Online shopping is more popular than ever in 2024, and retailers like Amazon are leading the charge with fast delivery and competitive prices. However, this popularity makes Amazon customers prime targets for fraud and scams. Criminals are constantly devising new ways to trick people into giving up their hard-earned money.
Experts at CasinoRevisor have identified a surge in scams targeting Amazon Prime members, including Prime membership scams, account suspension/deletion scams, and Amazon text scams. These schemes aim to make you believe you’re interacting with Amazon when it’s actually a fake message. The goal is to lure you into providing personal information that can be used for fraudulent purposes.
It’s crucial to remember that Amazon will never ask you for your password or sensitive personal information over the phone or on any website other than Amazon.co.uk. Never click on links or share your information without authenticating the email or phone call, no matter how legitimate it may seem. If you’re unsure about the status of your account, always go directly to Amazon.co.uk or the app to check your account details. The Message Center will display a log of official communications from Amazon.
To avoid falling victim to these scams, experts offer these essential tips:
*
Trust Amazon-owned channels:
Always use the Amazon mobile app or website for customer service, tech support, or account changes.*
Be wary of false urgency:
Scammers often create a sense of urgency to pressure you into action. Be cautious if someone tries to convince you to act immediately.*
Never pay over the phone:
Amazon will never ask for payment information, including gift cards, over the phone.*
Verify links first:
Legitimate Amazon websites contain “amazon.co.uk” or “amazon.co.uk/support.” Go directly to the website if you need help with Amazon devices, services, orders, or account changes.*
Check email addresses:
Be wary of emails that appear to be from Amazon but have an email address that doesn’t end in “@amazon.com.”*
Hover over links:
Before clicking any link in an email, hover your mouse over it to reveal the URL. If it’s not an Amazon web address, don’t click.By following these guidelines, you can help safeguard yourself from becoming a victim of Amazon scams and enjoy the benefits of online shopping with greater peace of mind.
