A new text message scam is making the rounds, and it’s designed to look like it came straight from Amazon.
The message claims that an item you purchased has failed a “routine quality inspection” or has been recalled. It offers you a full refund without needing to return the product. All you have to do, it says, is tap the link provided in the text.
It sounds convenient, but it’s a trap. This is a smishing scam, short for SMS phishing, where cybercriminals use fake text messages to lure you into revealing personal information.
If you click the link, you’ll be taken to a convincing copy of Amazon’s official website. Once there, you’ll be prompted to enter your Amazon login credentials, payment information, and other sensitive data. Unfortunately, if you provide this information, the scammers can hijack your Amazon account, make purchases in your name, and even steal your money.
How to Protect Yourself from Smishing Scams
- Never tap links in unexpected text messages. If you need to check on an order, go directly to Amazon’s official website or app.
- Be suspicious of “too good to be true” offers. Scammers count on the urgency of a no-questions-asked refund to make you act before thinking.
- Report suspicious texts. Use your phone’s “Report Junk” or “Report Spam” feature, then delete the message.
At Citynet, we know that staying cyber-safe takes awareness as much as technology. That’s why we offer Security Awareness Training from KnowBe4 to help businesses and their employees recognize scams like this before they cause harm.
