Email · stamped SCAM

The "please cancel your Walmart order" textSCAM

A real scam people fell for this year, next to the real thing. The numbers mark the three things to check: hover or tap one to see what it tells you.

Safe
MMessages×
https://messages.google.com/web/conversations
8752887Text message
Walmart: Sorry, the Ninja air fryer in order #2000134-55120 is out of stock and was cancelled. You won't be charged. Details are in the Walmart app.9:41
Message 52887
Scam
MMessages×
https://messages.google.com/web/conversations
87+1 (628) 555-0187Text message
Hello, the item you ordered on Walmart is out of stock, please cancel the order, it would help us a lot, thank you!9:41
Which order?9:42
Please open the file I sent and cancel it today. Walmart_order_details.pdf9:42
Message +1 (628) 555-0187

Always check the number.

A stranger's phone number asks you to cancel "your" Walmart order and open their file to do it. Stores cancel out-of-stock items themselves; the file or link is the trap, or the start of a fake refund call.

Always checkThe real oneThe scam
1Where it livesCheck firstIs it the real company's or person's own address or number?

52887 is a short code a store sends texts from.

+1 (628) 555-0187 is a stranger's phone number.

2What it asks you to doDoes it want a password, a payment, a call, or a tap?

Nothing. The order was already cancelled for you.

Open their file and cancel the order yourself.

3How hard it pushesIs there a deadline, a threat, or a surprise charge?

No rush, you won't be charged.

"Today", and "it would help us a lot".

RememberA stranger texting about your order wants a click or a call. Check the order in the store's own app.

Would you have spotted it?

10 pairs like this one, three minutes, a score to share. Then find out who in the family is the easy mark.

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