Scammers call pretending to be Walmart (or another big retailer) saying you’ve won or they need to verify a PlayStation 5 purchase/prize, then try to get money, gift‑card codes, account passwords, or verification codes.
Here’s a short, practical guide: how to spot it, what to do, how to report it, and sample wording you can use.
How the scam usually works
Caller claims you won a PlayStation 5 or that Walmart needs to “verify” a charge or delivery.
They pressure you to pay a fee, buy gift cards, or give codes to “confirm identity.”
They may ask for a one‑time code from SMS, or ask you to log into an account and share credentials.
Caller ID can be spoofed to look like it’s from Walmart or a local number.
How to spot it
They demand immediate payment (especially by gift cards, reload cards, crypto, or wire).
They ask for verification codes from SMS or your authenticator app.
They ask you to log into an account and share credentials or remote‑access software.
You never initiated contact about a prize or unusual purchase.
Also Read : NY Dept of Revenue Text | Is it Scam or Real
What to do immediately
Don’t give any codes, passwords, or payment. Never share one‑time verification codes or gift‑card PINs.
End the call. Say: “I’ll contact Walmart directly through their official website.” Then hang up.
Take screenshots / save call details. Save caller ID, phone number, time, and any voicemails.
Block the number on your phone and add it to the carrier/blocklist.
If you gave payment or codes, contact the retailer where you bought the card immediately (the store that sold the gift card) and your bank/credit card — time matters.
If you shared account passwords or codes, change those passwords immediately and enable two‑factor auth with an authenticator app, not SMS if possible.
If you lost money or gave sensitive info
Contact your bank or card issuer right away to dispute charges and freeze accounts.
File reports: FTC (reportfraud.ftc.gov), FBI IC3 (ic3.gov) for internet crimes, and your local police (use a police report if identity theft occurred).
If identity info was exposed, visit identitytheft.gov for a recovery plan and to place fraud alerts or credit freezes with the credit bureaus.
How to report the scam
Report to the Federal Trade Commission: ftc.gov/complaint
Report to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center: ic3.gov (if money lost online)
Contact Walmart’s official customer support via their website (do not call any number the scammer gave). Search walmart.com/help to find official support and to report scams impersonating Walmart.
Report the number to your phone carrier and to the platform where payment happened (e.g., Apple, Google Play, Amazon, retailer).
Quick scripts you can say
To the caller (if you want to keep them on the line short): “No thanks. I don’t provide payment or codes over the phone. I will contact Walmart directly at the number on their official website. Do not call again.” — then hang up.
If they pressure you: “I’m not sharing any codes or payment. Please stop calling.” — block.
To a friend/family or bank when reporting: “I received a fraudulent call claiming to be Walmart about a PS5. I gave [gift card codes / bank details / none]. Please freeze my account and advise on next steps.”
Gift‑card specific note
If the scam asked for gift card codes (Apple/Google/Amazon, etc.), call the retailer where the card was purchased immediately and explain it was a scam — sometimes they can help if you act very quickly, though often it’s difficult to recover funds.
Preventive steps going forward
Never pay with gift cards, wire transfers, or crypto for verification or prizes.
Don’t click links or accept remote access from unknown callers.
Add call‑blocking apps or let your carrier block suspected robocalls.
Use unique passwords + an authenticator app; enable fraud alerts with your bank/creditors.
Be the first to comment