AMAZON is warning about the “#1 scam” targeting its customers – and says a revealing tip will prevent you from falling victim.
The retailer recently announced that fake order messages were the most common scam for the fourth consecutive month in May 2024.
Posing as Amazon representatives, the scammers claimed that a payment – usually by credit card – was required to resolve a shipping issue.
Other times, they asked customers to confirm or deny details of fake purchases and share sensitive account information.
Scammers often threaten to suspend a user’s account unless the fake issue is resolved – quickly.
While most notifications of fraudulent orders came in the form of emails, customers also received calls and texts.
The technology giant reiterated that a user’s request historyaccessible online or at Amazon Shopping app will only display legitimate purchases.
Earlier this year, Amazon sounded the alarm about a rise in subscription renewal scams.
Malicious actors posed as company representatives and asked customers to renew services by providing credit card information.
“Of all Amazon identity scams reported by our customers worldwide in 2023, more than two-thirds of the scams were related to order or account issues,” the company said. reported.
Both types of regimes have been registered in more than 20 countries.
While some scams can be deceptively realistic, certain clues should raise red flags.
Amazon urged customers to exercise caution “whenever someone tries to convince you that you should act now” – a common technique employed by scammers.
The company reminds customers to never pay over the phone. Amazon will never ask you to provide payment information, including gift cards, in this way.
Check links and analysis email senders. Spelling mistakes, repeat customers or substituted characters are signs of fraud.
Legitimate Amazon websites contain the domain “amazon.com”, while legitimate Amazon email addresses contain “@amazon.com”.
However, it is worth noting that this is not the best method to avoid scams, as email addresses can be forged.
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When looking for help with Amazon devices or services, customers should navigate directly to the Amazon website or mobile app.
The company partnered with experts from the National Cybersecurity Alliance to launch an educational campaign and works extensively with other groups including the Global Cyber Alliance and law supervisory bodies.
Amazon also joined Better Business Bureau to gather insights into crime trends.
For the public, Amazon offers a free cybersecurity awareness course that is available online.
Amazon Prime advantages you may have missed
Check this out…
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The first is Try before you buywhich is exclusive to Prime.
This allows you to try on new styles and sizes of clothes before purchasing them.
You can return them within seven days at no cost – and you only have to pay for the products you keep.
It’s a more economical way to try on clothes as it means you’re not always making money.
The second is Amazon Photoswhich is extremely useful if you are a serial snapper.
This gives you access to unlimited full-resolution photo storage, plus 5GB of video storage.
Third is Prime readingwhich offers “a rotating collection of over 3,000 digital books, audiobooks, magazines, comics, and more.”
Fourth is another advantage for book lovers: Amazon First Reads.
This gives you early access to a new book for free every month.
Fifth is a brilliant privilege called Prime Games.
This gives you free games and gaming content every month, as well as a free Twitch channel subscription to use every month.
You’ll also be able to play a rotating selection of free games on Amazon’s cloud gaming service, Luna.
Sixth on the list is Member Sharing.
This allows you to share your existing Prime membership with your family – specifically between two adults, four teenagers and four children under 13.
Seventh on the list is Amazon Music.
This lets you listen to over 100 million ad-free songs, plus thousands of popular playlists and podcasts.
And finally, don’t forget to unlock Grubhub+.
If you’re a Prime member in the US, you can get a one-year trial of Grubhub+, which normally costs $9.99 per month.
This gives you unlimited $0 delivery fees on any order over $12.
- Get a 30-day free trial of Amazon Prime here
The company encourages customers to report suspicious communications through an online service form.
Non-customers can do the same by sending an email to reportascam@amazon.com.
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
