Don‘t Fall Victim to These Walmart Online Scams in 2025

Online shopping has never been more popular, but unfortunately, this also means online scams are on the rise. Even the world‘s largest retailer, Walmart, has seen an uptick in scams targeting its customers in recent years. According to the Federal Trade Commission, online shopping accounted for over 45% of fraud reports in 2022, an increase from previous years.

As a cyber security expert with over a decade of experience, I want to arm you with the knowledge to protect yourself from becoming a victim. In this article, I‘ll break down the most common Walmart online scams to watch out for in 2024, red flags to look for, and steps you can take to keep your information and money secure.

The 7 Most Prevalent Walmart Scams

While cybercriminals are always coming up with new ways to trick unsuspecting shoppers, these Walmart scams are the ones I‘m seeing most frequently:

1. Pandemic assistance scam

Scammers exploit uncertain times by posing as the Walmart Foundation or Walmart.org offering pandemic relief payments. They may ask you to fill out a form with personal info or send a "processing fee." In reality, no such program exists.

2. Gift card scams

Watch out for fraudulent websites claiming to check your Walmart gift card balance but really aim to steal the card info. Other versions of this scam include fake offers for free gift cards or scammers requesting gift cards as payment for other "products/services."

3. Fake surveys

While Walmart does offer sweepstakes entries for completing surveys, scammers also send fake survey emails to phish for personal data. Fraudulent surveys may ask for sensitive info like your social security number that real Walmart surveys never would.

4. "Order confirmation" phishing attempts

If you receive an order confirmation email you weren‘t expecting, be cautious. Scammers send fake confirmations with malicious links to trick you. Suspicious signs include typos, incorrect order numbers, and sender email addresses not from Walmart.com.

5. Money transfer fraud

While Walmart2Walmart is a legitimate money transfer service, only use it to send funds to people you know and trust. Fraudsters may request money transfers for fake charities, purchases, or emergency situations, but recovering that money is very difficult.

6. Impersonation scams

Scammers pose as Walmart via phone, text, or email claiming you‘ve won a prize. Their goal is getting you to reveal personal data or click a malware link by leveraging Walmart‘s credibility. Remember, Walmart will never contact you unprompted requesting sensitive info.

7. Marketplace seller scams

The Walmart Marketplace lets approved third-parties sell on Walmart.com, but some dishonest sellers may list counterfeit or nonexistent items. Scrutinize seller ratings, reviews, and location before purchasing.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

Now that you know the main types of Walmart scams, here are some general warning signs that an offer may be fraudulent:

• Unprompted contact claiming to be from Walmart, especially if they request personal info
• Pressure to act immediately on a deal that seems too good to be true
• Typos and grammatical errors in the email/website
• Website URL doesn‘t match Walmart.com or contains suspicious characters
• Requests for payment via untraceable methods like money orders or gift cards
• No seller reviews or ratings, or reviews that seem fake

How to Protect Yourself

Follow these expert tips to reduce your chances of falling for a Walmart scam:

1. Avoid clicking links in unsolicited emails. Navigate to the official Walmart.com site directly.
2. Double-check the sender‘s email address for messages claiming to be from Walmart.
3. Never give sensitive info like social security or credit card numbers to unverified contacts.
4. Use a password manager to create and store strong passwords for your Walmart.com account.
5. Keep your devices protected with trusted antivirus software and regular updates.
6. Consider signing up for identity theft protection to monitor for signs of fraud.
7. Trust your instincts. If an offer seems suspicious, disengage.

What to Do If You‘ve Been Scammed

If you believe you‘ve fallen victim to a Walmart scam, swift action is crucial to minimizing damage. Here‘s what to do:

1. Report the scam to Walmart at [email protected] or 800-966-6546.
2. Freeze or cancel any affected credit cards or payment methods.
3. Change your Walmart.com password if you suspect your account has been accessed.
4. Report the incident to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
5. Notify the three credit bureaus and set up a fraud alert.
6. File reports with your local police department and the FBI‘s Internet Crime Complaint Center.

While it can be tough to recover money already lost to scams, reporting the incident can help prevent the scammer from striking again. Walmart works closely with law enforcement to intercept fraudulent activity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to shop on Walmart.com?
Yes, Walmart.com is a secure site with encryption and anti-fraud measures in place. However, you should still take precautions like using strong passwords and only clicking official Walmart links.

Can I trust Walmart Marketplace sellers?
Walmart vets all third-party Marketplace sellers, but it‘s still smart to research a seller before buying, especially for high-cost items. Check their reviews, ratings and Marketplace history.

How can I tell if a Walmart email is legit?
Hover over any links (without clicking) to see the true URL. Make sure it directs to Walmart.com or el.walmart.com for email links. Check the spelling of the sender‘s address for "walmart.com" at the end.

What should I do if I‘m unsure about an email or website claiming to be Walmart?
Don‘t engage further or enter any personal info. You can forward suspicious emails to [email protected] or call 800-966-6546 to ask if the communication is legitimate.

The Bottom Line

As long as you stay vigilant and informed, you can reap the benefits of shopping on Walmart.com without putting your data at undue risk. Walmart is continuously improving its security measures, intercepting millions in attempted fraud each year.

However, scammers are becoming more sophisticated, so it‘s crucial to be proactive in protecting yourself. If you suspect foul play, disengage and report it to Walmart immediately.

For added peace of mind, consider identity theft protection services that can monitor your accounts for unusual activity, like Aura, IdentityForce, and IDShield.

By being aware of current Walmart scam tactics, watching for red flags, and taking steps to safeguard your data, you can shop online with confidence. Stay one step ahead of scammers and enjoy the convenience of the digital marketplace armed with the knowledge to spot fraud attempts.