High riskText Message Scams

Refund Failed Text Scam

This scam texts that a refund you are owed 'could not be processed' and asks you to confirm or re-enter your bank or card details through a link that captures them for fraud.

Quick verdict

Risk level
High risk
Scam type
Refund lure phishing (smishing)
Main red flag
A text says a refund failed and asks you to re-enter bank or card details by link.
What to do first
Do not tap the link. Check any refund through the retailer or service directly.

What this scam usually looks like

This scam texts that a refund you are owed 'could not be processed' and asks you to confirm or re-enter your bank or card details through a link that captures them for fraud.

Example message pattern

Example pattern — not a real report
Example pattern: 'We tried to process your refund of $64.20 but your payment details are out of date. Re-enter them to receive your money: [suspicious link]'

This is a fictional, anonymised example used to illustrate the pattern. It is not a verified real message, and any names are used only to show how the scam typically reads.

Red flags to watch for

  • A 'failed refund' you were not expecting
  • A request to re-enter bank or card details by link
  • A specific amount used to seem credible
  • A link that is not the retailer's official site
  • Pressure to act before the refund 'expires'

What to do

  • Check any refund directly with the retailer or service
  • Log in to your real account to confirm refund status
  • Report the text to your mobile provider's spam service if available
  • Delete the message and block the sender

If you already clicked or replied

  • Do not enter bank or card details on the page
  • If you shared details, contact your bank immediately
  • Change passwords for any account where you reused a login
  • Watch your statements for unauthorised activity

What not to do

  • Do not re-enter card or bank details by link
  • Do not assume a refund is real because it states an amount
  • Do not reply to the message

Similar scams

High risk Email

Fake Refund Email Scam

This scam emails that you are owed a refund and asks you to confirm bank or card details, or to accept a refund that is really designed to steal your money.
Medium risk Text Message

Energy Rebate Scam

This scam claims you are owed an energy bill rebate, refund, or cost-of-living payment from your supplier or government, then links to a fake claim page that harvests your bank or card details.
High risk Text Message

Account Suspended Text Scam

This scam texts that an account has been suspended, limited, or locked for 'security reasons' and links to a fake login page that captures your username, password, and other details.

Frequently asked questions

Do refunds fail and need me to re-enter details by text?
Genuine refunds usually return to your original payment method automatically. A text asking you to re-enter bank details to 'receive' one is a common scam.
The amount looked exact. Is it genuine?
Scammers use precise figures to appear credible. Verify any refund through the retailer or your account, not the text link.
What if I entered my details?
Contact your bank straight away to protect your account, change any reused passwords, and monitor for unauthorised activity.
How do I check a real refund?
Log in to the retailer's official site or app, or contact them using details you find independently, to confirm the refund status.

Last reviewed: June 2026

Disclaimer: This page provides educational information only to help you recognise common scam patterns. It is not legal, financial, cybersecurity, or law enforcement advice, and it does not confirm whether any specific message, company, or person is genuine or fraudulent. When in doubt, contact the official organisation directly and report concerns to your local authorities.