A text from “Amazon” says something you bought has been recalled and a refund is waiting. You may not remember exactly what you ordered, which makes it feel believable.
Text message:
Amazon Notice: An item from your recent order failed a routine quality inspection and has been recalled. You’re eligible for a full refund, no return needed: amazon-refund-center.example
Amazon Notice: An item from your recent order failed a routine quality inspection and has been recalled. You’re eligible for a full refund, no return needed: amazon-refund-center.example
An invented example, but real scam messages look just like it.
Short answer: This matches a scam the FTC has warned about. Don’t tap the link. Open the Amazon app or website yourself and check your orders.
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Red flags in a message like this
- A recall or “failed inspection” with a refund and nothing to return
- A link to an address that isn’t amazon.com
- No mention of the actual item you bought
- A request to log in or confirm your card to get the refund
- An unknown sending number
What the FTC and Amazon say
- The FTC says scammers text claiming an item failed inspection or was recalled, to steal your details or money.
- Check your orders and messages inside the Amazon app or on amazon.com, not through a link in a text.
- Amazon says it will never ask for passwords, one-time passcodes, payment details or gift card codes through unsolicited messages.
If you already tapped, replied or paid
- Typed your Amazon login: change the password and check your orders and saved cards.
- Typed card details: call your card issuer and block the card.
- Shared a one-time code: change your password now and contact Amazon through the app.
Report it: Forward the text to 7726 (SPAM) and report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Still not sure? Paste it into ScamRead before you reply or pay.