AARP Fraud Watch Network™ Helpline

Latest Warning Alert

The AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline is seeing a spike in “Recall Scams.”

Here’s how they work: Scammers send a text or email claiming that an item you purchased has been recalled due to a safety issue. The message often says something like: “To ensure your safety and process your full refund without delay, please sign in to your account through the official website and review your order below.” They then include a fraudulent link designed to steal your personal information. These fake messages often impersonate trusted companies like Amazon, Costco and Walmart.

What to do if you receive a message:

• Do NOT click the link.
• Go directly to your account through the company’s official website, never through a link or phone number in the message.
• In most legitimate recalls, there’s no immediate action required other than stopping use of the product.
• You can always check real recall information at the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.