Beware £180 Argos refund message scam

ARGOS customers returning unwanted Christmas presents are being targeted by scam text messages that appear to come from the retailer.

The scam informs victims they are owed a £180 refund on their “Argos card” and invites them to click on a link and input their bank details. It is particularly convincing because the scam text appears on the same thread as legitimate messages from Argos.

January is the busiest period for retailers in terms of dealing with refunds on unwanted gifts.

Consumers have been posting on social media to warn others of the scam since Jan 2. It is not known how many people have been targeted.

In another scam, customers are told they have a package waiting for them, followed by a URL that directs them to a website offering free iphones in exchange for bank details.

An Argos spokesman said: “Customers should always be mindful of phishing scams. These messages are not from Argos and we are advising customers to delete them.”