Fake Target Product Recall Refund Scam
Fraudsters impersonate Target with texts or emails claiming a recent purchase has been recalled, directing victims to a fake Target site where login and payment credentials are stolen.
Part of: Fake Product Recall Refund Scams
Last reviewed: 8 June 2026
Target's widespread retail presence and active email marketing programme make it a plausible impersonation target for recall scams. Scammers design messages that closely replicate Target's signature red branding and bullet-list email style, and they rely on the fact that many shoppers genuinely buy baby products, small appliances, and food items at Target that are occasionally subject to real recalls.
The fraudulent message claims a specific category of product — frequently infant formula, a kitchen gadget, or a personal-care item — was recalled after a safety investigation, and that Target is automatically crediting all buyers' accounts. To unlock the credit, the victim must click a link and 'verify their Target Circle account'.
Target Circle, Target's real loyalty programme, never requires you to re-enter payment details to receive a credit. Credits appear automatically on your next purchase. Any communication asking you to do otherwise is fraudulent.
How this scam works on the Target brand
The smishing variant arrives as a text message from a random mobile number or short-code, saying: 'Target Alert: A product in your recent order has been recalled. Tap here to claim your $[amount] store credit before it expires.' The link resolves to a domain mimicking target.com.
Once on the fake site, victims are prompted to log in to their Target Circle account. The harvested credentials allow the scammer to drain any existing Target gift card balances or redeem loyalty points. A second screen asks for a credit card 'for faster refund processing'.
Email variants include a convincing fake order summary with real-looking order numbers, directing recipients to 'confirm which card should receive the refund'. The urgency framing — credits expire in 48 hours — discourages shoppers from pausing to log in independently.
Common red flags
- Text or email arrives from a non-Target number or non-'@target.com' address claiming you are owed a recall credit
- The link in the message does not resolve to target.com when examined carefully
- You are asked to re-enter your Target Circle login or credit card details to 'receive' a credit
- No matching recall communication exists when you log in to your real Target account at target.com
- The recalled product is described in vague terms ('your recent kitchen purchase') without a specific DPCI item number
- The text uses urgency language suggesting the credit expires within hours
How to protect yourself
- Log in directly at target.com and check your Target Circle account and purchase history for any genuine recall notification
- Real Target recall refunds appear as account credits visible on your profile page — no action or re-verification is needed
- Do not tap links in unsolicited texts; type target.com manually in your browser
- Report the suspicious text to your carrier by forwarding it to 7726 (SPAM)
- Enable two-step verification on your Target account under 'Account & Preferences'
- If you entered any details, change your Target password immediately and check your payment methods for unauthorised additions
How to report it
- Report phishing emails and texts at Target's fraud page: target.com/fraud or by calling 1-800-440-0680
- Forward suspicious texts to 7726 to alert your mobile carrier
- File a complaint with the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov
- Check cpsc.gov/recalls to verify whether any product recall is genuine
Frequently asked questions
Does Target notify customers of product recalls by text?
Target may send recall notifications to registered customers but these will reference a specific product and direct you to target.com — not ask you to re-enter card or login details.
What is Target Circle and can it be drained in a scam?
Target Circle is Target's free loyalty programme. If scammers gain access to your account they can redeem your Circle earnings or apply them at checkout before you can. Change your password immediately if you suspect compromise.
How do I verify a real Target product recall?
Visit cpsc.gov/recalls and search for the product, or log in to your Target account and check 'Orders & Purchases' for any official communication from Target.