Amazon Prime refunds are real. Callers asking fees aren’t.
Safe move: Don’t engage. The FTC says real payments arrive on their own by Venmo, PayPal or check, with no claim forms or fees. If you expect one, open the payment app yourself to check.
Real scams, with the giveaways marked.
Each brief shows a scam that’s going around, marks what gives it away, and gives you one safe thing to do. Every brief cites its source.
Featured brief
Fake “Prime on hold” emails surge before holiday deals
The safe move
Skip the button. Open the Amazon app, or type the address yourself, and check your membership there.
A 10-second voice clone could fake a bail call
Safe move: Hang up and call the person back on a number you already have. Police and courts don’t send someone to collect bail cash.
That delivery call has a catch
Safe move: Hang up and check your order in the retailer’s or delivery company’s app yourself. If you need help, call a customer-service number you know is genuine.
An account alert text? Check first
Safe move: Open the company’s app or use a website or phone number you know is real. Check the alert through that route.
“Hi Mom, new number.” Or not?
Safe move: Call your loved one on the number you already have. If you can’t reach them, check with another family member before sending money.
An unpaid toll text? Validate it
Safe move: Skip the link. Check with the toll agency using a website or phone number you know is real.
Gift card draining ring busted before holiday season
Safe move: Before you leave the store, ask the cashier to confirm the card’s balance. If the PIN strip looks scratched or lifted, pick another card.
