The Walmart Playstation 5 Scam Call – What You Need to Know
Written by: Thomas Orsolya
Published on:
Have you received an alarming voicemail claiming you ordered a Playstation 5 from Walmart that you need to cancel? You’re not alone. This robocall scam has been targeting Walmart customers across the country, trying to trick them into handing over money or personal information.
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Overview of the Scam
The scam starts with a robotic voicemail that claims to be from Walmart, stating that a purchase for a Playstation 5 gaming console has been pre-authorized on your account, usually for an amount around $500 to $1000. The message then prompts you to “press 1” to cancel the order or speak with a Walmart customer service agent.
Of course, there is no unauthorized Playstation 5 order on your Walmart account. The call is 100% fake and designed solely to manipulate victims into engaging with scammers posing as Walmart support staff. Once connected with a “representative,” they will use high-pressure tactics to extort money or sensitive information from consumers.
This scam exploits the fact that the Playstation 5 remains incredibly difficult to find in stock and is highly coveted by gamers. The promise of a ready-to-ship PS5 order is enticing bait. Scammers are preying on frustrated shoppers desperately trying to get their hands on Sony’s new console.
How the Scam Works
Here is a step-by-step breakdown of how the Walmart PS5 scam unfolds:
1. You Receive a Robocall Voicemail
The scam starts with an automated voicemail sent to your phone. The recording claims to be from Walmart, referencing you by name and notifying you of an unauthorized Playstation 5 order charged to your Walmart account.
The message urges you to “press 1” to cancel the purchase or speak with customer support. Of course, there is no real order to cancel, but the call is designed to get you to engage with the scammers.
2. You Press 1 and Reach an “Agent”
When you press 1 per the voicemail instructions, you’re connected with a scammer posing as a Walmart customer service agent. They reiterate the fake PS5 order and claim that they need to access your account to process a refund.
This is where the scam escalates. The “agent” will request personal information or try to get remote access to your computer by having you download screensharing software.
3. Scammers Attempt to Extract Money or Information
Armed with remote access to your computer, the scammers can now try a few schemes to steal your money or data:
Tricking you into purchasing gift cards – They may claim the only way to refund the Playstation order is through gift cards. They’ll ask for the gift card numbers which they can quickly drain.
Installing malware – The scammers can covertly download malware or spyware with remote access. This gives them control over your computer and access to any sensitive info.
Accessing your online accounts – If you have bookmarks or logged-in accounts, the scammers can easily access them through the shared remote connection. They may drain bank accounts, steal personal info, and more.
Holding your computer “hostage” – Scammers can lock your computer with ransomware and demand payment to restore access.
4. You Have Handed Money or Info to Scammers
Once the scammers have gotten what they want from you, they end the call. You are often out hundreds of dollars in gift cards or have had sensitive personal/financial information stolen through remote access to your computer.
Some victims have paid over $1000 to these scammers before realizing it is a ruse. The fraudsters will utilize any tactic to pressure and deceive victims during the call in order to maximize their profits from the scam.
What to Do If You Fell Victim to This Scam
If you engaged with the fake Walmart PS5 robocall and lost money or provided scammers with any personal information, here are important steps to take:
1. Contact your bank immediately.
If you purchased any gift cards or the scammers gained access to financial accounts, contact your bank and credit card companies right away. Report any fraudulent charges or transactions. Cancel any cards that may have been compromised.
2. Reset all account passwords.
Assume the scammers accessed any online accounts with saved passwords. Reset the passwords on your email, banking, social media, and any other accounts. Make the new passwords unique and strong. Enable two-factor authentication wherever possible.
3. Scan your computer for malware.
If you allowed the scammers remote access to your computer, it is likely infected with malware, spyware or even ransomware. Download reputable antivirus software to scan and remove anything suspicious.
4. Contact the major credit bureaus.
Consider placing a fraud alert on your credit file and ordering your free annual credit reports. This will help detect any signs of fraudulent accounts or activity.
5. File complaints with the FTC and BBB.
Report the scam call to the Federal Trade Commission and Better Business Bureau to help warn others. Provide details on the phone number, voicemail message, and scam tactics.
6. Warn your friends and family.
Alert your loved ones about this Walmart PS5 scam call so they don’t fall victim too. Share details on social media to spread awareness in your community.
Is Your Device Infected? Check for Malware
If your device is running slowly or acting suspicious, it may be infected with malware. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free is a great option for scanning your device and detecting potential malware or viruses. The free version can efficiently check for and remove many common infections.
Malwarebytes can run on Windows, Mac, and Android devices. Depending on which operating system is installed on the device you’re trying to run a Malwarebytes scan, please click on the tab below and follow the displayed steps.
Malwarebytes For WindowsMalwarebytes For MacMalwarebytes For Android
Scan your computer with Malwarebytes for Windows to remove malware
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 for Windows
You can download Malwarebytes by clicking the link below.
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.
Your computer should now be free of trojans, adware, browser hijackers, 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:
Scan your computer with Malwarebytes for Mac to remove malware
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.
Your Mac should now be free of adware, browser hijackers, and other malware.
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.
Scan your phone with Malwarebytes for Android to remove malware
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.
Your phone should now be free of adware, browser hijackers, and other malware.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Walmart PS5 Scam Call
1. I got a voicemail about an unauthorized PS5 order. Was this really Walmart calling?
No, this is a common robocall scam impersonating Walmart. The scammers are faking the calls to make victims believe money was stolen so they can trick you into buying gift cards. Walmart will never call demanding immediate payment or remote access to your devices.
