IN THE KNOW
STAY SAFE FROM AMAZON SCAMS WITH THESE STRATEGIES
SEPTEMBER 26, 2024 | FRAUD PREVENTION
Recently, we have seen an uptick in customers thinking they are working with Amazon, but unfortunately, they are not. Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and it's essential to be vigilant. These fraudulent activities often involve fake emails, phone calls, or websites that appear to be from Amazon, tricking individuals into providing personal information or making payments. The deception can be incredibly convincing, with scammers mimicking Amazon's branding and communication style to create a false sense of security.In addition to the common scams, there's been a notable increase in smart TV scams. These scams often involve fake notifications or pop-ups on your smart TV, directing you to call a fraudulent customer service number or visit a fake website. Once you engage, scammers may attempt to extract personal information or persuade you to pay for unnecessary services. Staying informed and cautious is crucial to protect yourself from these sophisticated tactics.
COMMON AMAZON SCAMS:
Fake Customer Service - Scammers may pose as Amazon customer service representatives and ask for your personal information or payment details. They may even direct you to fake websites that look similar to Amazon's official site.Phishing Calls & Texts - Scammers might call or text you, pretending to be from Amazon, claiming there's an issue with your account or a recent order. They often create a sense of urgency, pressuring you to provide personal information or login credentials.Gift Card Scams - Scammers may ask you to pay for products or services using Amazon gift cards. Amazon will never ask you to provide payment details or supply gift cards over the phone.Smart TV Scam (Amazon Prime Video) - Smart TV scams related to Amazon Prime Video often involve fake notifications or pop-ups on your TV screen. These messages might claim there's an issue with your Amazon Prime Video account or that you need to update your payment information. Scammers may direct you to call a fraudulent customer service number or visit a fake website. Once you engage, they might try to steal your personal information or get you to pay for unnecessary services.Prime Membership Scams - You might receive a call or email stating there's an issue with your Amazon Prime membership. The scammer will ask for your account details or payment information to "resolve" the issue, but they're really just trying to steal your information.TIPS TO STAY SAFE:
Only Trust Amazon-Owned Channels - Always use the official Amazon app or website when seeking customer service or making changes to your account. If you are redirected away from the usual Amazon sources or asked to use a third-party site, back out immediately as your details are not safe.Verify Links Before You Act - Legitimate Amazon sites contain "amazon.com" as part of the URL or will look like "amazon.co.uk/support". Some false sites may try to disguise their identity by replacing letters with similar characters or adding extra elements to the main URL. If you're unsure about a link and need help with your Amazon account, the safest option is to navigate to the website directly.Be Cautious if You're Being Rushed- Scammers like to create a sense of false urgency to persuade you that what they're asking for needs to be done quickly or you risk losing your account. If you feel you are being rushed into providing information or making a decision, take a moment to step back and assess the situation and verify the information through official channels.Set Up Two-factor Authentication- Under the login and security options of your Amazon account, you can choose to add two-step authentication. With this activated, you will get sent a code via email, text or through an authenticator app on your phone every time a new login is attempted. This code must then be entered online, or you cannot complete logging in to your account. It's a good way to deter scammers and third parties from accessing your account even if they acquire your password through other illegitimate means.Scammers are always coming up with new ways to trick people. By staying informed about the latest scams and following these tips, you can protect yourself and your personal information. Always double-check the authenticity of any communication that claims to be from Amazon and be cautious of unsolicited messages or pop-ups on your devices. Staying educated and vigilant is your best defense against these evolving scams. If you ever have doubts, contact Amazon directly through their official site or app to verify any suspicious activity.SHARE: