With Amazon’s much-anticipated sales event scheduled for October 8-9, experts are warning shoppers to remain vigilant against a surge of scams that typically accompany such promotional periods. The two-day sale, reminiscent of July’s Prime Day, is expected to attract millions of eager buyers, but it may also entice scammers looking to exploit unsuspecting customers.
National Trading Standards reports that 19 million people fell victim to scams last year, losing an average of £1,730 each. As the sale date approaches, experts from CasinoRevisor are highlighting three common scams that customers should be particularly wary of: Prime membership scams, account suspension or deletion scams, and Amazon text scams.
Franz Ostendorff, an author at CasinoRevisor, emphasised the importance of recognising the tactics used by scammers. “Amazon will never ask you to disclose your password or verify sensitive personal information over the phone or on any website other than at Amazon.co.uk,” he stated. “It’s crucial that you do not click on any links or provide your information over the phone without first verifying the authenticity of the email or call, no matter how legitimate they may appear.”
Ostendorff advises customers to directly visit Amazon.co.uk or use the app to check their account details, noting that any official communications from Amazon can be found in the Message Center.
Shoppers should remain cautious of phishing emails that request personal information or prompt users to click on dubious links. “Always check the sender’s email address and avoid interacting with links or attachments from unknown sources,” he cautioned. One simple method to detect fraudulent links is to hover over them to reveal the actual URL before clicking.
Two of the most prevalent scams identified are:
- Prime Membership Scams: These scams often involve unsolicited calls, texts, or emails claiming issues with your Prime membership. Scammers may suggest a fee or cancellation and attempt to extract payment or bank account details under the guise of confirming or reinstating the membership.
- Account Suspension or Deletion Scams: In these scenarios, individuals receive messages stating that their Amazon account will be suspended or deleted unless they act quickly. Such communications typically include links to fraudulent websites or requests for sensitive information to “verify” accounts, which can lead to identity theft or financial loss.
To protect against these scams, Ostendorff recommends verifying any communications purportedly from Amazon by checking the sender’s details. Amazon emails generally come from addresses ending in “@amazon.com.” It is also advisable to update security settings, ensure that antivirus software is current, and activate email filters to block phishing attempts.
As a precaution, Amazon has previously urged its customers to remain alert for potential scams during sales events. The company offers several tips to help users identify fraudulent activities and keep their accounts secure, including:
- Use Official Channels: Always access customer service through the Amazon app or website.
- Beware of False Urgency: Scammers often create a false sense of urgency to pressure victims into making hasty decisions.
- Never Pay Over the Phone: Amazon will not request payment details, including gift cards, over the phone.
- Verify Links: Ensure that any website you visit contains “amazon.co.uk” or “amazon.co.uk/support” to confirm its legitimacy.
As the sales event approaches, staying informed and cautious can help customers avoid falling victim to these deceptive practices.
