with no return necessary, as long as you click the link provided.
- That link doesn’t lead to a refund — it leads to phishing websites that harvest your personal info or financial details.
Who’s Targeted:
This scam is targeting a wide range of people — basically, anyone who has recently shopped online or used Amazon. Since Amazon is so popular, it’s a clever ploy that can trick both tech-savvy users and less experienced ones alike.
Real-Life Example:
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) flagged this scam in a July 24th advisory. The message might look like this:
“A routine quality inspection found that your recent Amazon purchase does not meet standards. You’ll receive a refund. No return needed. Click here to claim.”
It’s slick, but it’s a scam.
Why You Should Care:
Falling for this trick could mean giving scammers access to your:
- Bank or credit card details
- Amazon login credentials
- Social Security number
- Other sensitive information
Even a single click can result in malware being installed on your device or redirect you to a fake login page. The damage? Identity theft, financial loss, and a mountain of stress.
How to Protect Yourself:
• Don’t click suspicious links — even if they seem urgent or come from “trusted” names.
• Verify messages independently — check your Amazon account directly via the app or website.
• Report suspicious texts — forward them to 7726 (SPAM) and delete them.
• Use multi-factor authentication — enable it on Amazon and other important accounts.
• Freeze compromised accounts immediately — contact your bank and change all affected passwords.
Quick Tips & Updates:
Quick Tip #1: If it seems too good to be true (like a refund without a return), it probably is.
🛡 Pro Tip: Bookmark the real Amazon website or use the app directly to avoid clicking fake links.
The FTC urges everyone to report scams to ReportFraud.ftc.gov and reminds users that Amazon will never ask you to provide personal information via a text link.
Stay safe, stay informed.
Keyword Definitions:
- Phishing: A scam where attackers pose as legitimate entities to trick you into revealing personal information.
- Spoofing: The act of disguising a communication from an unknown source as being from a known, trusted source.
- Two-factor authentication (2FA): An extra layer of security requiring not only a password but also a second verification step.
- Identity Theft: When someone uses your personal information without permission, often to commit fraud.
- FTC (Federal Trade Commission): A U.S. government agency that protects consumers from deceptive or unfair business practices.
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