Amazon Safety Recall Scam: How to Spot the Fake Text Messages
Written by: Thomas Orsolya
Published on:
Imagine receiving a message from Amazon telling you that a product you bought is unsafe and must be recalled immediately. The warning looks urgent, the tone serious, and the message includes a link for you to check your order details and get a refund. Most people would click right away, fearing for their safety or that of their family. But here’s the catch: this message isn’t from Amazon at all. It’s a carefully crafted scam designed to trick you into giving away your personal and financial information. This article dives deep into the Amazon Safety Recall Scam, explaining how it works, what to do if you fall victim, and most importantly, how to protect yourself from being deceived.
Scam Overview
The Amazon Safety Recall Scam is one of the latest attempts by cybercriminals to exploit trust in a global brand. By posing as Amazon, scammers trick unsuspecting consumers into believing that a recently purchased product is defective or dangerous. The fraudulent message typically takes the form of a text message (SMS), although some victims have reported receiving similar alerts via email.
The scam message looks something like this:
“Amazon Safety Recall: We are contacting you because the product you purchased is being recalled. This recall is due to quality and safety issues. We urge you to stop using the product immediately and contact us to arrange a full refund. You can view your order details at the following link:
Safety Recall: Order Number:#-142-15261-31435 Your safety is our top priority, please visit our website for more details and instructions. We apologize for the inconvenience and disappointment this may cause you.
Thank you for shopping at Amazon”
At first glance, the message appears legitimate. It uses Amazon’s name, references safety concerns, and even includes what looks like a real order number. To the untrained eye, it feels authentic, which is exactly why so many people fall for it.
Why this scam works so well
Exploiting fear and urgency: The scam plays on a person’s fear that a product in their home may be unsafe. By insisting the item poses a danger, scammers create a sense of urgency, pressuring the victim to act fast without thinking critically.
Brand recognition: Amazon is one of the most trusted e-commerce platforms worldwide. Fraudsters leverage this trust, knowing that almost everyone has ordered from Amazon at some point.
Vagueness: The scam is intentionally vague about what product is being recalled. By avoiding details, scammers cast a wide net. Recipients might think, “Well, I did order something recently… maybe this is about that.”
Professional tone: The message uses formal language and mimics the tone Amazon often uses in official communications, making it feel genuine.
The fake link
The link included in these messages is rarely straightforward. Scammers use URL shorteners like cutt.ly or disguised domains that look like “Amazon” but contain extra characters, such as amazonzbzc[.]co. When clicked, the link takes victims to a phishing site that looks nearly identical to Amazon’s official website. Here, users are prompted to enter their login details, credit card information, or other personal data. Once entered, this information is captured by the attackers.
The broader implications
Falling for this scam doesn’t just put your Amazon account at risk. Once scammers have access to your personal information, they can:
Steal money directly from your bank account.
Commit identity theft by opening credit cards or loans in your name.
Sell your information on dark web marketplaces for further exploitation.
Take over your Amazon account and make unauthorized purchases.
Given the sophistication of this scam, it’s important to understand exactly how it unfolds. That’s where we turn next.
How the Scam Works
Understanding the mechanics of the Amazon Safety Recall Scam is the key to avoiding it. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how the scam typically plays out:
Step 1: Initial Contact
Victims usually receive a text message claiming to be from Amazon. The message looks professional, contains an order number, and includes urgent wording about safety recalls. Some versions also appear as emails. In every case, the sender is not Amazon, though the number or email address might be spoofed to look convincing.
Step 2: Triggering Fear and Urgency
The scam message insists that the purchased product is unsafe, urging immediate action. Phrases like “stop using the product immediately” or “your safety is our top priority” are meant to scare recipients. Fear overrides rational thinking, making people more likely to click the link without questioning it.
Step 3: The Link
The message includes a shortened or disguised URL. Instead of sending you to Amazon, the link redirects to a phishing site designed to look almost identical to Amazon’s real website. The fake site may include the Amazon logo, similar fonts, and familiar layouts, further lowering suspicion.
Step 4: Harvesting Information
Once on the fake site, victims are asked to log in with their Amazon credentials. Some sites also request credit card information under the guise of processing a refund. By entering this data, victims unknowingly hand over sensitive details to the scammers.
