In this month’s scam, you receive an unexpected text message that looks like it’s from Amazon. The message claims that an item you bought failed a “routine quality inspection” or has been recalled. The text offers you a full refund, and you don’t even need to return the item. You only have to tap a link in the text message to get your money back.
However, the refund offer is a trick, and the message is not actually from Amazon. This message is a text phishing scam that was sent to you by cybercriminals, also known as smishing. If you tap the link in the message, you will be directed to a fake website that looks exactly like Amazon’s official site. This site will ask you to enter your account login information, payment details, and other personal data. If you enter any information here, the cybercriminals can steal your Amazon account and money!
Follow these tips to avoid falling victim to a smishing scam:
- Never tap links in an unexpected text message. If you need to contact Amazon regarding a purchase, always navigate to their official website and use the contact information listed there.
- Be cautious of any offer that promises a full refund without requiring you to return the item. Scammers use these “too good to be true” offers to make you act quickly without thinking.
- Report suspicious texts using your phone’s “report junk” option, then delete the message.
Source: Alphastar Capital Management Security Team
Recent Posts
Dave’s Pick: “This Is the Retirement Phase Nobody Talks About”
Understanding Investment Fees: What You’re Paying and Why It Matters
Managing Retirement Income During Market Downturns: Staying Steady When Markets Shift
Mid-Tax-Season Check-In: Avoiding Common Filing Mistakes
Your Spring Financial Refresh: A Seasonal Opportunity to Refocus and Reorganize
This Fraud Alert Is a Fake
Understanding the Human Side of Money: Behavioral Finance Basics
Balancing Long-Term Growth with Everyday Flexibility: The Value of Liquidity
Preparing for Change with Flexibility and Foresight: Planning for Life Transitions
The Secret to Timing the Market
Practical Approaches to Strengthen Your Financial Plan: Smart Ways to Use Tax Refunds- This Phishing Scam Is a Bad Apple
Creating Everyday Practices That Support Long-Term Financial Wellness
Market Outlook 2026: Key Economic Themes to Watch This Year- Scam of the Month: This Attachment Is Officially Phish-y
Megan Jones joined the ILG Financial team in 2020 as marketing director. Megan and her husband live in Fredericksburg, VA with their German Short Haired Pointer, Gus. Megan is a graduate of Longwood University and holds a degree in communications. Megan is the oldest of Dave Lopez’s three children and not only enjoys working alongside her father, but also with her cousin, Chase, who joined the ILG Financial team in 2020 as an advisor. Megan is also a fully licensed Life, Health, and Annuity agent. When not at work, Megan enjoys sitting on the back porch with family and friends enjoying food and music.
Amy Anderson joined the ILG Financial team in 2023 as the client relations coordinator. Her responsibilities include scheduling of appointments, annual check-up notifications, and annuity and required minimum distribution assistance. She is a graduate of Harding University with a degree in Computer Information Systems. Amy and her husband have two children and she enjoys reading, crocheting, music and spending time with her family.
Terri Center joined the ILG Financial team in 2019 as client services manager. She handles client records, application processing, and gathering information to provide a professional and friendly experience with all of our clients. Terri is a graduate of Oakland University. She is married and has two children. She enjoys hiking, family time, and puzzle challenging video games. She also likes to share her creativity in her canvas paintings and sewing projects.
Jessica Carson joined the ILG Financial team in 2018 as an agent. Jessica and her husband have four children, two dogs, 3 barn cats, 5 chickens, and three parakeets. She indeed loves her children and pets! When not at work, Jessica enjoys playing the piano and cello as well as traveling and spending time outside with her family, hiking, fishing, and boating.
Chase Lopez joined the ILG Financial team in 2020 as an advisor. Chase is a 2016 James Madison University graduate with a degree in management. Chase has been trained under the tutelage of Dave Lopez, who is not only the founder and managing member of ILG Financial, but also is Chase’s uncle and godfather. He also enjoys working alongside his cousin, Megan, who is Dave’s daughter.