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FTC and Amazon Intensify Defenses Against Resurgent Text Phishing Campaign

The FTC has expanded its consumer alert to provide step-by-step guidance on spotting fake Amazon refund messages.

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Overview

  • Scammers are sending texts that claim a routine quality inspection found purchased Amazon items faulty and offer full refunds via a misleading link.
  • The embedded links redirect victims to phishing sites designed to harvest personal data and banking credentials.
  • Amazon has removed thousands of scam websites and phone numbers and added verified logos to genuine emails to help users distinguish legitimate messages.
  • The FTC advises against clicking links in unexpected texts, recommends forwarding suspicious messages to 7726 and deleting them, and urges users to verify claims by logging into their Amazon account directly.
  • Security experts recommend enabling two-factor authentication and reviewing account activity regularly to guard against identity theft and unauthorized transactions.