AMAZON shoppers need to watch out for four dangerous scams that could leave you out of pocket.
They could strike at any time of year – but be on high alert with Amazon‘s Big Spring Sale potentially just days away.
Amazon shoppers have been warned to watch out for four worrying scams[/caption]
The event hasn’t been confirmed by Amazon yet, but it’s expected to kick off in late March.
Amazon says that are four “common scam trends” that its shoppers are regularly targeted by. They aim to steal your info, and often the contents of your bank account too.
Crooks often ramp up their activities around sales events, but there’s no telling when you might be targeted.
AMAZON SCAM ALERT
First on Amazon’s official list is the Order Confirmation Scam.
This is described as an “unexpected” message that mentions an authorised purchase.
“Scammers ask you to act urgently to confirm or cancel the purchase,” Amazon said.
“They may try to convince you to provide payment details, install software, or purchase gift cards.”
If you get a message like this, you should log into your Amazon account.
You’ll be able to see your genuine list of orders there.
So if the alleged order doesn’t appear on that list, you’ll know it’s a fake.
And you can always check with Amazon customer support just to be safe.
Second is the Tech Support Scam, another classic swindle.
This is where you’ll be promised tech support for an Amazon device or service – often through a fake website or message.
“Customers who land on these pages are lured to contact the scammer and fall prey to their schemes,” said Amazon.
Fake order scams are very common – verify what they’re saying by going to Amazon directly[/caption]
If you need help with Amazon, you should stick to the official website and customer support.
Next is the Prime Membership Scam, which is also common around sales events.
This can take several forms, but it’s often a claim that you owe money for your membership – or that there’s a problem with it.
“Scammers try to convince you to provide payment or bank account information in order to reinstate a membership,” Amazon warned.
DON’T FALL FOR GIFT CARD SCAMS EITHER!
Amazon has some golden rules for avoiding gift card scams…
Do not pay people or businesses with gift cards.
Never use Amazon gift cards for payment outside of Amazon or its affiliates. Amazon gift cards can only be used for purchases online at Amazon.co.uk
Do not share gift cards details with someone that you don’t know or trust . Once a scammer receives a gift card claim code, they’ll most likely have spent the funds before you’ve contacted law enforcement or Amazon.
Do not use an Amazon gift card to pay for anything over the phone or email. This includes bills or services (for example, TV, utilities, legal services, taxes).
Do not use an Amazon gift card in connection with claiming lottery or prize winnings. Similarly, don’t use them on the promise of receiving a large amount of money, a guaranteed credit card, or loan.
Picture Credit: Amazon
“Amazon will never ask you to provide payment information for products or services over the phone.”
You can go to the Message Centre on Amazon’s website or app to check for authentic emails you’ve been sent.
And you can also go to Your Account > Prime to see what your membership status really is.
Lastly, there’s the Account Suspension/Deletion Scam.
This is usually an urgent warning that your Amazon account is about to disappear.
“Actions may include selecting a fraudulent link or providing information like payment details or login credentials, to ‘verify your account’,” Amazon said.
“Amazon will never ask you to disclose your password or verify sensitive personal information over the phone or on any website other than Amazon.co.uk.
“Don’t access any links or provide your information to anyone over the phone without authenticating the email or phone call.”
You can verify authentic Amazon emails by going to the website and looking for your account’s Message Centre[/caption]
If you’re worried about the status of your account, just go to Amazon’s official website.
And remember: you can check your account’s Message Centre to see a list of authentic Amazon emails that you’ve been sent.
