Fake Recall Alerts, Real Risks

As recalls of lettuce, cars, and even wet wipes explode across the country, criminals frequently exploit safety fears to steal your personal information or money. 

The AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline (877-908-3360) and federal authorities have seen a rise in reports of fraudulent recall notices targeting consumers.

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How It Works

• You receive an urgent text or email warning you that a product you bought or a vehicle you drive has a critical safety recall.
• The message includes official-looking logos or appears to be from major retailers or auto dealerships.
• It presses for immediate action, instructing you to click a link to “claim a full refund,” “review your order,” or schedule an urgent repair before your account or warranty is compromised.
• The provided link may take you to a website that prompts you to enter your login credentials, credit card information, or other personal data.

What You Should Know

• Legitimate safety recall repairs are free by law. Manufacturers and dealers will never request payment, shipping fees, or processing charges to complete a safety recall.
• Real recall notices usually ask you to stop using the item or contact an authorized dealer, rather than urging you to sign in immediately via a text link to collect money.
• Scammers count on panic and speed. They want you to react to the safety warning without double-checking where the message actually came from.

What You Should Do

• Do not click links or scan QR codes inside unsolicited texts or emails claiming a product or vehicle has been recalled.
• Check official sources directly. Search the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission at cpsc.gov/Recalls, or sign in to your retailer’s official app manually.
• Contact the company or dealer independently. Use a trusted phone number or web address from an official invoice, statement, or owner’s manual – never the number or link provided in the message.
• If your smartphone has a “Report Spam” option, use it to flag the message for your carrier.