Scammers are posing as Amazon and sending text messages that appear to come from the company's "Product Safety Team."
The text warns that a recent purchase is part of a voluntary safety recall and urges customers to stop using the product immediately. The message often includes what looks like an order number and a link claiming to provide recall details and instructions for a refund, but experts warn that the link is the biggest red flag.
"You don't know where that link is going. They might ask for sensitive information, a huge red flag, never give that information, especially over text message, and especially if you don't know who you are actually texting," says Alyssa Parker with the Better Business Bureau of Eastern Carolinas.
When clicked, the link can lead to a fake website that looks like Amazon and asks customers to sign in. The goal is to steal account credentials, payment details, and other personal information. One way to spot the scam is by checking the web address. While the page may resemble Amazon, the URL does not lead to Amazon's official website.
Amazon says when a legitimately recalled product is involved, affected customers are notified through:
- Push notifications
- The "Your Recalls and Product Safety Alerts" section inside their Amazon account
In a statement, an Amazon spokesperson said: "Scammers that attempt to impersonate Amazon put consumers at risk. We will continue to invest in protecting consumers and educating the public on scam avoidance. We encourage consumers to report suspected scams to us so that we can protect their accounts and refer bad actors to law enforcement to help keep consumers safe. Please visit our help pages to find additional information on how to identify scams and report them at amazon.com/ReportAScam."
Amazon also says it will never ask for sensitive information outside its official website or app.
How to protect yourself
- Do not click links in unexpected text messages
- Check your Amazon account directly through the app or website
- Verify recalls through Recalls.gov or the Consumer Product Safety Commission
- Report suspicious messages to Amazon
Consumer advocates say the safest move is simple: if a text creates urgency, slow down before you respond.
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