Amazon Prime, the popular subscription service that offers fast shipping and streaming of music and movies, is being targeted by cybercriminals in a new phone scam. There has been a rise in Prime members receiving phone calls from con artists pretending to be Amazon.
The first step in the scam is to determine if the targeted individual has an active Amazon account. Once the person’s Prime membership is verified, the scammer transfers the call to another fake team member who prompts the victim to download a software named AnyDesk on their computer. The cybercriminals then gain remote access to the victim’s device.
Now, scammers can install software to steal data and make online payments without the account holder’s knowledge. It is essential to be vigilant and never give remote access to anyone claiming to be from Amazon.
It isn’t the first time scammers have targeted Amazon Prime customers. In April 2022, scammers spoofed Amazon Prime Video and tricked users into paying fake fees. In the same month, some Amazon customers received a text alerting them that their Prime membership had failed and began asking them to verify their information. The text was an attempt by scammers to get customers to share important personal or financial information.Â
Stay safe online
Amazon has confirmed that it will never ask customers to provide remote access to their devices or make payments outside its website. If you receive a phone call from someone claiming to be from Amazon, it is crucial to be cautious. If you fall for this attack, you can stop it during the call by ending the remote session or shutting down your Wi-Fi.
We recommend contacting your bank immediately, as the scammer may have accessed your account. To avoid this scam, always be careful when sharing personal information online or over the phone.
Amazon’s security website offers advice on how to stay safe when receiving a suspicious phone call.
- Amazon will never ask for payment or offer you a refund you do not expect.
- Amazon will not ask you to pay for any service outside their website. They will never ask for a bank transfer, for you to e-mail your credit card details, or share gift card details over the phone.
- Amazon will never ask you for remote access to your device by asking you to install an app.
- Please do not share any personal information and disconnect the call immediately.
It’s essential to adhere to cyber-safe best practices, which include vigilance and avoidance.
Join us by downloading our new mobile app, FRAUDSTER, available on both Apple and Android. The app will educate you on consumer concerns and help you stay informed. For more information, visit www.FraudsterApp.com
If you have already downloaded FraudsterApp, you can access the training feature by clicking on the icon located on the home screen.
Download our new mobile app, FRAUDSTER, available on Apple and Android. Stay informed about consumer hacks by visiting www.FraudsterApp.com. Have you already downloaded FraudsterApp? Click the icon on the home screen to access the training feature.