Step 5: Exploitation of Data
After obtaining personal details, scammers act quickly:
They may log in to your real Amazon account, change passwords, and lock you out.
If payment details are provided, they can attempt unauthorized purchases or sell your card details.
In some cases, they use the information for broader identity theft schemes.
Step 6: Expansion of the Scam
Victims who fall for the scam are often added to “high-risk” lists. Scammers may target them again with new schemes, such as fake delivery notifications, tech support scams, or tax fraud attempts.
This step-by-step breakdown reveals just how calculated this scam is. It’s not random—it’s designed to exploit psychology, trust, and familiarity all at once.
What To Do If You Have Fallen Victim
If you suspect you have already clicked a fraudulent link or given scammers your details, it is crucial to act quickly. Here are the steps you should take immediately:
Change your Amazon password. Log into Amazon from the official website (type the URL directly into your browser, do not use links from messages). Change your password and enable two-factor authentication.
Check your bank and credit card accounts. Look for suspicious charges or withdrawals. Notify your bank or card issuer immediately if you spot anything unusual.
Report the scam to Amazon. Forward the suspicious message to stop-spoofing@amazon.com. Amazon has a dedicated team that investigates phishing attempts.
Run a security scan on your device. If you clicked the link, malware may have been installed on your phone or computer. Use trusted antivirus software to run a full scan.
Monitor your identity. Use credit monitoring services or request a free credit report to ensure no unauthorized accounts have been opened in your name.
File a report with authorities. In the United States, you can report scams to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at reportfraud.ftc.gov. In the UK, use Action Fraud. Other countries have similar consumer protection agencies.
Educate yourself and others. Share your experience with friends and family to prevent them from falling into the same trap. Scammers thrive on secrecy and silence.
Is Your Device Infected? Scan for Malware
If your computer or phone is slow, showing unwanted pop-ups, or acting strangely, malware could be the cause. Running a scan with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free is one of the most reliable ways to detect and remove harmful software. The free version can identify and clean common infections such as adware, browser hijackers, trojans, and other unwanted programs.
Malwarebytes works on Windows, Mac, and Android devices. Choose your operating system below and follow the steps to scan your device and remove any malware that might be slowing it down.
Malwarebytes for WindowsMalwarebytes for MacMalwarebytes for Android
Run a Malware Scan with Malwarebytes for Windows
Malwarebytes stands out as one of the leading and widely-used anti-malware solutions for Windows, and for good reason. It effectively eradicates various types of malware that other programs often overlook, all at no cost to you. When it comes to disinfecting an infected device, Malwarebytes has consistently been a free and indispensable tool in the battle against malware. We highly recommend it for maintaining a clean and secure system.
Download Malwarebytes
Download the latest version of Malwarebytes for Windows using the official link below. Malwarebytes will scan your computer and remove adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious software for free.
(The above link will open a new page from where you can download Malwarebytes)
Install Malwarebytes
After the download is complete, locate the MBSetup file, typically found in your Downloads folder. Double-click on the MBSetup file to begin the installation of Malwarebytes on your computer. If a User Account Control pop-up appears, click “Yes” to continue the Malwarebytes installation.
Follow the On-Screen Prompts to Install Malwarebytes
When the Malwarebytes installation begins, the setup wizard will guide you through the process.
You’ll first be prompted to choose the type of computer you’re installing the program on—select either “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer” as appropriate, then click on Next.
Malwarebytes will now begin the installation process on your device.
When the Malwarebytes installation is complete, the program will automatically open to the “Welcome to Malwarebytes” screen.
On the final screen, simply click on the Open Malwarebytes option to start the program.
Enable “Rootkit scanning”.
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware will now start, and you will see the main screen as shown below. To maximize Malwarebytes’ ability to detect malware and unwanted programs, we need to enable rootkit scanning. Click on the “Settings” gear icon located on the left of the screen to access the general settings section.
In the settings menu, enable the “Scan for rootkits” option by clicking the toggle switch until it turns blue.
Now that you have enabled rootkit scanning, click on the “Dashboard” button in the left pane to get back to the main screen.
Perform a Scan with Malwarebytes.
To start a scan, click the Scan button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its antivirus database and begin scanning your computer for malicious programs.
Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will now scan your computer for browser hijackers and other malicious programs. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
Quarantine detected malware
Once the Malwarebytes scan is complete, it will display a list of detected malware, adware, and potentially unwanted programs. To effectively remove these threats, click the “Quarantine” button.
Malwarebytes will now delete all of the files and registry keys and add them to the program’s quarantine.
Restart your computer.
When removing files, Malwarebytes may require a reboot to fully eliminate some threats. If you see a message indicating that a reboot is needed, please allow it. Once your computer has restarted and you are logged back in, you can continue with the remaining steps.
Once the scan completes, remove all detected threats. Your Windows computer should now be clean and running smoothly again, free of trojans, adware, and other malware.
If your current antivirus allowed this malicious program on your computer, you may want to consider purchasing Malwarebytes Premium to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still having problems with your computer after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
Malwarebytes for Mac is an on-demand scanner that can destroy many types of malware that other software tends to miss without costing you absolutely anything. When it comes to cleaning up an infected device, Malwarebytes has always been free, and we recommend it as an essential tool in the fight against malware.
Download Malwarebytes for Mac.
You can download Malwarebytes for Mac by clicking the link below.
When Malwarebytes has finished downloading, double-click on the setup file to install Malwarebytes on your computer. In most cases, downloaded files are saved to the Downloads folder.
Follow the on-screen prompts to install Malwarebytes.
When the Malwarebytes installation begins, you will see the Malwarebytes for Mac Installer which will guide you through the installation process. Click “Continue“, then keep following the prompts to continue with the installation process.
When your Malwarebytes installation completes, the program opens to the Welcome to Malwarebytes screen. Click the “Get started” button.
Select “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer”.
The Malwarebytes Welcome screen will first ask you what type of computer are you installing this program, click either Personal Computer or Work Computer.
Click on “Scan”.
To scan your computer with Malwarebytes, click on the “Scan” button. Malwarebytes for Mac will automatically update the antivirus database and start scanning your computer for malware.
Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will scan your computer for adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious programs. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check on the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
Click on “Quarantine”.
When the scan has been completed, you will be presented with a screen showing the malware infections that Malwarebytes has detected. To remove the malware that Malwarebytes has found, click on the “Quarantine” button.
Restart computer.
Malwarebytes will now remove all the malicious files that it has found. To complete the malware removal process, Malwarebytes may ask you to restart your computer.
After scanning, delete any detected threats. Your Mac should now be free from adware, unwanted extensions, and other potentially harmful software.
If your current antivirus allowed a malicious program on your computer, you might want to consider purchasing the full-featured version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still experiencing problems while trying to remove a malicious program from your computer, please ask for help in our Mac Malware Removal Help & Support forum.
Run a Malware Scan with Malwarebytes for Android
Malwarebytes for Android automatically detects and removes dangerous threats like malware and ransomware so you don’t have to worry about your most-used device being compromised. Aggressive detection of adware and potentially unwanted programs keeps your Android phone or tablet running smooth.
Download Malwarebytes for Android.
You can download Malwarebytes for Android by clicking the link below.
In the Google Play Store, tap “Install” to install Malwarebytes for Android on your device.
When the installation process has finished, tap “Open” to begin using Malwarebytes for Android. You can also open Malwarebytes by tapping on its icon in your phone menu or home screen.
Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the setup process
When Malwarebytes will open, you will see the Malwarebytes Setup Wizard which will guide you through a series of permissions and other setup options. This is the first of two screens that explain the difference between the Premium and Free versions. Swipe this screen to continue. Tap on “Got it” to proceed to the next step. Malwarebytes for Android will now ask for a set of permissions that are required to scan your device and protect it from malware. Tap on “Give permission” to continue. Tap on “Allow” to permit Malwarebytes to access the files on your phone.
Update database and run a scan with Malwarebytes for Android
You will now be prompted to update the Malwarebytes database and run a full system scan.
Click on “Update database” to update the Malwarebytes for Android definitions to the latest version, then click on “Run full scan” to perform a system scan.
Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will now start scanning your phone for adware and other malicious apps. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check on the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
Click on “Remove Selected”.
When the scan has been completed, you will be presented with a screen showing the malware infections that Malwarebytes for Android has detected. To remove the malicious apps that Malwarebytes has found, tap on the “Remove Selected” button.
Restart your phone.
