Shopping / phishingSMSEmail
Fake product recall / refund texts (Amazon & retailers)
Last updated
Also known as: Amazon recall text, Costco recall scam, Walmart recall text
What it looks like
Urgent message purporting to be from Amazon, Costco, Walmart, etc., saying a recent order failed a safety review or was recalled, with a link to claim a refund or review the order. Often does not name the specific product.
Who it targets
Frequent online shoppers; AARP notes spikes around shopping seasons.
Red flags
- Recall alert that does not name a specific product/model
- Text channel (legitimate recalls are usually email/mail)
- Link demanding login or payment info
- Extreme urgency beyond ‘stop using the product’
What to do if you clicked, paid, or replied
- Do not click; check recalls at cpsc.gov/recalls
- For Amazon, check amazon.com/your-product-safety-alerts or email [email protected]
- Report Amazon impersonation to [email protected]; report spam texts to carrier
- AARP Fraud Watch Helpline: 877-908-3360
Still circulating?
AARP September 24, 2026 feature; Helpline also flagged rising recall scams April 2026.
Primary source: AARP · 2026-09-24
Educational summary only. Verify details on the source page. Report fraud at ReportFraud.ftc.gov or ic3.gov.