That “Amazon refund” text you recently received on your phone may not be what it seems. A cybersecurity expert warns it might be the latest Amazon phishing scam designed to have shoppers click on a malicious link to steal their personal and financial information.
One version of the scam text message reads:
“We’re sorry to inform you that the seller from your recent order did not meet Amazon’s marketplace policies. To ensure your satisfaction, we’ve automatically enabled your refund eligibility – you’re entitled to a full refund without needing to return the item. To request your refund, please follow this link.”
The message includes a shortened URL and is signed by the “Amazon Customer Service Team.”
Cybersecurity and scam prevention expert Michael Scheumack said while the text might look legitimate, there are telltale signs it’s not. He said clicking the link leads to a fraudulent website designed to steal financial and personal information, or it’s a malicious link that downloads a virus onto the user’s device.
“Scammers know that Amazon is a household name people trust,” said Scheumack, chief innovation officer for identity theft protection company IdentityIQ. “That trust is exactly what criminals are counting on to make these refund texts convincing, so scammers can steal your data.”
A New Twist on Phishing Scams
The Amazon refund text scam is part of a growing trend in phishing scams, with scammers sending texts with the goal of victims clicking on malicious links. The links either take them to a fake site where they are prompted to enter their personal and financial details, or they download a virus that gives the scammers access to their devices.
What makes this new scam so effective is its use of convenience and the promise of a free item. By claiming a refund is ready and requiring only a quick click to claim it, scammers are playing on the convenience factor. They also have an additional incentive, with the shopper being able to keep their items and receive a full refund.
“If people think there’s money or a free item waiting for them, they’re more likely to click without thinking,” Scheumack said.
Real Risks Behind the Fake Amazon Text Refund Scam
Falling for this new scam can lead to serious consequences that can take days, months, or even years to recover from. If you enter your personal information, such as your username, password, credit card information, or other data, scammers can do the following:
- They can rain bank accounts.
- They can run up charges on credit cards.
- They can steal personal information to commit identity theft.
- They can resell stolen data on the dark web.
Scheumack said the damage can go well beyond a single fraudulent purchase.
“When scammers capture your personal and financial information, they can use it to open new accounts and even commit crimes in your name,” he said. “Identity theft can haunt you for years.”
These scams are on the rise. Phishing and spoofing scams were the most reported scams in 2024, with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) reporting a record $16.6 billion in total losses, a 33% increase over the previous year.
How to Spot the Amazon Refund Text Scam
The latest Amazon refund text scam may look convincing, but there are clear red flags that can help you spot it and similar scams:
- Messages have a generic greeting like “Dear Customer” or no greeting.
- Links are shortened URLs or domains that aren’t tied to amazon.com.
- Messages contain requests for personal or banking information.
- The offer seems too good to be true.
- There is a sense of urgency to act fast.
The newest text scam in circulation uses most of these methods to try to trick shoppers into exposing their personal information. Amazon will never ask for sensitive personal information via text message.
What to Do If You Receive an Amazon Refund Text Scam
If you receive a text message claiming to be from Amazon:
- Do not click on any links.
- Log in directly to your Amazon account through the website or app to check for notifications.
- Report the scam to Amazon.
- Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission and local law enforcement.
“Reporting these scams is important,” Scheumack said. “The more data Amazon and the FTC have, the better they can identify and shut down scammers.”
How to Avoid Amazon Text Scams
Scheumack recommends taking these important steps to stay ahead of scammers:
- Stick to verified Amazon channels.
- Verify links before clicking.
- Never give out personal information over text.
- Stay aware of the latest scams and fraud.
- Get identity theft protection services.
“Scammers are getting more sophisticated, but so are the tools we use to protect consumers,” Scheumack said.
Protect Yourself from Scams
The Amazon refund text scam is just the latest example of how scammers are after your personal and financial data. Never click on an unknown link, and only communicate with businesses through official channels.
“Scammers need just one click to compromise your identity,” Scheumack said. “But with awareness and identity theft protection, you can stop them in their tracks.”
For consumers looking for identity theft protection services that monitor their accounts and personal information, provide real-time alerts for suspicious activity, and have award-winning fraud restoration support, IdentityIQ stands out over its competitors. IdentityIQ offers best-rated protection against identity theft, credit fraud, and cyber threats. Learn more about how IdentityIQ identity theft protection services can protect you.
Spencer Hulse is the Editorial Director at Grit Daily. He is responsible for overseeing other editors and writers, day-to-day operations, and covering breaking news.
