Getting a call that sounds “official” from Walmart can catch anyone off guard. The voice on the other end might say you’ve won a gift card, need to confirm a delivery, or fix a billing issue. But behind that friendly tone could be a scammer trying to steal your money or personal information.
In this post, you’ll see how to spot Walmart scam calls, what to do if you get one, and how to protect yourself so you never fall for one of these convincing fraudulent calls again.
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What Are Walmart Scam Calls?
Walmart scam calls are fake phone calls where scammers pretend to be Walmart employees or representatives. Their goal is simple: to trick you into sharing personal or financial information, or to get you to pay money through fake offers or threats.
Why Scammers Pretend to Call from Walmart?
Walmart is one of the most recognized and trusted brands in the U.S., making it an easy target for fraudsters. When you hear “Walmart”, you naturally lower your guard. Scammers exploit that trust to make their stories sound believable, especially during busy shopping seasons or around special sales, such as Black Friday or Christmas.
6 Most Common Walmart Scam Calls to Watch Out For
Not all Walmart scam calls sound the same, but most are polite and professional, using real Walmart phrases such as “customer service”, “order confirmation,” or “rewards department”. These are 6 common Walmart scam calls to watch out for:
1. Fake Gift Card or Reward Calls
You might receive a call saying you’ve won a Walmart gift card or cash reward, but you must first pay a small fee or confirm your bank details. Real Walmart promotions never ask for payment or personal information over the phone.
2. Customer Service Impersonation
Scammers pretend to be Walmart support agents, claiming there is a problem with your online order or account. They may ask for your login information or credit card number to verify your identity.
3. Delivery or Refund Scam Calls
These calls sound urgent, saying things like “We couldn’t deliver your package” or “You’re owed a refund.” The caller will often send a fake link or request payment to release a shipment. Both are clear red flags.
4. Fake Survey or Contest Calls
You are told you have been selected for a Walmart survey or contest with a big prize. To claim it, you must provide personal details such as your Social Security number or card information. Real surveys do not request that kind of data.
5. Refund or Account Verification Calls
In this version, the caller says there’s an issue with your Walmart.com account or a recent refund. They may claim a payment didn’t go through and ask for your banking details to “complete the transaction.” Walmart will never process refunds or payments over the phone; therefore, any such request is a clear indication of a scam.
6. Tech Support or Security Alert Calls
Scammers sometimes pretend to be from Walmart’s technical department, claiming that your online account has been hacked or compromised. They might ask you to download software or give them remote access to your device. This is always a scam; Walmart doesn’t offer tech support by phone or request device access.
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What to Do If You Get a Walmart Scam Call
If you suspect a call is fake, the best reaction is to stay calm and take control. Here is a simple plan to protect yourself and report the scam properly.
Steps to Protect Your Information
- Hang up immediately: Do not continue the conversation, even out of curiosity.
- Do not share any details: Never confirm your name, address, payment method, or any codes sent by text.
- Block the number: Use your phone’s built-in blocking feature or a trusted call-filtering app.
- Check your accounts: If you shared information, contact your bank and monitor for unusual activity.
- Change your passwords: Especially those related to online shopping or banking.
How and Where to Report the Scam
- Report to Walmart: Forward any related text or email to onlineabuse@walmart.com and describe the call.
- Report to the FTC: Go to reportfraud.ftc.gov to file a complaint.
- Notify your phone carrier: Many carriers can block similar numbers once reported.
- Tell others: Warn friends and relatives so they can avoid the same scam.
How to Prevent Future Scam Calls
Scam calls can catch anyone off guard, but with a few smart habits and simple tools, you can prevent future scam calls:
Smart Habits That Help
- Be careful with unknown numbers: If you don’t recognize the caller, let it go to voicemail. A real company will usually follow up in another way.
- Never share personal details: Walmart will never ask for card numbers, passwords, or codes by phone.
- Reach out directly: If something sounds suspicious, hang up and call Walmart’s official customer service line.
- Stay aware: Scammers change tactics often, so keep an eye on alerts from the FTC or your phone carrier.
Simple Tools to Block Scam Calls
- Use your phone’s spam filters: Both Android and iPhone can silence or block suspected scam calls automatically.
- Try a call-blocking app: Apps like Hiya, Nomorobo, or Robokiller can identify and stop known scam numbers.
💡To stay protected, always check if a number is fraud before responding to unexpected calls or messages. It only takes a moment and can prevent you from becoming a target.
Recent Real-World Walmart Scam Call Cases
To better understand how these scams work, let’s look at a couple of real situations that have happened to everyday shoppers. These stories show just how believable a scam call can sound, and what each of us can take away from their experiences.
1. Fake PlayStation 5 Calls Target Florida Residents
In September 2025, CBS12 News in Florida warned about a scam targeting St. Lucie County residents. According to the Sheriff’s Office, scammers were posing as Walmart employees and leaving voicemails claiming a pre-authorized purchase of a PlayStation 5 and Pulse 3D headset had been made on the victim’s Walmart account.
How the scam works
- Victims receive a voicemail saying there’s a “pre-authorized purchase” on their Walmart account.
- The message urges them to “press 1” or “call customer support” to cancel it.
- The goal is to collect banking details or personal information.
What local authorities advised
- Do not press any numbers or call back.
- Check your Walmart account directly for any real orders.
- Report the incident to Walmart’s fraud department or the FTC.
2. New Jersey Woman Loses $3,500 After Calling a Fake Walmart Number
In June 2025, CBS Philadelphia shared the story of Helenann Knopp, a New Jersey resident who fell victim to a fake Walmart customer service number she found on Google.
What happened
- Knopp called what she thought was Walmart’s support line about a dishwasher installation.
- The person on the line asked her to “verify” her name and banking details.
- The next day, she discovered over $3,500 missing from her account.
- When she called again, the scammer demanded more money to “process a refund.”
💡Always find contact numbers directly on Walmart’s official website. Scammers often create fake listings or ads that appear legitimate in search results.
Build Safer Online Habits with Cryptoscam Defense
Each of these stories is a reminder that staying alert and informed is the best protection against scams. A quick pause to verify a call or double-check a number can save you from serious loss.
For extra support, at Cryptoscam Defense, we provide tools, education, and resources focused on scam awareness, crypto fraud detection, and online fraud prevention. Our goal is to build a safer digital and cryptocurrency community where everyone can protect their assets with confidence.
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We Want to Hear From You!
Fraud recovery is hard, but you don’t have to do it alone. Our community is here to help you share, learn, and protect yourself from future fraud.
Why Join Us?
- Community support: Share your experiences with people who understand.
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- Safe space: A welcoming place to share your story and receive support.
Find the help you need. Join our Facebook group or contact us directly.
Be a part of the change. Your story matters.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Walmart Scam Calls
Can scammers fake Walmart’s phone number?
Yes. Scammers often use “caller ID spoofing” to make their number appear as if it’s coming from a real Walmart store or customer service line. Always verify the number on Walmart’s official website before calling back.
What types of scams are connected to Walmart?
Scammers use the Walmart name in many ways; some reach out by email, text message, or even on social media, pretending to offer surveys, prizes, or special deals. These messages may look legitimate, but they are designed to collect your personal information or payment details. Once you share that data, it can be used to access your accounts or steal money.
Does Walmart ever call customers directly?
Yes, but it’s rare. Walmart may contact customers about specific orders or services, but they will never ask for payment, passwords, or personal information over the phone. If you’re unsure, hang up and call the official Walmart number listed on their website.
Photos via Freepik.
