Have you received a suspicious voicemail claiming you ordered an expensive PlayStation 5 bundle from Walmart that you need to cancel? You’re not alone.
This automated phone scam has been targeting Walmart customers across the country, trying to fool victims into calling back and handing over sensitive personal and financial information. Keep reading to learn more about how this scam works, what to watch out for, and most importantly, how to protect yourself.
An Overview of the Walmart PS5 Scam
Over the past several months, robocalls have flooded people’s phones with messages alleging a large PlayStation 5 order was placed on their Walmart account without their consent.
The pre-recorded voice claims to be “Patrick” from Walmart and says an order was placed for a PlayStation 5 gaming console along with a special edition Pulse 3D wireless headset, totaling over $900.
The message then instructs people to “Press 1” to cancel the order or speak with a Walmart customer service agent. Of course, the call is not actually from Walmart at all.
Breaking Down the Scam Voicemail Message
While there are some variations, the PlayStation 5 scam messages tend to follow the same general script:
“Hello, this is Patrick calling from Walmart. We just wanted to verify an order that was placed on your account today for a total of $919.45. The order was for the new PlayStation 5 console along with a special edition Pulse 3D wireless headset. If you did not authorize or place this order, please press 1 now to cancel. Or you can stay on the line to speak with a Walmart customer service agent. Again, if you did not make this $919.45 purchase press 1 to cancel the order and stop any future charges. Thank you.”
The message is pre-recorded, so it is the same robotic voice regardless of who receives the call. The inclusion of specific order details like the total dollar amount and the PlayStation 5 with Pulse 3D headset aims to add legitimacy and urgency to the scam.
Why the PlayStation 5?
The scammers specifically mention the PlayStation 5 in the fake voicemails because it’s a hot, high-demand item that’s very difficult to find in stock.
The PlayStation 5 remains sold out at most major retailers since its launch in November 2020. With low supply and sky-high demand, many people are desperately trying to get their hands on the new PS5 console.
Scammers are capitalizing on the hype and scarcity of the PS5 by pretending to have charged victims hundreds of dollars for a bundle order. They know the PlayStation 5 is an expensive and coveted item that will cause panic if someone believes they were charged over $900 without consent.
How the Walmart PlayStation 5 Robocall Scam Works
While the voicemails sound relatively convincing, it’s important to understand the real motive behind these calls to avoid getting scammed.
Here is a step-by-step look at how the PlayStation 5 robocall scam operates:
1. Victims Receive a Robocall Voicemail
The first step is fairly straightforward – the scammers use autodialing technology to blast out countless automated voicemail messages to phones across the United States.
The robocalls spoof legitimate Walmart customer service numbers to increase the appearance of validity. But the calls do not actually originate from Walmart or any official source.
2. The Message Instructs Victims to Press 1 to Cancel the Order
If the recipient presses 1 to supposedly cancel the nonexistent PlayStation order, they are prompted to enter their phone number. This is where the real scam begins.
By entering their phone number, victims are indicating to the scammers that they believe the story about the unauthorized purchase. The scammers now know they have a target likely to comply with their demands.
3. Scammers Call Back Posing as Walmart Customer Service
Shortly after pressing 1 and entering a phone number, victims receive an immediate call back from a 508 area code.
The scammers on the phone now pretend to be Walmart customer service agents ready to “help” cancel the order and issue a refund. In reality, they are cybercriminals looking to steal personal information and money.
4. Scammers Request Remote Access to the Victim’s Device
Once on the phone with a victim, the scammers shift to the next phase of their plan. They will say something along the lines of needing remote access to the victim’s computer or smartphone in order to process the cancelation and refund.
If granted access to the device, the scammers can stealthily install malware, steal personal data, or lock the victim’s computer until a ransom is paid. This is why it’s crucial to never allow some random caller to remotely control your devices.
5. Scammers May Request Gift Card Purchases to “Refund” the Order
In some reported cases, the phone scammers claimed Walmart could only refund the PlayStation order by providing gift cards. They then request victims go purchase hundreds of dollars worth of gift cards from various retailers and provide the redemption numbers.
This is always a scam. Legitimate companies will never demand payment via gift cards. But for scammers, gift cards provide an easy way to quickly get untraceable cash from victims.
6. Scammers Steal Personal and Financial Information
Throughout the call, scammers may pretend to need certain information to process cancelations and refunds. They will ask for account passwords, Social Security numbers, credit card details, and more.
