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Did a text say your card was charged? Check this first

By Bewary fraud research. How we research scam patterns.

Example text message

CARD ALERT: $649.82 charged at Amazon. If you did not authorize this purchase, call Support now at (888) 555-0146. Ref #AMZ-48219.

Scam

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

  1. The charge is absent from your card issuer's app or website.Why
  2. The message supplies a support number or cancellation link instead of directing you to the number printed on your card.
  3. It calls the purchase an invoice or pending debit, then gives you only minutes to cancel it.
  4. 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

  1. Open the card issuer's app yourself and compare the amount, merchant, and status.Why
  2. If the charge is real and unauthorized, lock the card and call the number printed on its back to dispute it.
  3. If no charge appears, delete the text, report it as junk, and forward it to 7726.
  4. Shared a code, password, or card number?Why

What it looks like on your phone

Recreated example of the scam text message: CARD ALERT: $649.82 charged at Amazon. If you did not authorize this purchase, call Support now at (888) 555-0
A representative example based on common reports. Exact wording varies.

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The detail behind this

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.

Package textsGeek Squad scamAccidental payment scamBank of America textToll textsToll text

Sources and reporting

Use official channels to confirm a suspicious request and report fraud.

  1. FTC: How to recognize and report spam text messagesconsumer.ftc.gov
  2. FTC: Suspicious Amazon purchase calls and textsconsumer.ftc.gov
  3. FTC: Hang up on business imposter scamsconsumer.ftc.gov
  4. CFPB: What to do when a bank text asks you to verify informationconsumerfinance.gov