Scammers are sending fake text messages claiming to be from Amazon, warning customers about supposed product recalls and directing them to phishing websites to steal login details
Amazon shoppers have been alerted to a product recall scam that’s been targeting buyers across the UK. Consumer champion Which? revealed that customers have been receiving dodgy scam text messages purporting to be from Amazon, alerting them to a bogus product recall.
The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a warning about this scam last year, which has now surfaced in Britain in recent weeks. Which? analysed a version of the scam message and discovered that the link takes users to a fake Amazon website that’s currently active, presenting a danger to anyone who may have clicked on it, reports the Express.
Which? detailed that the scam message arrives from a UK mobile number and alleges that a product a customer has bought is being recalled due to safety concerns. The watchdog cautioned that the phone number is “likely to have been spoofed”.
The scam message instructs the customer to stop using the product immediately and provides a link to click to claim a full refund. During its investigation, Which? also examined the link included in the message, which directs to a fake website using Amazon’s branding and official login page design to fool customers.
Which? said: “The website asked for your Amazon login details, such as your email or phone number, and enabled you to create a new account if you’re new to Amazon. Once the scammers have these details, they can use them to scam you at a later date.
“The website was only registered last week. Which? reported the scam website to the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).
“We also shared the dodgy link with Amazon, which confirmed that the website was fake.”
Amazon told Which?: “There are a variety of scams that ask people to make payments by email, phone, or text for items or services.
“Be wary any time someone tries to convince you that you must act now – scammers may try to create a sense of urgency to persuade you to do what they’re asking, and they use convincing tactics to reel consumers in.
“We encourage consumers to report suspected scams to us so that we can protect their accounts and refer bad actors to law enforcement to help keep them safe.”
Experts at Which? have warned the public to approach emails and text messages purporting to be from Amazon with scepticism. Customers ought to access their account through the official website directly and verify information that way.
Suspicious messages can be reported to Amazon by forwarding them as an attachment to reportascam@amazon. com.
To bolster the security of your Amazon account and personal details, it’s recommended to update your password straightaway and make certain that two-factor authentication is enabled.
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