A sophisticated scam targeting consumers across the United States continues to spread, with countless Americans receiving alarming voicemails about unauthorized PlayStation 5 purchases supposedly made through their Walmart accounts. This widespread fraud scheme has prompted warnings from cybersecurity experts and government agencies, as scammers use well-crafted tactics to steal personal information, gain access to victims’ devices, and extract money through various means.
Overview of the $919.45 Walmart Playstation 5 Scam Call
The scam begins with an unsolicited voicemail from someone claiming to be a Walmart representative—often using names like “Patrick,” “Carl,” “Amelia,” or “Jennifer.” The message informs recipients of a “pre-authorized purchase” of a PlayStation 5 console with 3D Pulse headset for exactly $919.45 charged to their Walmart account.
The scripted voicemail typically follows this pattern:
Headset is being ordered from your Walmart account for an amount of $919.45 to cancel your order or to connect with one of our customer support representative. Please press one. Hey, this is Barron from Walmart a pre- authorized purchase a PlayStation five with special edition impulse 3- D headset is being ordered from your Walmart account for an
amount of $919.45 to cancel your order or to connect with one of our customer support representative, please press one.
Hey, this is [Name] from Walmart. A pre-authorized purchase of PlayStation 5 with special edition and Pulse 3D headset is being ordered from your Walmart account for an amount of $919.45. To cancel your order or to connect with one of our customer support representatives, please press one.
A distinctive characteristic of these fraudulent messages is that they often repeat the same script multiple times in a single voicemail—a tactic designed to create urgency and panic. The scammers deliberately choose a high-dollar amount ($919.45) to trigger immediate concern from recipients.
The New Jersey Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell (NJCCIC) officially recognized this scam in February 2025, noting it as part of a larger pattern of Walmart-related fraud schemes circulating nationwide.
How Scammers Trap Unsuspecting Victims
When concerned victims call back the number from the voicemail, the sophisticated trap unfolds in several potential ways:
1. Information Harvesting
Scammers posing as Walmart fraud department employees request personal information to “verify the account” or “confirm identity” before they can “cancel” the fictional charge. This information typically includes:
- Full name and address
- Credit card details
- Bank account information
- Social Security numbers
- Online account passwords
2. Remote Access Schemes
In a more advanced version of the scam, the fake representative claims they need remote access to the victim’s computer or device to:
- Process a refund
- Cancel the order
- Remove unauthorized access to the account
Once granted remote access, scammers can:
- Install malicious software
- Access sensitive files and information
- Monitor keystrokes to capture passwords
- Lock devices and demand ransom payments
- Access banking websites and financial applications
3. Gift Card Redirection
Another variation involves the scammer telling victims they’re eligible for a refund that exceeds the original charge. They claim to accidentally “refund” too much money and ask the victim to return the difference by purchasing gift cards and sharing the codes—a tactic that results in untraceable financial loss for the victim.
According to recent reports, some scammers have even escalated to threatening victims with legal action, claiming their account was involved in suspicious activities that could lead to criminal charges unless they cooperate immediately.
Red Flags: How to Identify the Walmart Playstation 5 Scam Robocalls
Protecting yourself begins with recognizing the warning signs of this scam. Here are the key indicators that the PlayStation 5 Walmart call is fraudulent:
- Repeated message loops – Legitimate company voicemails don’t typically repeat the same message multiple times
- Pressure to act immediately – Creating artificial urgency is a classic scam tactic
- Requesting sensitive information – Legitimate companies don’t ask for complete credit card numbers, SSNs, or passwords over the phone
- The specific $919.45 amount – This precise figure has been consistently used in this scam for months
- Requesting gift cards as payment – No legitimate business process involves gift cards as a refund mechanism
- Poor grammar or foreign accents – Many victims report the scammers have accents inconsistent with typical US-based customer service
- Unsolicited contact – Walmart generally doesn’t proactively call customers about purchases
Most importantly, remember that legitimate retailers have no incentive to stop you from making purchases—they want your business. Any message that begins with an option to “cancel” a purchase should immediately raise suspicions.
What to Do If You Receive the Walmart PS5 Scam Call
If you receive a voicemail claiming to be from Walmart about a PlayStation 5 purchase, experts recommend the following steps:
DO:
- Ignore and delete the voicemail without responding
- Check your actual accounts by logging in directly through official apps or websites (not through links provided in messages)
- Monitor your credit card and bank statements for any actual unauthorized charges
- Report the call to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
- Alert elderly or vulnerable family members about this scam, as they are often specifically targeted
DON’T:
- Don’t call back the number provided in the voicemail
- Don’t provide personal information to unverified callers
- Don’t allow remote access to your devices
- Don’t purchase gift cards at anyone’s request over the phone
- Don’t panic — taking time to verify information is your best protection
Frank Johnson, cybersecurity expert at Digital Safety Institute, explains: “These scammers are counting on your immediate emotional reaction. The moment you feel panic about an unexpected charge, stop and take a breath. Legitimate fraud concerns can always be addressed by you contacting the company directly through official channels, not by responding to inbound calls.”
Official Recommendations from Cybersecurity Authorities
The New Jersey Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell (NJCCIC) has issued specific guidance regarding this scam:
- Ignore such voicemails completely
- Never call back the provided phone numbers
- Delete suspicious messages immediately
- Verify any concerns by logging directly into your accounts
- Never grant remote access to unverified individuals
- Do not purchase gift cards as payment under any circumstances
Additionally, the Federal Trade Commission recommends setting up fraud alerts with credit reporting agencies if you suspect your information may have been compromised in any way.
Already Fallen Victim? Here’s What to Do
If you’ve already interacted with the Walmart PlayStation 5 scammers, taking immediate action can help minimize damage:
If You Shared Personal Information:
- Change passwords immediately for any accounts you may have discussed
- Contact your bank and credit card companies to alert them of potential fraud
- Place a fraud alert with the major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion)
- Monitor credit reports closely for any suspicious activity
- Consider freezing your credit to prevent new accounts from being opened
If You Granted Remote Access:
- Disconnect from the internet immediately
- Run a comprehensive antivirus scan
- Change all passwords from a different, secure device
- Restore your device to factory settings if possible
- Have your device professionally examined for malware or backdoor programs
If You Purchased Gift Cards:
- Contact the gift card company immediately to report fraud (though recovery is unlikely)
- Keep all receipts and card information for reporting purposes
- File a police report with your local authorities
- Report the incident to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
Staying Protected in an Era of Sophisticated Scams
The Walmart PlayStation 5 scam is just one example of increasingly sophisticated fraud schemes targeting consumers. To protect yourself from similar scams:
- Establish verification protocols with elderly family members, encouraging them to check with trusted contacts before responding to suspicious messages
- Use multi-factor authentication on all important accounts
- Regularly check credit reports for unauthorized activity
- Be skeptical of unsolicited communications claiming to be from major retailers
- Keep devices updated with the latest security patches
- Consider using call-blocking apps to reduce fraudulent calls
“These scammers are adaptable,” warns Special Agent Rebecca Torres of the FBI’s Cyber Division. “They may change the product or the company name, but the fundamental tactics remain the same. Building awareness about these methods is our best defense against them.”
As the Walmart PlayStation 5 scam continues to evolve, staying informed and vigilant remains the best protection against becoming a victim. Remember that legitimate companies will never pressure you for immediate action, demand payment through gift cards, or request remote access to your devices.
By recognizing the warning signs and following the recommended protocols, consumers can avoid falling prey to this persistent and damaging scam.
If you’ve encountered this scam or similar fraudulent approaches, report them to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and to your state’s consumer protection office.
