The holiday season is over, but scammers are everywhere and still prowl after your money. Amazon and other companies have sent emails advising their customers on protecting themselves against scams, yet we can apply the advice to every measure you take online. Below are some of the most common scams, and we need to be aware that online orders will increase in 2023.
Order confirmation scams
These are unsought phone calls, texts, or emails frequently asking you to confirm or reverse a clandestine transaction. These scammers attempt to trick you into giving them your credit card number or bank account information, installing software on your computer or other devices, or buying gift cards.
If you order from Amazon, you can check orders by login into your account if you received contact about an order you weren’t anticipating. Your order history will only contain legitimate purchases, and customer service is accessible around-the-clock to help.
Technical support scams
Scammers create fake websites that offer technical support for your devices and services. Customers who see these pages are persuaded to contact the con artist and fall for their tricks.
If you need assistance with any Amazon products or services, go straight to the help section of their website. It also applies to any legitimate company you trust with your online orders.
Here are some important tips for identifying scams and keeping your accounts and information safe:
- Trust your legitimate company channels. Always use your ordering company’s mobile app or website when contacting customer service, tech assistance, or making account changes.
- Be wary of false urgency. This is a true-tell of a scam. To get you to comply with their desires, con artists may try to instil a sense of urgency. Be skeptical whenever someone attempts to persuade you that you need to take immediate action.
- Never pay over the phone. As a standard rule, Amazon and other legitimate companies would never request payment information via phone for goods or services, including gift cards, known as verification cards.
Visit my December 23, 2002, post on staying safe over the holidays for more information on scams. Always remember that these scams are year-round, and our vigilance should also be.
What you can do
Follow cyber-safe best practices throughout the new year, like monitoring and avoidance, you will help yourself and your family protect against all scams. Remember, we are here at https://www.cyologylabs.com
You can become a part of our team with our new app. To learn more about consumer concerns, you can download our mobile app, FRAUDSTER, available on Apple and Android. You can learn more at www.FraudsterApp.com
If you’ve already downloaded the FraudsterApp, click the training icon on the home screen to learn to protect yourself, and in the meantime, be a part of the solution by sharing tips.
