AMAZON has issued an urgent warning over fraudsters trying to con shoppers out of their hard-earned cash.
The e-commerce giant is alerting customers to two scams whereby customers are sent dodgy texts and emails.
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Fraudsters are also targeting people with phone calls.
The first scam involves Amazon Prime customers being contacted via call, text or email and told they need to pay extra for membership or that there’s an issue with their account.
Customers are then convinced to provide a payment or bank account information to reinstate their membership.
But it’s all a ruse and the money goes to the scammer.
Meanwhile, the second scam sees fraudsters sending texts and emails or making phone calls telling customers their accounts will be suspended or deleted imminently unless they act.
Shoppers then click on a fraudulent link or provide information over the phone to seemingly verify their account.
But again, it’s a ruse and sees customers handing over sensitive information such as account login details.
Amazon is reminding customers it never asks customers to provide payment information for products or services over the phone, or via websites beyond amazon.co.uk.
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The tech giant has also revealed four top tips that could help you from falling prey to scammers:
Trust Amazon-owned channels
Scam messages often include links to external websites, but once you click on them it can lead to malware being installed on the device.
Other times, sensitive information such as bank account details are leaked to the scammers.
To ward yourself against this, only click on a link that redirects you to the Amazon website.
Plus, if you need to speak to customer service, tech support or want to make changes to your account, always go through the Amazon mobile app or website.
Be wary of false urgency
Fraudsters regularly try and create a sense of urgency so you are more likely to reveal sensitive information or click a dodgy link.
But steer clear of any message or call that tries to convince you to act immediately – it’s most likely a scam.
Never pay over the phone
Amazon will never ask you to pay for anything over the phone, whether that be for a gift card, product or service.
Watch out for scammers asking you to provide payment information for “verification cards” too – this is a made up term used by scammers.
Verify links first
Legitimate Amazon websites contain “amazon.co.uk” or “amazon.co.uk/support” in the URL.
If you receive anything beyond this it’s best to just go direct to Amazon’s website.
In other news, the Department for Work and Pensions has issued a scam warning to millions on Universal Credit.
What to do if you’ve been scammed
If you’ve already been scammed, you can contact your local Trading Standards office or Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.
You can try calling your local Citizens Advice branch too.
In the mean time, you should change any passwords on the hacked device and also your bank and credit card accounts.
If you think the fraudster has gained access to your bank or other financial details, tell the company or bank those details relate to.
If you’ve been left out of pocket by a scammer, you might be in line for a refund.
If your bank refuses to offer a refund, you can try going to the Financial Ombudsman Service.
It is an independent body that settles disputes between consumers and financial businesses and is free to use.
It may be able to get your money back for you, although there are no guarantees.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].
You can also join our new Sun Money Facebook group to share stories and tips and engage with the consumer team and other group members.
