Amazon Warns UK Customers Over Rising Threat of Impersonation Scams

Amazon has cautioned UK customers about the rising threat of impersonation scams via phone calls, text messages, and emails. The retail giant has provided tips on how to spot and avoid fraudulent attempts. 

The news came after the consumer champions Which? warned of a recent scam involving impersonators using Amazon to gain access to targets’ devices and steal their personal data.

The report revealed that Amazon has started taking action to remove 10,000 unauthorised phone numbers and 20,000 phoney websites. Moreover, the giant retailer has also reported hundreds of suspicious individuals to global police forces.

Amazon issues impersonation scam warning to UK customers https://t.co/Mb3VtEJHSc pic.twitter.com/NkbuEHcX1a

— Swindon Advertiser (@swindonadver) April 14, 2023

Amazon has also claimed that no email from the company will ask shoppers for their personal details over email, phone call, or text message. The eCommerce giant also cautioned customers if they are asked to update their payment details even though it is not linked to the order they’ve placed. In order to avoid becoming the victim of impersonation emails, Amazon has advised customers to check the sender’s address, as well as the domain from the email header.

Amazon added that “Fraudulent emails are designed to look like they come from Amazon, however, the email domain can never be duplicated”.

Similar to emails and calls, Amazon said that it never asks its customers for their passwords or any other personal details via text message. The company said that any text message asking you to settle payment outside of its website like via bank transfer is a red flag to look out for. Thus, Which? advises those fallen prey to impersonation scams to contact their bank instantly and also report it via Action Fraud online.

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