Got a suspicious Amazon refund text? Don’t click the link – it’s a scam

Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNET

You’ve just received a text message that appears to be from Amazon. In it, the online retailer says that an item you recently purchased failed a routine inspection, is being recalled, or isn’t up to Amazon’s standards. As a result, you’re due a full refund — sometimes without even having to return the product. You just have to select a link in the message to claim your refund. 

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Ah, but don’t do it. That’s right, it’s a scam.

Fraudulent text messages

On Thursday, the US Federal Trade Commission issued a warning about fraudulent text messages promising people refunds from Amazon. By tricking you into tapping the link in the message, the scammers are looking to steal your money or personal information. In this case, following the link likely takes you to a phishing page where the crooks may prompt you to enter your Amazon account credentials, payment info, and contact details.

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This is hardly the first time that Amazon and its customers have been targeted by scammers.

In one popular swindle, you receive an email or text message claiming that you bought or subscribed to a product or service for a large amount of money. But you know you didn’t actually buy that product or service. When you call the number listed in the message to complain, the scammers ask for your account and payment info, which they can then use to hijack your account or sell to other criminals on the dark web.

How to protect yourself from the latest Amazon scam

The FTC offers three recommendations:

1. Don’t click or tap links in unexpected texts. Before you follow the link or respond to the message, reach out to the company directly. In this case, go to the Amazon website and contact the company by email or phone and ask if the message is legit.
2. Check your Amazon account. To follow up on the message, sign in to your Amazon account. Head to your Orders page or the page for Recalls and Product Safety Alerts to check for any mention of the recalled item or any refund that you’re due.
3. Report suspicious and malicious text. To report a scam text to your mobile carrier, forward it to 7726 (SPAM). iPhone and Android phones also offer an option to report junk mail or messages. Plus, you can report a scam directly to Amazon. Afterward, make sure you delete the message.

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