Walmart PlayStation 5 Scam: Fake Order Call Explained
Written by: Thomas Orsolya
Published on:
A phone call about a $919.45 Walmart PlayStation 5 order is enough to make anyone stop and listen.
That is exactly what scammers are counting on.
The message sounds official, the amount sounds specific, and the instructions sound urgent. But before you press anything or call anyone back, it is important to understand what this call is really designed to do.
Scam Overview
The Walmart PlayStation 5 Scam is a fake order verification phone scam. Victims receive a call or voicemail claiming that a large Walmart purchase has been placed using their name, phone number, or account.
The order usually involves an expensive item, often a PlayStation 5 bundle, gaming headset, or similar high-demand electronics product. The amount is commonly around $919.45, which sounds specific enough to feel believable.
The call may say something like:
“This is Olivia from Walmart order verification. A pre-authorized purchase of $919.45 for a PlayStation 5 and 3D headset has recently been placed on a Walmart account registered in your name and phone number.”
Then the message tells the victim to press a number to cancel the order.
That is the trap.
Walmart is not calling. There is no PlayStation 5 order. The scammers are using the fear of an unauthorized charge to push victims into interacting with the call.
This scam follows a common impersonation pattern. The FTC warns that fake account-problem calls often tell people to press 1, call a number, or speak with “support,” but the real goal is to steal personal or financial information. The FTC’s advice is direct: do not press 1, do not call the number given, and do not provide personal information.
A documented version of this Walmart-themed robocall used the same $919.45 PlayStation 5 setup and instructed recipients to press 1 to cancel the order. According to Bitdefender’s report on the FCC-related warning, victims who engaged were connected to live operators who requested sensitive personal information.
How the Scam Works
1. You receive a fake Walmart order call
The scam usually starts with an automated phone call or voicemail. The caller claims to be from Walmart order verification, Walmart billing, fraud protection, or customer service.
The message is designed to sound polished and professional. It may include:
A fake representative name
A specific order amount
A high-value product
A claim that the order is linked to your name or phone number
Instructions to press a number to cancel the purchase
The scammers choose expensive electronics because they create instant panic. A $919.45 PlayStation 5 order sounds serious enough that many people react before checking their real Walmart account.
2. The message tells you to press 1
The call usually gives a simple instruction:
“Press 1 now to cancel the order.”
That line is the core of the scam.
Pressing 1 does not cancel anything. It connects you to scammers or confirms that your number is active. Once you respond, the scammer knows you are worried and willing to engage.
The FTC has warned about this exact tactic in fake account and order calls. If an unexpected call claims there is a problem with an account, the safest move is to hang up and contact the company using a website or phone number you already know is real.
3. A fake agent tries to “verify” your identity
After you press 1, the scammer may pretend to be a Walmart support agent. They may say they need to verify your identity before canceling the order.
They may ask for:
Full name
Home address
Email address
Date of birth
Walmart account login details
Last four digits of a card
Full card number
Bank name
Social Security number
One-time verification codes
This is not normal order support. It is data theft.
Walmart’s own fraud guidance warns people not to provide personal information in response to unsolicited requests. It also states that trusted companies do not ask for highly sensitive information during calls they initiated.
4. The scammer may claim your account was hacked
If the victim sounds concerned, the fake agent may escalate the story.
They may claim:
Your Walmart account was hacked
Someone tried to buy a PlayStation 5 in your name
Your phone number is linked to fraud
Your bank card is compromised
Several suspicious orders are pending
They need to secure your account immediately
This is meant to keep you on the phone. The scammer wants you worried enough to follow instructions without questioning them.
5. The scam may turn into a fake refund or remote access scheme
Some versions stop at stealing personal information. Others go further.
The scammer may say they need to process a refund or cancel the charge through your bank. They may ask you to open your banking app, confirm card details, or read out verification codes.
In more aggressive versions, they may ask you to install remote access software such as AnyDesk, TeamViewer, UltraViewer, or similar tools. They may claim this is needed to “secure your device,” “remove hackers,” or “reverse the charge.”
That is extremely dangerous.
Once a scammer has remote access, they may see your screen, guide you into logging into accounts, search your files, manipulate what you see, or attempt to move money.
6. The scammer may ask for gift cards
Some fake order scams eventually become gift card scams.
The scammer may claim that your money needs to be “secured,” that a refund must be processed through gift cards, or that gift cards are needed to reverse the unauthorized Walmart purchase.
That is always a scam.
The FTC states that only scammers tell people to buy gift cards and provide the numbers or PINs. No real business or government agency will tell you to pay by gift card.
Scammers like gift cards because the money is hard to recover once the code is shared. They may ask for Walmart, Apple, Google Play, Target, Steam, or other gift cards. They may also keep the victim on the phone while they drive to stores so nobody else can warn them.
Why the Scam Sounds Convincing
This scam works because it uses several psychological tricks at once.
The amount is specific
A fake charge of “$919.45” feels more believable than a round number. It sounds like a real order total with taxes or fees included.
The product is believable
A PlayStation 5 is expensive, popular, and commonly purchased online. That makes the story feel realistic.
The call creates urgency
The victim is told to act immediately if they did not make the purchase. That urgency reduces critical thinking.