With enough personal information, scammers can commit identity theft or open fraudulent accounts in the victim’s name.
Warning Signs of the Walmart PS5 Robocall Scam
While the PlayStation 5 order scam can sound convincing at first, there are some clear red flags. Here are signs the call is not actually from Walmart:
- You Didn’t Place the Order: Obviously, if you never placed an order for a PS5, the call is fake. But even if you did recently buy something from Walmart, yet they claim you purchased a $900+ gaming console instead, it’s a scam.
- Robotic Pre-recorded Message: Legitimate customer service calls do not use robotic pre-recorded messages. A real rep would greet you and speak conversationally.
- Spoofed Caller ID: Scammers use technology to manipulate caller IDs to display numbers from legitimate businesses like Walmart. So a spoofed number appearing on your phone is not proof the call came from Walmart.
- Press 1 to Cancel: No legitimate company would request sensitive account actions like canceling high-dollar orders through automated touch-tone prompts.
- Requested Remote Access: Walmart would never need remote access to your devices to process order cancellations or refunds. This is a huge red flag something shady is going on.
- Demand for Gift Cards: As mentioned above, real companies do not accept gift cards as payment for refunds. Gift card demands are always a scam tactic.
- Asking for Sensitive Information: Walmart already has your order and account information. There is no valid reason for them to request your Social Security number or account passwords.
- Threats or Urgency: Scammers typically use threats of legal action or urgent demands related to canceling the order. Don’t fall for these pressure tactics.
Who is Behind the Walmart PlayStation 5 Robocall Scam?
Unfortunately, the individuals and groups orchestrating these specific PlayStation 5 robocall scams remain unidentified at this time.
However, robocalling technology and scam call centers are often based overseas in countries like India. Domestic cybercriminal networks then purchase the stolen data or access to scam call centers to run their own operations.
Robocalls and phone scams commonly originate from:
- India: India has become a global hub for scam call centers and robocalling operations thanks to the availability of call center technology infrastructure and English-speaking workers. Many PlayStation scam calls appear to come from Indian scam centers.
- Pakistan: Like India, Pakistan also hosts numerous fraudulent call center schemes, especially in cities like Karachi and Islamabad. Pakistani scam call centers are known for boldly impersonating government agencies and popular American companies.
- Philippines: Scam call centers run out of former business process outsourcing (BPO) offices frequently operate in the Philippines as well. English-language skills make Filipino call center workers prized targets for these criminal enterprises.
How to Protect Yourself from the Walmart PlayStation 5 Scam
If you receive a suspicious call or voicemail about an expensive PlayStation order, here are some tips to avoid falling victim to the scam:
Don’t Press 1 or Call Back
First and foremost, do not press 1 to supposedly cancel the order if you receive one of these scam calls. This signals to the criminals that they have an active target. The same goes for calling back numbers left on any suspicious voicemails – let unknown calls go to voicemail.
Hang Up Immediately
If you do happen to answer, hang up the phone immediately. Do not speak to the caller or confirm any information. The longer you engage, the more data you provide to scammers.
Call Walmart Directly
If you want to confirm whether the call was legitimate or not, find the official Walmart customer service number (1-800-966-6546) and call it yourself. Never call numbers provided in suspicious calls/voicemails.
Beware of Caller ID Spoofing
Keep in mind that scammers use technology to falsify caller ID information, so calls can appear to come from Walmart or anywhere. Do not trust your caller ID. If Walmart really needed to reach you, they would reach out directly in writing.
Never Share Sensitive Information
Never, ever provide sensitive personal or financial details like Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, or credit card numbers with unsolicited callers. Legitimate organizations will not call requesting that type of info.
Don’t Allow Remote Access to Devices Under Any Circumstances
Allowing a random caller to remotely access your computer, smartphone or other devices is extremely dangerous from a security perspective. Simply hanging up is the safest option.
Watch Out for Requests for Gift Cards
It’s always a glaring scam indicator if someone calls demanding payment via gift cards. No real customer service rep will ever ask for funds to be loaded onto gift cards.
Set Up Call Blocking and Robocall Protection
Consider implementing call blocking solutions provided by your phone carrier or third party apps to stop robocalls and spoofed numbers from reaching you. Active call blocking can stop many scams before they start.