Malwarebytes for Android will now remove all the malicious apps that it has found. To complete the malware removal process, Malwarebytes may ask you to restart your device.
When the scan is finished, remove all detected threats. Your Android phone should now be free of malicious apps, adware, and unwanted browser redirects.
If your current antivirus allowed a malicious app on your phone, you may want to consider purchasing the full-featured version of Malwarebytes to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still having problems with your phone after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
Restore your phone to factory settings by going to Settings > General management > Reset > Factory data reset.
After cleaning your device, it’s important to protect it from future infections and annoying pop-ups. We recommend installing an ad blocker such as AdGuard. AdGuard blocks malicious ads, prevents phishing attempts, and stops dangerous redirects, helping you stay safe while browsing online.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Amazon Safety Recall Scam
1. What is the Amazon Safety Recall Scam?
The Amazon Safety Recall Scam is a phishing scheme where scammers send fake messages claiming that a product you purchased from Amazon has been recalled due to safety or quality concerns. These messages often include urgent language and a link to a fraudulent website designed to steal your Amazon login credentials, credit card details, or other sensitive personal information.
2. How can I identify a fake Amazon safety recall message?
There are several warning signs that indicate the message you received is a scam:
The message uses a shortened URL (like bit.ly or cutt.ly) instead of a direct Amazon link.
It contains vague details about the recalled product without specifying what the product is.
The tone is urgent, pressuring you to act immediately.
The sender’s email address or phone number looks suspicious or does not match Amazon’s official domain.
The order number included in the message does not match any real order in your Amazon account.
If any of these red flags appear, the message is not from Amazon.
3. Does Amazon contact customers by text about recalls?
Amazon does not typically notify customers of recalls through text messages or shortened links. Legitimate product recall notifications are usually sent through:
Official Amazon email (ending in @amazon.com)
Notifications in your Amazon account under “Your Orders”
Occasionally through postal mail for serious recalls
If you receive a text message about a recall, it is almost certainly a scam.
4. What happens if I click on the fake recall link?
If you click the fraudulent link, you will likely be redirected to a phishing website designed to look like Amazon. This fake site may prompt you to:
Log into your Amazon account (giving scammers your username and password)
Enter credit card or banking information under the guise of processing a refund
Download malware or spyware onto your device
Clicking alone may not always cause immediate harm, but entering personal information or downloading files puts you at serious risk of financial fraud and identity theft.
5. How do scammers benefit from the Amazon Safety Recall Scam?
Scammers run these schemes to steal:
Amazon account credentials, which can be used to place fraudulent orders.
Financial information, such as credit card numbers or bank account details.
Personal identity data, which can be sold on the dark web or used for identity theft.
Access to multiple accounts, since many people reuse the same password for different services.
By tricking users into believing they’re protecting themselves, scammers actually gain the tools they need to commit further fraud.
6. What should I do if I entered my details on a fake site?
If you accidentally entered personal information on a fraudulent website, take these steps immediately:
Change your Amazon password and enable two-factor authentication.
Update passwords for any other accounts that use the same login credentials.
Notify your bank or card provider if you entered financial details.
Monitor your financial statements for suspicious activity.
Run a malware scan on your device using trusted antivirus software.
Quick action can reduce the risk of financial loss or identity theft.
7. Can scammers access my Amazon account without my password?
In most cases, scammers need your login credentials to gain access to your account. However, if malware is installed on your device after clicking a link, it could potentially allow them to capture your login information or monitor your activity. This is why running a security scan after interacting with a suspicious link is essential.
8. Are these Amazon recall scams common?
Yes. Phishing scams targeting Amazon customers are extremely common because of the company’s massive global user base. Since almost everyone has an Amazon account, scammers know their messages are likely to reach someone who recently ordered something, making the fake recall seem more believable.
9. How can I protect myself from Amazon phishing scams?
Here are some proven ways to protect yourself:
Never click on suspicious links in text messages or emails.
Always go directly to Amazon.com and check your “Your Orders” page if you are concerned.
Enable two-factor authentication on your Amazon account.
Use strong, unique passwords for each account you own.
Keep your phone and computer security software updated.
Report suspicious messages directly to Amazon.
10. Where can I report the Amazon Safety Recall Scam?
You can report fraudulent messages or phishing attempts directly to Amazon by forwarding them to stop-spoofing@amazon.com. Additionally:
In the U.S., report to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
In the U.K., report to Action Fraud.
