Skip to content

Watch out for Amazon imposters, says scam expert

Better Business Bureau is warning of a rise in Amazon scammers as people online shop more
22960211_web1_TSR-Amazon-180330
The Better Business Bureau is warning people of scammers posing as Amazon customer support. (AP File Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)

Amazon orders have skyrocketed during COVID-19, and scammers are all too aware.

With Amazon Prime Days orders arriving on doorsteps, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) is warning people to “watch out for calls from Amazon imposters” who have numerous tricks to steal personal information.

The scam begins with a phone call, “with either a person or a recorded message claiming to be reaching out from Amazon concerning a problem with your account.”

READ MORE: West Shore RCMP deliver Amazon packages dumped outside mailbox

These fabricated problems can range from fraudulent charges, and lost or damaged packages, to declined credit cards and unfulfilled orders.

Regardless of the scammer’s excuse for calling, the goal is the same — to coax the consumer into giving up personal information.

READ ALSO: Victoria woman loses $4,000 to ‘agressive, manipulative and convincing’ bitcoin CRA scam

Consumers have reported to the BBB Scam Tracker that con artists have asked for their credit card numbers, Amazon login details, and remote access to their computer.

In an attempt to protect consumers, the BBB and Amazon have come up with a series of tips.

They urge consumers to be skeptical of unsolicited calls, ignore messages asking for personal information, and think before taking any action. Amazon will never call asking for personal details or to gain remote computer access.

READ ALSO: Saanich resident defrauded by sweepstake scam, loses $26,000

Also, Amazon will never ask for payment outside of its site.

“Requests to pay via wire transfer, prepaid debit card and cryptocurrency are almost always a sign of fraud,” warns the BBB.

If a customer does receive a suspicious call or message, report it to Amazon customer service.

Anyone who is the victim of a scam can report their experience to the BBB Scam Tracker.


 

Do you have a story tip? Email: vnc.editorial@blackpress.ca.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.



About the Author: Greater Victoria News Staff

Read more