Amazon issues alert against scammers targeting customer

Amazon, the online retail giant, has announced that it has taken down over 20,000 phishing websites and 10,000 phone numbers that were being used for impersonation scams.

This comes after the company has been repeatedly targeted by scammers looking to deceive its customers via calls, texts, and emails.

The company has initiated takedowns of these websites and phone numbers in an attempt to stop fraudsters in their tracks.

Additionally, Amazon has referred hundreds of suspected scammers to police forces around the world.

The retailer has also contacted customers to warn them of the growing threat of impersonation scams.

Amazon is recommending following a few tips to stay safe from these types of scams.

• Don’t install apps or software: Amazon will never ask you to install anything on your device to get a refund or help from customer service.
• Don’t pay over the phone: Amazon will never ask you to provide payment information for products or services over the phone.
• Don’t be rushed: Scammers may try to create a sense of urgency to rush you into making decisions without thinking them through.
• Verify orders with Amazon: Check the ‘Your Orders’ section on Amazon’s website or the Amazon Shopping app. Amazon won’t call, text or email you about orders you aren’t expecting.

How to report Amazon scams

You can report Amazon impersonation scams directly to the retailer by using its online reporting service.

Dodgy calls and texts

On an iPhone, you can report scam calls by texting the word ‘call’ followed by the scam number to 7726.

On an Android phone, you can text the word ‘call’ on an Android phone to 7726. You will then be asked for the dodgy number. Scam text messages can also be forwarded to 7726 to report them.

Scam emails

Scam emails can be forwarded to report@phishing.gov.uk. To report them to your email provider, select ‘Report Spam’ on Gmail, ‘Report phishing’ on Hotmail or forward emails to abuse@yahoo.com from a Yahoo account.

Suspicious websites

You should never click on any links in suspicious texts or emails, but if you come across a suspicious website, it can be reported to the National Cyber Crime Security Centre.

What to do if you fall victim

If you fall victim to a scam, contact your bank immediately and report the scam to Action Fraud online or by calling 0300 123 2040 in England, Wales or Northern Ireland. In Scotland, you can report the scam to the police on 101.