What to Do If You Already Fell for the Scam
If you already interacted with the scammers and provided sensitive information or paid them with gift cards, take these steps right away to limit the damage:
- Contact your credit card company and bank to explain you were scammed. Request that new cards be issued with changed account numbers. Closely monitor all statements for fraudulent charges.
- Call the gift card companies if you read out gift card numbers to advise them the cards were obtained under fraudulent circumstances. Some may be able to stop payments on unused cards.
- Place a freeze on your credit reports with Equifax, Experian and TransUnion to block identity thieves from opening new accounts.
- Change login credentials on all important accounts that may have been compromised like online banking, email, etc. Make the new passwords long and complex.
- Scan all your devices with updated antivirus software to detect and remove any malware the scammers may have installed during remote access.
- Submit a complaint about the scam call to the FTC at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov and to the FCC at https://consumercomplaints.fcc.gov/hc/en-us.
- Contact local law enforcement and file a police report about the fraud. Provide all available details on the scammers and the information/funds lost.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Walmart PS5 Scam
1. What is the Walmart PlayStation 5 scam?
The Walmart PS5 scam is a robocall scheme where victims receive a pre-recorded voicemail claiming an unauthorized $900+ order for a PlayStation 5 was placed on their Walmart account. The message instructs people to press 1 to cancel the fake order, allowing scammers to collect phone numbers of potential targets. Scammers then call back posing as Walmart reps to steal personal and financial information.
2. What details are included in the PlayStation 5 scam voicemail?
The pre-recorded voicemail says it’s from a Walmart employee named “Patrick.” It specifies an order was placed for a PlayStation 5 gaming console and Pulse 3D wireless headset totaling $919.45. The message urges recipients to press 1 to cancel the order.
3. How do the scammers get your phone number?
Scammers use autodialers to blast out these scam PlayStation 5 voicemails randomly to thousands of phone numbers at once. They don’t have people’s names or numbers in advance. Anyone could receive these robocalls out of the blue.
4. What happens if you press 1 or call the number back?
Pressing 1 or calling back signals to scammers they can try to manipulate you as a target. You’ll receive a call shortly after from someone posing as Walmart customer service claiming they need personal info to process a cancellation and refund.
5. What techniques do the phone scammers use?
Common techniques include demanding gift card payments to “refund” the order, asking for remote access to your devices, and phishing for sensitive info like SSNs and bank account numbers to commit identity theft.
6. How can you tell the call is a scam?
Red flags include an urgent robotic voicemail, spoofed caller IDs, asking for gift cards or remote device access, and collecting personal info Walmart already has like account passwords. Real Walmart reps won’t call demanding this.
7. What should you do if you receive this scam call?
Do not press any buttons or call back. Hang up immediately. Call Walmart directly at 1-800-966-6546 if you want to confirm an order’s legitimacy. Never call back unfamiliar numbers that left you voicemails.
8. What if you already fell victim to the PlayStation 5 scam?
Contact your bank and credit card companies immediately. Report the fraud to the FTC and FCC. Freeze your credit reports and change account passwords. Scan devices for malware if the scammers accessed them. File a police report.
9. Who is behind the Walmart PlayStation 5 scam robocalls?
While specific individuals remain unidentified, these scam calls likely originate from fraudulent overseas call centers in India, Pakistan, the Philippines, and the Caribbean. Criminals use autodialing programs and Caller ID spoofing to make the calls appear to come from Walmart.
10. How can you avoid falling for the Walmart PS5 scam?
Use common sense precautions like never providing personal info or payments to unsolicited callers. Research real Walmart customer service numbers instead of calling numbers left in voicemails. Implement call blocking solutions through your phone carrier.
The Bottom Line on the Walmart PlayStation 5 Robocall Scam
This scam starts with an alarming phone call falsely claiming you made a ~$920 PlayStation order at Walmart that now needs to be urgently canceled. In reality, it’s just a ploy to steal personal information and money from victims.
These scammers are preying on people desperate to buy the in-demand PlayStation 5. By pretending to have charged you for a PS5 bundle you never bought, many will panic and comply with their demands.
Protect yourself by familiarizing yourself with the red flags so you can quickly recognize one of these calls as a scam. Never press buttons, call back unknown numbers that leave voicemails, provide sensitive data, or give any form of payment to someone who called unexpectedly claiming there’s an issue with a Walmart purchase.
With vigilance, healthy skepticism of unsolicited calls, and the willingness to just hang up the phone, this PlayStation order scam can be easily defeated.
