The “unauthorised item in your basket” call

An automated call says an expensive phone was added to your shopping account. Press 1, and an “agent” asks to install an app to remove it.

What it looks like

Phone call · Online shop (automated)

“An iPhone has been added to your basket. If this wasn’t you, press 1.” — “Your account was hacked. Please install this app so I can remove the order.”

How it usually ends

The app gave the caller remote control of the computer. Then a passport photo “for verification” — used later to open credit in the victim’s name.

Red flags

Unexpected call about an order you didn’t make
Request to install a remote-access app
A request for ID documents “to verify you”

A real case

UK Report Fraud: 110 reports and £86,837 lost in nine days (5–14 Oct 2026) to fraudsters posing as Amazon, often ending in remote access and stolen ID documents.

What to do

Hang up and check your orders in the shop’s own app or site.
Never install remote-access software for someone who called you.
Never send ID photos to a caller.

Could you spot it in the moment?

In Painted Sky you’re born at random somewhere on Earth and live a whole life — and this scam is one of the fakes that can find you. Make the call yourself, then replay the same life with a lens that shows what was fake.

Play Painted Sky — free →