2. What are the scammers trying to accomplish with this scam?
The scammers’ goal is to steal money and personal information. By posing as Walmart, they trick users into purchasing gift cards or handing over remote access to their computers. From there, they can steal gift card funds, install malware, access online accounts, and otherwise profit off victims.
3. What specific techniques do the scammers use?
Their main tactic is impersonating Walmart to make the call seem legitimate. They reference an unauthorized PS5 order from your account, then say to press 1 to cancel. This gets victims to engage thinking they are stopping a fraudulent charge. Other techniques include demanding gift cards as the only refund method or installing remote access software under the guise of helping fix the problem.
4. How much money have people lost to this PlayStation scam?
Reports indicate victims have lost hundreds to thousands of dollars. The scammers pressure victims into buying multiple gift cards with high balances. The prepaid cards are untraceable, allowing scammers to quickly drain the funds.
5. I pressed 1 and spoke to an agent. What should I do now?
Immediately contact your bank and report any unauthorized charges or transactions the scammers may have made. Also reset your online account passwords, scan devices for malware, place fraud alerts, and file complaints with the FTC and BBB to help prevent further damage.
6. What are the warning signs of this Walmart PS5 scam call?
Red flags include an unsolicited robocall about an expensive PS5 order, demanding immediate payment via gift cards, using high-pressure tactics, requesting remote access to your device, and an overall suspicious nature from the caller.
7. How can I protect myself from this scam in the future?
Don’t engage with any calls claiming to be from major retailers about unauthorized orders. Never pay with gift cards or give remote access to your devices to someone over the phone. Be cautious providing info to any unsolicited caller. Warn others about this con as well.
8. What should I do if a scammer gains remote access to my computer?
Immediately disconnect your computer from the internet and reset your wi-fi router. Run antivirus scans to detect and remove any malware installed. Change all account passwords and enable two-factor authentication where possible. Place fraud alerts and monitor your financial accounts closely for any signs of access or theft.
9. Who can I report this scam to?
File detailed complaints with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), your state attorney general’s office, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Provide phone numbers, recordings, and names used to help warn and protect others.
10. Where can I learn more about the Walmart PS5 scam call?
Visit the FTC and BBB websites for alerts and resources on current robocall scams. Check with local law enforcement and news outlets as well. Share details on social media and among your family to help spread awareness of this fraud.
The Bottom Line on This Scam
This Walmart Playstation 5 scam call is just one of many robocall cons trying to steal money from consumers. It preys on high demand for the PS5 to trick users into handing over gift cards or remote computer access.
If you receive a voicemail about an unauthorized Walmart order, ignore it. Walmart will never contact you demanding gift cards or remote access to issue a refund. These are all tricks scammers use to steal funds and information.
Use caution with any out-of-the-blue call claiming to be from a major retailer. Legitimate customer support will never demand payments via gift cards or remote access to your device. Avoid engaging with suspicious calls and you can protect yourself from this financially damaging scam.
How to Stay Safe Online
Here are 10 basic security tips to help you avoid malware and protect your device:
Use a good antivirus and keep it up-to-date.
It's essential to use a good quality antivirus and keep it up-to-date to stay ahead of the latest cyber threats. We are huge fans of Malwarebytes Premium and use it on all of our devices, including Windows and Mac computers as well as our mobile devices. Malwarebytes sits beside your traditional antivirus, filling in any gaps in its defenses, and providing extra protection against sneakier security threats.
Keep software and operating systems up-to-date.
Keep your operating system and apps up to date. Whenever an update is released for your device, download and install it right away. These updates often include security fixes, vulnerability patches, and other necessary maintenance.
Be careful when installing programs and apps.
Pay close attention to installation screens and license agreements when installing software. Custom or advanced installation options will often disclose any third-party software that is also being installed. Take great care in every stage of the process and make sure you know what it is you're agreeing to before you click "Next."
Install an ad blocker.
Use a browser-based content blocker, like AdGuard. Content blockers help stop malicious ads, Trojans, phishing, and other undesirable content that an antivirus product alone may not stop.
Be careful what you download.
A top goal of cybercriminals is to trick you into downloading malware—programs or apps that carry malware or try to steal information. This malware can be disguised as an app: anything from a popular game to something that checks traffic or the weather.
Be alert for people trying to trick you.
Whether it's your email, phone, messenger, or other applications, always be alert and on guard for someone trying to trick you into clicking on links or replying to messages. Remember that it's easy to spoof phone numbers, so a familiar name or number doesn't make messages more trustworthy.
Back up your data.
Back up your data frequently and check that your backup data can be restored. You can do this manually on an external HDD/USB stick, or automatically using backup software. This is also the best way to counter ransomware. Never connect the backup drive to a computer if you suspect that the computer is infected with malware.
Choose strong passwords.
Use strong and unique passwords for each of your accounts. Avoid using personal information or easily guessable words in your passwords. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts whenever possible.
Be careful where you click.
Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. These could potentially contain malware or phishing scams.
Don't use pirated software.
Avoid using Peer-to-Peer (P2P) file-sharing programs, keygens, cracks, and other pirated software that can often compromise your data, privacy, or both.
To avoid potential dangers on the internet, it's important to follow these 10 basic safety rules. By doing so, you can protect yourself from many of the unpleasant surprises that can arise when using the web.
Meet Thomas Orsolya
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.
