Amazon warns that product recall text message is definitely a scam

If you got a text message saying an item from a recent Amazon order was recalled, don't click the link. It's almost certainly a scam, and the Better Business Bureau says this long-running phishing attack is spreading again. Local police departments have flagged it across the country this summer, from Arkansas to North Carolina .

The message typically claims to be from Amazon's "Product Safety Team," names a recent order, and says the item was recalled for safety reasons. It tells you to click a link to confirm your address or claim a refund. That link leads to a fake Amazon login page built to steal your username and password.

According to Amazon, when a product you bought is actually recalled you will be notified through your account – via an email, a notification, or the "Your Recalls and Product Safety Alerts" page inside the app. They never send recall notices using text messaging.

If you get one of these fraudulent texts, don't tap the link and don't reply. If you made the mistake of clicking and entering your Amazon login details on a phishing page, change your password immediately. Also be sure to turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) for your Amazon account. With 2FA enabled, hackers can't get into your account even if they have your email and password.

Read more: 2FA Explained: The Safest Ways to Protect Your Accounts

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