Consumer Reports warns shoppers about fake product recall texts

Consumer Reports warned that scammers are sending fake product recall text messages that mimic alerts from retailers and brands.

The group said shoppers should verify any recall through the app or website where the product was bought, or through official recall sites, rather than tapping links in a text.

The WSLS segment focused on Taylor Frost Smith, who said she received a text that appeared to be an Amazon Product Recall Notice about something she bought in December. The message said the item was under recall and included a link for details and refund options. Smith said the text made her pause because it said it was only for 18 people from Amazon.

Smith checked her Amazon app, entered the order number and used Amazon’s AI tool, Rufus, to ask whether there was a recall. Amazon confirmed there was no recall and said the text was a phishing scam, according to the report. Smith said checking the app was what saved her.

Oriene Shin of Consumer Reports advised recipients not to respond or click links in these texts. She said consumers should go to the app or website where they bought the product and look for recall news there. Shin also pointed readers to recalls.gov and the Consumer Product Safety Commission website.

The story said registered products may also trigger an email or mailed letter with instructions. It also said Amazon has a page listing the latest recalls and product safety alerts.

Scammers are trying to get recipients to click a link and enter personal information that can then be stolen and sold, the report said. The piece did not report any enforcement action or injury tied to the text message described in the story.

Sources

• WSLS: Consumer Reports segment on fake product recall scam texts

Editorial note: This article was prepared with AI assistance and includes source attribution for reader review.