HOUSTON – Thieves are getting smarter — and their latest tactic may look like a message from a company you trust.
Fake “product recall” text messages are becoming more common, designed to create urgency so you act quickly without thinking twice.
How the scheme works
It often starts with a text claiming something you recently purchased has been recalled due to a serious safety issue.
The message may appear legitimate — sometimes even referencing a real retailer or a recent purchase. But there’s a catch.
The link included in the message typically leads to a fake website built to steal your personal or financial information.
Experts say thieves time these messages strategically — often during busy shopping seasons or even months after major purchases — to make them more believable.
What you should do
The most important step? Pause.
Don’t click links in unexpected or random text messages
Go directly to the company’s official website or app to verify the claim
Red flags to watch for
Urgent language pushing you to act immediately
Requests for personal or financial information
Links that don’t match official company websites
Real companies will not ask for sensitive information or payments through a text link.
If you already clicked the link
If you interacted with a suspicious message, act quickly:
Run antivirus software to check for malware
Contact your bank if you entered any financial information
Change passwords for any accounts you may have accessed
Leah Napoliello, VP of Investigations with the Better Business Bureau of Greater Houston warns that thieves may try multiple ways to compromise your information — from installing malware to collecting login credentials.
Report the scheme
If you receive one of these messages, report it to:
Bottom line
Don’t trust unexpected texts — even if they look real.
When it comes to recalls, always go straight to the source. Taking a moment to verify before clicking can help protect your money — and your identity.
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