Have you ever gotten a text message that says something like, “You have a new Amazon reward waiting for you, claim it now!”? If so, you’re not alone. In recent months, an increasing number of people have reported receiving this type of text message.

But is it a scam, or is it a legit reward from Amazon? Let’s take a closer look.

Is the “Amazon Reward” Text Message a Scam?

The “Amazon Reward” text message is a common type of smishing scam, which is a type of phishing that uses text messages instead of emails. Smishing scams are on the rise, and they are becoming increasingly sophisticated.

In this particular scam, scammers send out mass texts impersonating a well-known brand like Amazon. The texts often include a sense of urgency or offer a freebie or prize, in an attempt to get recipients to click on a link.

When people click on the link, they’re taken to a fake website that looks very similar to the real Amazon website. Once there, they’re asked to input personal information like their name, address, and credit card number. Of course, if they do this, the scammers will have all the information they need to commit identity theft.

How to Tell if the “Amazon Reward” Text Message is a Scam

There are a few things you can look for to help you spot a fake Amazon reward text message:

Is Not addressed to you by name:

The first clue that this text message is a scam is that it’s not addressed to you by name. Amazon would never send you an unsolicited text message that doesn’t address you by name. So if the message says something like, “Hey, Amazon customer!” then it’s probably a fake.

Mentions a reward:

Another clue that this is a scam is that the text message mentions a reward, such as a gift card or prize. Amazon would never randomly give away rewards like this without any context. So if the message says you’ve been chosen to receive a $500 Amazon gift card, it’s probably a scam.

Asks you to click a link:

The next clue is that the text message asks you to click a link. Amazon would never ask you to click a link in a text message. So if the message says something like, “Click here to claim your reward,” it’s probably a scam.

Has poor grammar and spelling mistakes:

Another common sign of a scam is poor grammar and spelling mistakes. The text message may have typos or grammatical errors. This is often a sign that the message is not from a legitimate company.

Conclusion

The “Amazon Reward” text message is a scam. If you receive this type of text message, do not click on the link. Do not input any personal information. And do not provide any financial information.

If you have already clicked on the link and inputted your information, contact Amazon immediately and let them know what happened. You should also change your password and keep an eye on your credit card statements for any suspicious activity.