Stay Alert – Beware of Amazon Impersonators
Impersonation scammers pretend to be a trusted company and reach out to get access to information for identity theft. Amazon impersonation scams are common, so watch out for them.
For example, it’s a red flag if you receive an unsolicited communication, supposedly from Amazon, that refers to a purchase you didn’t make and asks you to act urgently to confirm the purchase. If you try to cancel the fake order by clicking a link or calling the supposed “customer service” number, scammers then try to steal your personal or financial information.
Amazon issued this guidance to help protect its customers from scammers:
Impersonation scammers pretend to be a trusted company and reach out to get access to information for identity theft. Amazon impersonation scams are common, so watch out for them.
For example, it’s a red flag if you receive an unsolicited communication, supposedly from Amazon, that refers to a purchase you didn’t make and asks you to act urgently to confirm the purchase. If you try to cancel the fake order by clicking a link or calling the supposed “customer service” number, scammers then try to steal your personal or financial information.
Amazon issued this guidance to help protect its customers from scammers:
- Be careful installing apps or software. Amazon will not ask you to install an app or download software in order to receive a refund or get help from customer service.
- Never pay over the phone. Amazon will not ask you to provide payment information, including gift cards (or “verification cards,” as some scammers call them) for products or services over the phone.
- Always verify orders directly with Amazon. Amazon will not include purchased product information in order confirmation and shipping confirmation emails it sends to customers. For any questions related to an order, always check “Your Orders” on Amazon.com or via the “Amazon Shopping” app.
- Be wary of false urgency. Amazon will not pressure you to act now. Scammers may try to create a sense of urgency to persuade you to do what they’re asking.
