Walgreens Photo Scam - How to Protect Yourself

How the Phishing Scam Works

Scammers send text messages or emails designed to look exactly like an official notification from Walgreens. They usually use one of two angles:

• The Fake Order Pickup: The message states that your "photo order" is complete and provides a link to view the images or track the order
• The Problem Order: The text claims there is an issue with your payment or order details, prompting you to click a link to "verify your information" before the photos can be printed or picked up.

If you click the link, you are taken to a spoofed website designed to steal your Walgreens account password, your credit card details, or personal data.

Common Signs of the Scam

• Urgent or threatening language: Demanding immediate payment or verification so your items aren't deleted.
• Suspicious URLs: The link might look close to the real site but contain typos or odd extensions (e.g., walgreens-photo-order.net instead of walgreens.com).
• You never ordered anything: If you haven't uploaded or ordered prints recently, any notification claiming a pickup is ready is a guaranteed scam.

What to Do If You Receive One

• Do not click the links: Never click on links or download attachments from unexpected messages.
• Check your account independently: If you think you might actually have an order, bypass the message entirely. Go directly to the official Walgreens website or use the official mobile app to check your actual order history.
• Report it: You can delete the message and report the phishing attempt to your cellular provider by forwarding text messages to 7726 (SPAM).