Free Refund? Why This Amazon Text is a Dangerous Scam

It seems scams are taking over Amarillo again. This time, they are targeting a service many of us rely on daily. I honestly feel like my delivery driver starts to worry if they don't stop by my house. So it is an easy way to get us to take notice. Scammers know this. They bet on the fact that if we see a message from Amazon, we will pay attention.

They feel that if we get a message from Amazon, we will take notice. It may even be a bigger probability if we get a notification that they are sending us money in the form of a refund. That is the latest scam going around.

According to the Amarillo Police Department, the Amazon Refund Text has been popping up a lot.

This week’s scam starts with a text message that appears to be from Amazon. The message claims an item you purchased was poor quality or recalled and offers a full refund and free replacement. It includes a link to “view details.”

Don’t click it.

The Anatomy of a Smishing Scam: What is "Smishing"?

This is a smishing (text phishing) scam. The link does not take you to Amazon’s real website. Instead, it directs you to a fake login page designed to steal your account credentials. If you enter your information, scammers can immediately access your account.

This is Amazon, and it won't seem unusual to get a text from them. The problem is that scammers take advantage of that fact. You need to know how to keep your information safe. If you give it up by clicking a link, the scammers can drain your accounts.

How to Verify: Using the Official Amazon App vs. Text Links

Here’s how to protect yourself:

• Never click links in unexpected text messages.
• If you receive a suspicious text, report it and delete it.
• If you’re concerned about an order, open the official Amazon app or go directly to the official website to contact customer support.
• Remember: If it sounds too good to be true — especially a “free” refund — it probably is.

Stay alert, Amarillo. Scammers are counting on you to react quickly. Take a moment, verify first, and protect your information.

Always verify anything you receive. Just taking an extra few minutes to go to the actual app or website can save you a lot of headaches down the road. This is time well spent.