The scam uses a trusted brand
Walmart is a familiar retailer. Many people have Walmart accounts, have shopped there before, or know someone who has.
Pressing 1 feels harmless
Many victims do not realize that pressing a number can connect them to a scammer or mark their phone number as responsive.
The scammer sounds professional
The live operator may sound calm, trained, and helpful. That is part of the script.
Red Flags of the Walmart PlayStation 5 Scam
Watch for these warning signs:
You receive an unexpected call about a Walmart order
The call mentions a PlayStation 5, gaming headset, or expensive electronics
The message says the purchase is linked to your name or phone number
You are told to press 1 to cancel
You are asked to verify personal information
You are asked for card details or banking information
You are asked for a one-time verification code
You are told your account is hacked
You are asked to install remote access software
You are pressured to stay on the phone
You are told not to contact your bank directly
You are asked to buy gift cards
Caller ID appears to show Walmart or a local number
Caller ID cannot be trusted. Walmart warns that scammers can manipulate caller ID to make a call appear as if it comes from a legitimate company.
What To Do If You Get This Call
If you receive a Walmart PlayStation 5 order call, do not engage.
Take these steps:
Hang up immediately.
Do not press 1.
Do not call the number back.
Do not provide personal information.
Do not share verification codes.
Do not install remote access software.
Go directly to your Walmart account through the official app or website.
Check your real order history.
Contact your bank directly if you see an actual unauthorized charge.
Block the number and report the call.
Do not rely on a phone number provided inside the call or voicemail. Use contact details from Walmart’s official website, app, your bank card, or your bank’s official website.
What To Do If You Pressed 1
If you pressed 1 but did not share anything, hang up. Do not answer follow-up calls from the same number or similar numbers.
If you spoke to someone, write down what happened while it is still fresh:
Date and time of the call
Phone number shown
What the caller claimed
What information you shared
Whether you logged into any account
Whether you installed anything
Whether you made any payment
Then take action based on what you shared.
If you shared personal information
Be alert for identity theft attempts. Scammers may use your information later for account takeovers, fake credit applications, phishing emails, or more scam calls.
Consider placing fraud alerts or credit freezes if sensitive information such as your Social Security number was exposed.
If you shared card details
Call your bank or card issuer immediately using the number on the back of your card. Tell them you gave card information to a scammer.
Ask them to:
Cancel and replace the card
Block unauthorized transactions
Review recent charges
Add extra verification
Monitor for suspicious activity
If you shared a verification code
Change the password for the related account immediately. Enable two-factor authentication if it is not already active.
Check account settings for:
New recovery emails
New phone numbers
Changed passwords
Unknown devices
Suspicious orders
Saved payment methods
If you installed remote access software
Disconnect the device from the internet immediately.
Then:
Uninstall the remote access program.
Check whether unattended access was enabled.
Change passwords from a different, clean device.
Run a full antivirus and anti-malware scan.
Contact your bank if you logged into financial accounts.
Consider having the device checked by a trusted technician.
If the scammer had full access and you use the computer for banking or business, a clean Windows reinstall may be the safest option.
If you bought gift cards
Contact the gift card company immediately. Keep the card, receipt, and any screenshots or call details.
The FTC advises victims to report gift card scams to the gift card company right away and ask for their money back. It also lists Walmart’s gift card scam reporting number as 1-888-537-5503.
Walmart’s fraud page also advises reporting Walmart Gift Card scams to 1-888-537-5503 and reporting fraud to the FTC.
How To Check If a Walmart Order Is Real
Do not trust the call. Check independently.
Use this process:
Open the Walmart app or type Walmart’s website address manually.
Sign in to your account.
Go to your order history.
Look for the alleged PlayStation 5 purchase.
Check your bank or card statement separately.
If there is no order and no charge, the call was fake.
If there is a real unauthorized charge, contact Walmart and your bank directly.
Do not click links from suspicious texts or emails. Do not use phone numbers from robocalls.
How To Protect Yourself From Similar Order Scams
Fake order scams do not only use Walmart. Scammers also impersonate Amazon, Apple, Best Buy, PayPal, banks, delivery companies, and other major brands.
Use these rules:
Treat unexpected order calls as suspicious.
Never press buttons to “cancel” a charge.
Never give personal information to an unsolicited caller.
Never share one-time codes.
Never install remote access software for a caller.
Never log into banking while someone is on the phone with you.
Never buy gift cards to fix an account problem.
Check accounts directly through official apps or websites.
Teach older relatives about fake order verification calls.
Let unknown calls go to voicemail when possible.
The safest response to a scary order call is simple: hang up, check directly, and report it.
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.
The Bottom Line
The Walmart PlayStation 5 Scam is not a real Walmart order verification call. It is a fake robocall designed to make victims panic over a high-value purchase they never made.
The scammers use a specific amount, a popular product, and urgent instructions to make the call feel legitimate. Once the victim presses 1, the scam can lead to identity theft, stolen banking details, remote access fraud, or gift card theft.
Do not press 1. Do not call back. Do not share information.
If there is really a problem with your Walmart account, you will be able to verify it directly through Walmart’s official app, website, or customer support channels. A random phone call demanding urgent action is not how legitimate order protection works.
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.
