Malware scam E-mail on a cell phone.

How to spot a scam & safeguard your money

Recognizing and avoiding common scams

Scammers are getting smarter every day, disguising themselves as businesses, police departments, IRS, Social Security, court officials, or even loved ones. Follow these tips to learn how to spot a scam.

Look for red flags!

Scammers often use urgency and fear to manipulate you. Beware of unexpected calls, texts, emails, or pieces of mail that demand immediate action or threatening consequences. They may pressure you to make hasty decisions without giving you time to think. Always take a step back, try to calmly assess the situation, and take your time learning more about whether this is a legitimate issue or just a scammer trying to take advantage of you.

Verify, verify, verify

Do your due diligence to confirm the legitimacy of the issue this potential scammer is confronting you with. Use a verified phone number, website, or address to directly contact wherever this issue is supposedly coming from to inquire about its authenticity. Be wary of any discrepancies between contact info, any instructions not to contact a specific number or office, and any excuses or pressure to quickly act.

Never share personal information

Never share personal information or financial details with anyone who contacts you unsolicited. Legitimate businesses or government agencies will never ask for sensitive data through social media or emails. When in doubt, independently verify their identity through official channels, like calling an office number listed on a website or an email address listed in their contact information.

Stay informed

Stay updated on the latest scams circulating in your area or online. Follow trusted news sources, government agencies, and organizations dedicated to consumer protection. Awareness is always your best defense against scams, helping you recognize suspicious behavior and avoid potential traps.

Report and spread awareness

If you encounter a scam or suspect fraudulent activity, report it immediately to your local authorities and relevant agencies. By doing so, you not only protect yourself but also help prevent others from falling victim to the same type of scam. Raise awareness by sharing your experiences with friends and family and encourage openness about this type of helpful dialogue.

Awareness is the best defense

Scams are a part of life today, and scammers are always trying to disguise themselves as a person or agency in serious need of your personal and financial information. By spotting red flags, verifying the source of this issue, and being cautious about where and to whom you share your personal information, you can protect yourself from scams like these. If you ever fall victim to a scammer, take immediate action and spread the word to friends and family to minimize the damage these scammers can do to you and others.

Cash back, up to $75 per year, is credited to card balance at end of reward year and is subject to successful activation and other eligibility requirements. Redeem rewards using our website or app. You will earn cash back of three percent (3%) on qualifying purchases made at Walmart.com and in the Walmart app using your card or your card number, two percent (2%) at Walmart fuel stations, and one percent (1%) on qualifying purchases at Walmart stores in the United States (less returns and credits) posted to your Card during each reward year. Grocery delivery and pickup purchases made on Walmart.com or the Walmart app earn 1%. For the purpose of cash back rewards, a "reward year" is twelve (12) monthly periods in which you have paid your monthly fee or had it waived. See Deposit Account Agreement for details.

Opt-in required. Account must have initial eligible direct deposits, must be in good standing and have an activated chip-enabled debit card to opt-in. Ongoing eligible direct deposits and other criteria apply to maintain eligibility for overdraft protection. Only debit card purchase transactions are eligible for overdraft protection and overdrafts are paid at our discretion. We reserve the right to not pay overdrafts. For example, we may not pay overdrafts if the account is not in good standing, or is not receiving ongoing eligible direct deposits, or has too many overdrafts. Overdraft fees may cause your account to be overdrawn by an amount that is greater than your overdraft coverage. A $15 fee may apply to each eligible purchase transaction that brings your account negative. Balance must be brought to at least $0 within 24 hours of authorization of the first transaction that overdraws your account to avoid a fee. Overdraft protection is only available on Demand Deposit Accounts that meet eligibility requirements. Log into and refer to your Account Agreement to check feature availability.

Monthly fee waived when you direct deposit $500+ in the previous monthly period. Otherwise, $5.94 a month.

Early direct deposit availability depends on payor type, timing, payment instructions, and bank fraud prevention measures. As such, early direct deposit availability may vary from pay period to pay period. The name and Social Security number on file with your employer or benefits provider must match your Walmart MoneyCard account to prevent fraud restrictions on the account.

Limits apply. Your funds typically become available on your account within 10 minutes for your use.

Carrier message & data rates may apply.

Monthly fees will continue on locked cards. Previously authorized transactions and deposits/transfers to your account will function with a locked card.

Interest paid annually on each enrollment anniversary based on the average daily balance across all savings of the prior 365 days, up to a maximum average daily balance of $1,000 across all savings, if the primary account is in good standing and has a positive balance. 2.00% Annual Percentage Yield may change at any time before or after account is opened. Annual Percentage Yield is accurate as of January 2026. Fees on your primary account may reduce earnings on your savings account. See Deposit Account Agreement for terms and conditions.