Did a text say your card was charged? Check this first
CARD ALERT: $649.82 charged at Amazon. If you did not authorize this purchase, call Support now at (888) 555-0146. Ref #AMZ-48219.
It may be a fake purchase alert designed to make you call. A real issuer alert should match activity in your card app or statement. Check there before using any contact detail in the text.
How to spot this scam
- The charge is absent from your card issuer's app or website.Why
- The message supplies a support number or cancellation link instead of directing you to the number printed on your card.
- It calls the purchase an invoice or pending debit, then gives you only minutes to cancel it.
- The person who answers asks for a one-time code, remote access to your device, or a transfer to protect your money.
What to do now
- Open the card issuer's app yourself and compare the amount, merchant, and status.Why
- If the charge is real and unauthorized, lock the card and call the number printed on its back to dispute it.
- If no charge appears, delete the text, report it as junk, and forward it to 7726.
- Shared a code, password, or card number?Why
What it looks like on your phone
Got a message like this? Check yours free
Paste any text, link, or number you are unsure about. Bewary gives you a straight answer in seconds, and the exact reason why.
Private. Never sold, never tied to you.
The detail behind this
The reasoning behind each line above, for when the immediate question is settled.
Why each of those gives it away
The charge is absent from your card issuer's app or website.
The text is the only place where it exists.
Working through the steps
Open the card issuer's app yourself and compare the amount, merchant, and status.
Do not sign in through the text.
Shared a code, password, or card number?
Contact the issuer now, replace the card, and change the exposed password from a clean device.
Sources and reporting
Use official channels to confirm a suspicious request and report fraud.