Protect your money: The shocking scam that forced Walmart to issue refunds
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Attention, savvy shoppers! Imagine waking up to find unexpected charges on your bank statement—charges you never made.
No, this isn’t just another case of accidental double-billing or a small glitch in the system.
A new scam has surfaced, and it’s targeting everyday shoppers at one of America’s biggest retailers: Walmart.
The scheme is so deceptive that many customers didn’t realize they were victims until their accounts were already drained.
If you shop at Walmart—whether in-store or online—you’ll want to keep reading.
Here’s what’s happening: Walmart customers have been reporting strange charges on their bank accounts.
At first, some thought it was a simple mistake, but in reality, it was something much more concerning—a calculated cyberattack known as a "BIN" attack.
BIN stands for Bank Identification Number, the first four to six digits on your credit or debit card that identify the issuing bank.
Cybercriminals have figured out how to manipulate this system using software that randomly generates card numbers, expiration dates, and security codes until they find a match.
Once they do, they make unauthorized purchases—often small ones at first—hoping they’ll go unnoticed.
Redstone Federal Credit Union, Alabama’s largest credit union, was one of the first to sound the alarm.
They explained that scammers were using these tactics to make fraudulent purchases on Walmart’s website.
And despite the best fraud detection efforts from banks and credit card companies, some customers were left vulnerable to the attack.
The good news? Walmart has stepped up to address the issue.
According to Redstone, 77% of affected customers have already received refunds for the fraudulent charges.
The credit union reassured its members, stating, “No Redstone member will suffer a loss as a result of this attack.”
Walmart is also working with VISA and other financial partners to mitigate the damage and prevent future breaches.
But the BIN attack isn’t the only scam shoppers need to watch out for.
In Virginia, several Walmart customers lost hundreds of dollars to card skimmers—small devices secretly attached to self-checkout machines that steal card information when shoppers make a payment.
One woman even discovered that her Food Stamps card had been completely drained by this scam.
Thankfully, the Lynchburg Police Department, in collaboration with Walmart’s security team, was able to identify and arrest a suspect, Florin Doroiman, using the store’s high-quality surveillance footage.
With scams becoming more sophisticated, it’s important to stay informed and take extra precautions. Here are a few tips to help protect your hard-earned money:
As we navigate the digital world, staying informed is our best defense against fraud.
The BIN attack is just one example of how quickly scammers can exploit everyday transactions.
But by sharing knowledge and staying vigilant, we can safeguard our finances and help others do the same.
Read next: Get rid of shower mold forever without scrubbing! Expert exposes the mold remover myth and reveals what truly works
Have you ever experienced a suspicious charge on your account? Do you have tips for keeping your money safe? Share your experiences in the comments below—let’s look out for each other and keep the conversation going!
No, this isn’t just another case of accidental double-billing or a small glitch in the system.
A new scam has surfaced, and it’s targeting everyday shoppers at one of America’s biggest retailers: Walmart.
The scheme is so deceptive that many customers didn’t realize they were victims until their accounts were already drained.
If you shop at Walmart—whether in-store or online—you’ll want to keep reading.
Shoppers beware: Walmart customers report mysterious charges as a new scam targets their bank accounts. Image Source: YouTube / CBS News.
The "BIN" Bamboozle: A Cyber Thief’s Dream
Here’s what’s happening: Walmart customers have been reporting strange charges on their bank accounts.
At first, some thought it was a simple mistake, but in reality, it was something much more concerning—a calculated cyberattack known as a "BIN" attack.
BIN stands for Bank Identification Number, the first four to six digits on your credit or debit card that identify the issuing bank.
Cybercriminals have figured out how to manipulate this system using software that randomly generates card numbers, expiration dates, and security codes until they find a match.
Once they do, they make unauthorized purchases—often small ones at first—hoping they’ll go unnoticed.
Redstone Federal Credit Union, Alabama’s largest credit union, was one of the first to sound the alarm.
They explained that scammers were using these tactics to make fraudulent purchases on Walmart’s website.
And despite the best fraud detection efforts from banks and credit card companies, some customers were left vulnerable to the attack.
Also read: This woman's sneaky self-checkout trick got her banned from every Walmart—learn what NOT to do!
Walmart’s Response and Refunds
The good news? Walmart has stepped up to address the issue.
According to Redstone, 77% of affected customers have already received refunds for the fraudulent charges.
The credit union reassured its members, stating, “No Redstone member will suffer a loss as a result of this attack.”
Walmart is also working with VISA and other financial partners to mitigate the damage and prevent future breaches.
But the BIN attack isn’t the only scam shoppers need to watch out for.
In Virginia, several Walmart customers lost hundreds of dollars to card skimmers—small devices secretly attached to self-checkout machines that steal card information when shoppers make a payment.
One woman even discovered that her Food Stamps card had been completely drained by this scam.
Thankfully, the Lynchburg Police Department, in collaboration with Walmart’s security team, was able to identify and arrest a suspect, Florin Doroiman, using the store’s high-quality surveillance footage.
Also read: Are you being scammed at checkout? The hidden threat retail shoppers need to know about
Smart Banking Tips to Keep Your Money Safe
With scams becoming more sophisticated, it’s important to stay informed and take extra precautions. Here are a few tips to help protect your hard-earned money:
- Trust your instincts. If an online deal seems too good to be true—especially if it’s spreading on social media—chances are, it is.
- Pause before you panic. Scammers try to pressure you into quick decisions. Take a moment to verify before acting.
- Verify unexpected refunds. If you receive money you weren’t expecting, contact your bank before sending it back.
- Be cautious with online relationships. Never send money to someone you’ve never met in person, no matter how convincing their story is.
- Keep your devices secure. Avoid granting remote access to your computer or phone unless you’re 100% sure who’s on the other end.
- Stay alert at ATMs and checkout counters. Don’t accept "help" from strangers, and always check for skimmers before inserting your card.
- Be skeptical of "winning" messages. If you don’t remember entering a contest, you probably didn’t win anything—especially if they ask for payment to claim a prize.
As we navigate the digital world, staying informed is our best defense against fraud.
The BIN attack is just one example of how quickly scammers can exploit everyday transactions.
But by sharing knowledge and staying vigilant, we can safeguard our finances and help others do the same.
Read next: Get rid of shower mold forever without scrubbing! Expert exposes the mold remover myth and reveals what truly works
Have you ever experienced a suspicious charge on your account? Do you have tips for keeping your money safe? Share your experiences in the comments below—let’s look out for each other and keep the conversation going!
