Amazon has compiled a list of recommendations on how Amazon customers can protect themselves from scams. Amazon focuses on two areas of fraud: fake order confirmations and nasty tricks with payment information.
Order confirmation scam
According to Amazon, the attackers send text messages or emails or even call the customer. The content of the message is then always the same: There has been an unauthorized purchase and the customer must now act urgently to confirm or cancel the purchase.
The scammers try to convince the customer to reveal their payment or bank account information (although Amazon already has this information) or software (which is malware that the attackers use to take control of the customer’s PC) on their Install computer/device or purchase gift cards.
Amazon says about this scam:
Amazon will not send you correspondence about an order that you are not expecting. If you have questions about an order, always check the My Orders section on Amazon.de or via the Amazon Shopping app. Only valid purchases will appear in your order history. Customer service is available 24/7 to help you.
Amazon
Important: Never use a link in an email to log in to your Amazon account. Instead, bookmark the correct Amazon page in the browser or just use the Amazon app.
Fraud with payment information
This scam involves scammers sending you an unexpected request to update your payment information or pay an outstanding bill for a product or service that you did not order. The email threatens that if you don’t provide your payment or account information, they will collect the money due.
Amazon says about this scam:
Amazon will never ask you to provide payment information, including gift cards (or “confirmation cards” as some scammers call them) for products or services over the phone or via email.
Amazon
Amazon has also put together four tips to help you outsmart the scammers
- Never follow a link in an email: Always use the Amazon mobile app or website to contact customer service or technical support, or to make changes to your account.
- Don’t be rushed: Be careful when someone urges you to act immediately.
- Keep your hands off the phone: Amazon will never ask you to by phone Provide payment information, including gift cards (or “confirmation cards” as some scammers call them) for products or services.
- Check the link: Legitimate Amazon website links contain “amazon.de”. Go to the Amazon website if you need help with Amazon devices/services, ordering, or want to make changes to your customer account.
Tip: Use this page to report suspicious activity to Amazon.
Important messages about scams around Amazon:
