04/07/2026
Watch out for scams.
🚨 SCAM OF THE WEEK — “Amazon Refund” Text Message 🚨
⚠️ This scam is actively circulating.
In this week’s scam, you receive a text message that appears to be from Amazon. The message claims that an item you purchased was defective, recalled, or of poor quality. It states that you are eligible for a full refund and a free replacement and provides a link to “view details” or “process your refund.”
Sounds helpful, right?
It’s not.
This is a smishing scam (text message phishing). The link in the message does not direct you to the official Amazon website. Instead, it takes you to a fake login page designed to look legitimate. If you enter your Amazon credentials, scammers immediately capture your username and password.
Once they gain access, they may:
• Make fraudulent purchases
• Steal saved payment information
• Access other accounts that share the same password
🔎 How to Protect Yourself
• Never click links in unexpected text messages
• Do not log in through links sent via text
• If you believe there is an issue with an Amazon order, open the official Amazon app or type www.amazon.com
directly into your browser
• Enable two factor authentication on your accounts
• Report suspicious texts by forwarding them to 7726 (SPAM)
🚫 Don’t click links from unknown senders — always go directly to the company’s official website by typing the address into your web browser.
Remember, if an offer seems too good to be true, it usually is. Scammers rely on urgency and the promise of “free” refunds to get you to act quickly.
If you believe you have entered your information on a fraudulent website, immediately change your passwords and monitor your financial accounts.
Stay alert, Accomack County