In Canada, notify the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
Reporting helps authorities track scammers and protect other potential victims.
The Bottom Line
The Amazon Safety Recall Scam is a sophisticated phishing attempt that preys on fear, urgency, and trust in one of the world’s most recognized companies. By mimicking official Amazon communications, scammers trick victims into giving away sensitive information, which can then be used for fraud or identity theft.
The key to avoiding this scam is vigilance. Always be cautious of unsolicited messages, especially those containing urgent warnings and unfamiliar links. Remember, Amazon will never ask you to provide sensitive information through text messages or shortened links.
Stay alert, act fast if you suspect foul play, and share this knowledge with others. The more people understand how these scams work, the harder it becomes for cybercriminals to succeed.
10 Rules to Avoid Online Scams
Here are 10 practical safety rules to help you avoid malware, online shopping scams, crypto scams, and other online fraud. Each tip includes a quick “if you already got hit” action.
Stop and verify before you click, log in, download, or pay.
Most scams win by creating urgency. Verify using a trusted method: type the website address yourself, use the official app, or call a known number (not the one in the message).
If you already clicked: close the page, do not enter passwords, and run a malware scan.
Keep your operating system, browser, and apps updated.
Updates patch security holes used by malware and malicious ads. Turn on automatic updates where possible.
If you saw a scary “update now” pop-up: close it and update only through your device settings or the official app store.
Use layered protection: antivirus plus an ad blocker.
Antivirus helps block malware. An ad blocker reduces scam redirects, phishing pages, and malvertising.
If your browser is acting weird: remove unknown extensions, reset the browser, then run a full scan.
Install apps, software, and extensions only from official sources.
Avoid cracked software, “keygens,” and random downloads. During installs, choose Custom/Advanced and decline bundled offers you do not recognize.
If you already installed something suspicious: uninstall it, restart, and scan again.
Treat links and attachments as untrusted by default.
Phishing often impersonates delivery services, banks, and popular brands. If it is unexpected, do not open attachments or log in through the message.
If you entered credentials: change the password immediately and enable 2FA.
Shop safely: research the store, then pay with protection.
Be cautious with brand-new stores, “closing sale” stories, and prices that make no sense. Prefer credit cards or PayPal for dispute options. Avoid wire transfers, gift cards, and crypto payments.
If you already paid: contact your card issuer or PayPal quickly to dispute the transaction.
Crypto rule: never pay a “fee” to withdraw or recover money.
Common patterns include fake profits, then “tax,” “gas,” or “verification” fees. Another is a “recovery agent” who demands upfront crypto.
If you already sent crypto: stop paying, save evidence (wallet addresses, TXIDs, chats), and report the scam to the platform used.
Secure your accounts with unique passwords and 2FA (start with email).
Use a password manager and unique passwords for every account. Enable 2FA using an authenticator app when possible.
If you suspect an account takeover: change passwords, sign out of all devices, and review recent logins and recovery settings.
Back up important files and keep one backup offline.
Backups protect you from ransomware and device failure. Keep at least one backup on an external drive that is not always connected.
If you suspect infection: do not connect backup drives until the system is clean.
If you think you are a victim: stop losses, document evidence, and escalate fast.
Move quickly. Speed matters for disputes, account recovery, and limiting damage.
Stop payments and contact: do not send more money or respond to the scammer.
Call your bank or card issuer: block transactions, replace the card if needed, and start a dispute or chargeback.
Secure your email first: change the email password, enable 2FA, and remove unfamiliar recovery options.
Secure other accounts: change passwords, enable 2FA, and log out of all sessions.
Scan your device: remove suspicious apps or extensions, then run a full malware scan.
Save evidence: screenshots, emails, order pages, tracking pages, wallet addresses, TXIDs, and chat logs.
Report it: to the payment provider, marketplace, social platform, exchange, or wallet service involved.
These rules are intentionally simple. Most online losses happen when decisions are rushed. Slow down, verify independently, and use payment methods and account controls that give you recourse.
Thomas is an expert at uncovering scams and providing in-depth reporting on cyber threats and online fraud. As an editor, he is dedicated to keeping readers informed on the latest developments in cybersecurity and tech.
