I buy things from social media ads, especially when something looks useful in my feed. That is exactly why the “Return Label Phish” scam, which started showing up this holiday season, is so effective. It targets people right after a purchase, when you are already frustrated and just want a refund.
The scenario feels normal. You buy an item you found on a social media ad, often from platforms like Instagram or TikTok. The product arrives late, does not work, or looks nothing like the photos. You email customer support to return it, and they send back a “pre-paid return label.”
That is where things go wrong.
In one version of this scam, the link to download the return label takes you to a fake site. To get the label, you are asked to log in to an email, shipping, or payment account. Those credentials are stolen, or a malicious ClickFix software script installs malware that can grab saved passwords and browser data. It all happens during what feels like a routine return.
In another version, the label itself is real, but the address is not. The package is sent to a private home instead of a warehouse. Tracking shows it was delivered, so you assume everything is fine. Weeks later, you realize the seller claims they never received the return, and the refund never comes.
What makes this scam work is timing. You are already annoyed with the purchase and focused on fixing the problem quickly. Most people do not stop to question a return label or double-check an address.
If you shop through social media ads, slow down during returns. Be suspicious of download links, verify return addresses, and never enter account credentials just to get a shipping label. Social media shopping can be convenient, but returns are where the real risk often shows up.
