Is This Product Recall Text a Scam?

What this helps with: Spotting fake “your item was recalled” texts and emails that say they’re from Amazon, Walmart, Costco, or another store, and checking for a real recall safely.

The short answer: Don’t tap the link. Open the store’s own app or website yourself and look at your orders. You can also look up real recalls at cpsc.gov/recalls. A real recall never asks for your password, card number, or a fee.

The AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline says it is seeing a rise in fake recall messages. They often look like they come from big stores. Scam reports like these tend to go up during busy shopping times, like the holidays. Here’s how to tell, and what to do.

What a fake recall message looks like

• “An item from your recent order was recalled.” It doesn’t name the item. Scammers don’t know what you bought, so they keep it vague.
• “Tap here for your full refund.” It offers money back if you tap a link. You may be told you don’t even need to send the item back.
• “Act now.” It rushes you to sign in, confirm your order, or claim a refund right away.
• It asks for private details. The link leads to a page that asks you to sign in, or to type a card number, bank details, or your Social Security number.
• It asks you to pay. A “processing” or “shipping” fee is a sign of a scam.
• It came by text. AARP says real recall notices usually come by email or mail. Texts about recalls are rare.

A real recall names the product and the model number. It tells you what to do, like stop using it. It never asks for a password, card number, or payment.

What to do

1. Pause. If the message worries you, it’s fine to stop using the item for now. Then take your time.
2. Don’t tap the link, and don’t reply. Don’t call a number in the message, either.
   • What you’ll tap: Nothing in the message. Just close it.
3. Check your orders the safe way. Open the store’s app, or type the store’s web address yourself. Sign in and look at your orders there.
   • Amazon: Amazon lists recalls for things you bought on a page called Your Recalls and Product Safety Alerts. In the Amazon app or website, search for “product safety alerts” to find it.
4. Look up the recall yourself. Go to cpsc.gov/recalls, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s recall list. Type the name of your item in the search box.
5. Report the message.
   • On an iPhone, open the text and tap Report Junk below it, if you see it. Then tap Delete and Report Junk.
   • On an Android phone, press and hold the text, then tap Block or Report spam. The words can be a little different on each phone.
   • You can also forward the text to 7726 (the number spells “SPAM”). This helps your phone company block the sender.
6. Delete the message after you report it.

If you already tapped or shared something

• I only tapped the link. Close the page. Don’t type anything in. It’s a good idea to update your phone so it has the newest safety fixes.
• I typed in my card or bank details. Call your bank or card company right away. Use the number on the back of your card. Tell them it was a scam. Ask them to stop any charges and send you a new card.
• I typed in my store password. Change it now in the store’s real app or website. If you use that password anywhere else, change it there too. Two-step login adds extra protection.
• I gave out my Social Security number. Go to IdentityTheft.gov for a step-by-step plan.
• Someone offers to get my money back for a fee. That is usually a second scam. Don’t pay.
• It’s not your fault. These messages fool careful people. Telling a family member can help.

Where to report it

• Any recall scam: Tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
• A fake Amazon message: Email it to reportascam@amazon.com. Amazon says sending the message as an attachment helps most.
• Online scams where you lost money: Report to the FBI at IC3.gov.
• Free help talking it through: Call the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline at 877-908-3360. You don’t need to be an AARP member.

Want more ways to spot a fake? See our guides to spotting a scam, package delivery text scams, and fake shopping websites.

Official sources

• AARP Fraud Watch Network: Helpline and latest warning alert (recall scams)
• AARP: Is that product recall text fake or real? (Sep 24, 2026)
• FTC: Scammy texts offering “refunds” for Amazon purchases
• U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: Recalls
• Amazon: Recalls and Product Safety Alerts
• Amazon: Report a scam
• FTC: Report fraud

Last checked: Oct 27, 2026

This is general help, not personalized tech support, and not legal or financial advice. It covers U.S. stores and recalls. If you think you’ve lost money, contact your bank and the official sources above.