Amarillo Police Warn of 'Amazon Refund' Text Scam

Scammers are targeting online shoppers with fake refund offers to steal account credentials.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 9:22pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a smartphone screen displaying a text message, the screen lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually illustrating the sudden, investigative nature of this cybercrime scam.A stark, gritty image of the text scam that is targeting online shoppers in Amarillo, Texas, exposing the deceptive tactics used by fraudsters.Amarillo Today

The Amarillo Police Department is warning residents about a rise in 'Amazon Refund' text message scams. These messages claim the recipient is owed a refund for a recalled or poor-quality item and include a link to a fake login page designed to steal account credentials. Authorities advise never clicking links in unexpected texts, reporting and deleting suspicious messages, and contacting Amazon directly through their official app or website if concerned about an order.

Why it matters

As online shopping becomes more prevalent, scammers are increasingly targeting consumers with phishing schemes that take advantage of the trust placed in major retailers like Amazon. This particular scam exploits people's desire for refunds and the expectation of receiving messages from Amazon, putting Amarillo residents at risk of having their accounts compromised.

The details

The 'Amazon Refund' text scam begins with a message that appears to be from Amazon, claiming the recipient is owed a full refund and free replacement for a recalled or poor-quality item. The message includes a link that does not lead to Amazon's real website, but rather a fake login page intended to steal the user's account credentials. If the victim enters their information, the scammers can immediately access and drain their accounts.

  • This week, the Amarillo Police Department has reported a rise in these 'Amazon Refund' text scams targeting local residents.

The players

Amarillo Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that is warning the public about the increase in 'Amazon Refund' text scams targeting Amarillo residents.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Never click links in unexpected text messages.”

— Amarillo Police Department

“If you receive a suspicious text, report it and delete it.”

— Amarillo Police Department

“If you're concerned about an order, open the official Amazon app or go directly to the official website to contact customer support.”

— Amarillo Police Department

“Remember: If it sounds too good to be true — especially a 'free' refund — it probably is.”

— Amarillo Police Department

What’s next

The Amarillo Police Department advises residents to remain vigilant for these 'Amazon Refund' text scams and to report any suspicious messages to the authorities.

The takeaway

This scam highlights the importance of verifying the legitimacy of any unexpected messages, even if they appear to be from a trusted retailer like Amazon. By taking the time to directly contact the company through official channels, Amarillo residents can protect themselves from falling victim to credential-stealing phishing schemes.