What it looks like
"Amazon: Your order of iPhone 16 Pro for $1,199.00 will ship today. If you did not place this order, call 1-844-XXX-XXXX to cancel."
An example. Real ones change their wording, amounts and names all the time.
How it works
The message is designed to make you call them. An expensive order you never placed is upsetting, and the quickest fix seems to be the phone number right there in the text. The person who answers sounds like a real customer service agent and offers to cancel the order and refund you.
To 'process the refund', they ask you to install an app so they can see your screen. Then they say they refunded too much by mistake, and show you what looks like extra money in your bank account. In truth they moved your own money between your accounts or changed what the screen shows. They ask you to send back the 'extra' by gift card, wire transfer or cash.
It works because the caller seems so helpful and the mistake looks real on your own screen. Amazon says it will never ask you to pay outside its website or app, and will never ask for remote access to your device. Your real orders are always listed in Your Orders in the Amazon app.
Signs it is fake
- An order you never placed, with a phone number to call
- A caller who asks to connect to your computer to 'process a refund'
- Requests to pay or refund through gift cards or a wire transfer
- A link that does not go to amazon.com
What to do
- Do not call the number in the message.
- Open the Amazon app or type amazon.com yourself and check Your Orders.
- Never let anyone connect to your computer because of a call or text.
If you already clicked, called or paid
- If someone connected to your computer, turn it off and have it checked before you use online banking.
- Call your bank using the number on your card.
- Report it at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
Being fooled is not your fault. These messages are made by professionals to look real. Acting quickly is what matters. See what to do if you paid a scammer.
Not sure about a message?
Forward it to Uncle at +1 208 214 0093, or send a screenshot. He tells you plainly what looks wrong. He never asks for passwords or codes, and he never texts first. How it works.
Worried about a parent? With the Family plan, you get a heads up when a likely scam reaches them.
More common scams
- Unpaid toll text
- Package delivery text
- Bank fraud alert text
- Apple ID or iCloud scam
- See all common scams
Written by the Textuncle team. Last updated October 3, 2026.
Text Uncle