Facing the growing threat of scammers in the last months, Walmart has decided to take decisive actions to protect its customers.
With a customer base of 230 million annually, the shopping mall chain has experienced a rise in scams related to the purchase of gift cards, affecting thousands of users in recent years.
The tactic: scammers pose as Walmart’s customer service
According to an investigation by Solo Finanzas, scammers pose as customer service representatives, urging buyers to purchase gift cards ranging from $500 to $1,000. Subsequently, they request barcodes and PIN numbers under the pretext of validating the authenticity of the cards and checking their balances.
While this tactic is the most common, some consumers have reported receiving calls from supposed customer service representatives, requesting the urgent acquisition of cards and immediate delivery of information to settle alleged outstanding balances. Since 2015, this type of scam has impacted corporate giants like Walmart, Amazon, and Apple, according to data from Top Class Actions.
Walmart’s million-dollar compensation: who benefits and how to apply
In a mid-year announcement, Walmart unveiled a compensation program totaling $4 million, earmarked for all customers affected by these scams. Compensation applies to those who purchased company gift cards between April 1, 2016, and July 31, 2017, with a deadline for applications set for June 29, 2023.
However, given the persistence of scams, new victims are urged to file complaints immediately to curb these fraudulent activities.
Steps to request a refund with Walmart
If you have fallen victim to these scams, the first step is to contact Walmart at (888) 537-5503 and report what happened. A specialized representative will guide you through the refund request process, provided you have the necessary documentation supporting the purchase of gift cards and the scam experienced.
In addition to direct communication with Walmart, it is recommended to file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission, strengthening efforts to eradicate these fraudulent practices and safeguard consumers from future deception.