| Fake Recall Alerts, Real Risks |
| As recalls of lettuce, cars, and even wet wipes explode across the country, criminals frequently exploit safety fears to steal your personal information or money. |
| The AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline (877-908-3360) and federal authorities have seen a rise in reports of fraudulent recall notices targeting consumers. |
| How It Works•You receive an urgent text or email warning you that a product you bought or a vehicle you drive has a critical safety recall.•The message includes official-looking logos or appears to be from major retailers or auto dealerships.•It presses for immediate action, instructing you to click a link to “claim a full refund,” “review your order,” or schedule an urgent repair before your account or warranty is compromised.•The provided link may take you to a website that prompts you to enter your login credentials, credit card information, or other personal data. |
| What You Should Know•Legitimate safety recall repairs are free by law. Manufacturers and dealers will never request payment, shipping fees, or processing charges to complete a safety recall.•Real recall notices usually ask you to stop using the item or contact an authorized dealer, rather than urging you to sign in immediately via a text link to collect money.•Scammers count on panic and speed. They want you to react to the safety warning without double-checking where the message actually came from. |
| What You Should Do•Do not click links or scan QR codes inside unsolicited texts or emails claiming a product or vehicle has been recalled.•Check official sources directly. Search the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission at cpsc.gov/Recalls, or sign in to your retailer’s official app manually.•Contact the company or dealer independently. Use a trusted phone number or web address from an official invoice, statement, or owner’s manual – never the number or link provided in the message.•If your smartphone has a “Report Spam” option, use it to flag the message for your carrier. |