Walmart scam texts and emails: how to spot the fake
Quick answer
Texts, emails or calls that claim to be Walmart and push you to click a link, claim a prize or fix an order you never placed are scams. Walmart says it doesn't announce contest winners by text. Don't click. Check your orders by going to walmart.com yourself.
- Comes by
- Text, Email, Phone call
- Pretends to be
- Walmart
- Last updated
How it works
Walmart's own fraud-alerts page describes texts (smishing) that offer a gift card win or a prize. Walmart says it doesn't notify contest winners by text message.
A second version is the fake order email: it says something is wrong with an order you didn't place and gives you a link to cancel it. Walmart's advice is to skip the link and go to walmart.com to check your account.
The link leads to a fake sign-in or payment page. Scammers want your Walmart login, your card details or personal data, or they want you to call a number where someone talks you into paying.
The FTC adds that scammers often open with a prize, refund or a problem you need to pay to fix.
Red flags
- A text saying you won a prize or gift card from Walmart
- An order confirmation for something you didn't buy, with a link to cancel it
- A sender address that isn't from an official Walmart domain
- A request to pay by gift card or wire
- Pressure to act right away or lose the prize or account
- A message that wants your card number, password or Social Security number
Example message
Walmart: your order #[number] could not be delivered. Confirm your address and pay the small fee at [link].
What to do
- 1
Don't click or call back
Ignore links and numbers in the message. Open walmart.com or the Walmart app yourself and check your orders there.
- 2
Delete it and block the sender
Report the text as junk in your messaging app if it offers that option.
- 3
If you entered a password, change it
Change your Walmart password and any account that uses the same one. Turn on two-step verification where you can.
- 4
If you gave card details, call your card issuer
Use the number on the back of the card. Ask them to block the card and review recent charges.
- 5
If you paid with a gift card or wire
Contact the card company or your bank at once, explain it was fraud and keep the receipts.
Report it
Check if your details are exposed with Serus
Scammers find your number and address on data brokers and people-search sites. Serus removes them.
Why you got it
Walmart scam texts go out in huge volumes, but the better ones use your name or an address near you. Phone numbers and addresses are listed on people-search sites and sold between brokers.
Servus finds where your phone number, address and email are listed on data brokers and people-search sites and removes them, and alerts you when your details show up in a breach. That gives fewer scammers something to work with. Our guide on what to do after a data breach covers the next steps if your details already leaked.
Common Walmart scams
- Walmart delivery text scam A text or email that says a Walmart order or delivery has a problem and tells you to tap a link is a phishing attempt. Scammers pretend to be Walmart. Don't click. Check your order in the Walmart app or on walmart.com, and report the message to 7726 (SPAM) and the FTC.
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Walmart gift card email scam An email that says you won a Walmart gift card, or that asks you to buy Walmart gift cards and send the numbers, is a scam. The FTC says no real business or agency will ever tell you to pay with a gift card. Don't click, and report the email. - Walmart money card email scam An email, text or call that says it's from Walmart and tells you to load money onto a prepaid or gift card is a scam. Walmart says never to give prepaid or gift card details to someone you don't know. Don't reply, don't click, and report it.
- Walmart order verification scam An email or text saying a Walmart order needs "verification" or was placed in your name is a likely scam. Don't click or call. Check your orders in your Walmart account, forward phishing emails to Walmart as an attachment, and report to the FTC.
Frequently asked
Is Walmart a scam?
No. Walmart is a real retailer. Scammers copy its name in texts, emails and calls.
Does Walmart text people to say they won a prize?
Walmart's fraud-alerts page says it doesn't notify contest winners by text.
I got an order email for something I didn't buy. What do I do?
Don't use the link. Go to walmart.com and check your account. If there's no such order, delete the email.
Where do I report it?
Report it to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov. Check Walmart's fraud-alerts page for its own reporting options.
Sources
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