Walmart text scam: that order or reward text is fake
Editorially reviewed · Last updated September 8, 2026
Yes — this is a scam. Walmart doesn't text you links to confirm your address or claim a reward.
Exhibit · Text message
Other versions you might get: “You've been selected for a $500 Walmart gift card,” a survey-for-reward text, or a fake delivery notice. The same play runs under Amazon, Target, and Costco names — it's the retail cousin of the USPS delivery text scam.
What to do right now
- Don't tap the link. Don't reply.
- Check independently. Open Walmart yourself and review orders. Contact official support about unfamiliar activity or contact details; a missing order does not resolve every possible issue.
- If you entered card or login details: call your bank to freeze or replace the card; change your Walmart password (and anywhere it's reused).
- Report it. Forward the text to 7726 (SPAM), then file at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
- Delete the message.
Reduce the risk of another scam
Do not use the message’s link to check the claim. Open the real service yourself. If you paid or shared account details, start with what to do after a scam. Blocking and reporting can reduce unwanted contact, but they cannot stop every attempt or tell you how the sender found you.
● Public service · free steps first
Take the free protection steps first
A suspicious message does not tell us how someone found your details. If you shared personal information, start with the official recovery guidance. You can also freeze your credit for free.
- Freeze your credit — free at all three bureausRestricts access to your credit report for new credit applications. It does not protect existing accounts from misuse.
- Report it and get a recovery plan at IdentityTheft.govThe FTC walks you through exactly what to do next, for free.
Decide what protection you need
Start with the free controls above. Compare what a paid service would add only after deciding which problem remains.
No purchase needed. How we use evidence.
Frequently asked
Does Walmart text you when an order can't ship?
Is the “$500 Walmart gift card” or reward text real?
Someone created a Walmart account with my email — what does that mean?
I entered my card on the Walmart link — what now?
Related scams
Amazon text scam: is that message real?
Got a text about an Amazon order, account hold, or delivery problem you don't recognize? Here's the verdict and exactly what to do.
USPS text scam: is that delivery text real?
Got a USPS text about a held package, an address problem, or a redelivery fee? Here's the verdict and exactly what to do.
Publishers Clearing House scam: the fee is the tell
Told you won a Publishers Clearing House prize but must pay a fee or taxes first? Real PCH never asks for money to claim. Here's what to do.
Sources
- 01How to recognize and report spam text messages— Federal Trade Commission
- 02How to recognize and avoid phishing scams— Federal Trade Commission
- 03What To Do if You Were Scammed— consumer.ftc.gov
- 04Official security and fraud guidance— walmart.com
Pass it on
Help protect someone else
If this could have fooled you, it can fool someone you know — a parent, a friend, the family group chat. It's safe to forward, and stands on its own as a record for a bank or the police.