Amazon tops list of impersonated businesses
Scammers impersonate Amazon and trick you into giving remote access to your device or buying gift cards by claiming to fix account problems or process refunds. These impersonators contact people by phone, text, or email.
How it works
You receive a message claiming suspicious activity or unauthorized purchases are on your Amazon account and asking you to call a number. A fake representative tells you to let them remote access your device to fix the problem and issue a refund. They then either trick you into sending money to cover a supposed overpayment, ask you to buy gift cards and send pictures of the codes, or move money between your own bank accounts to create the illusion of a refund. In some cases, they send fake text confirmations of credits to get you to buy more gift cards.
Red flags to watch for
- Unexpected message about suspicious activity on your Amazon account
- Caller or message directs you to call a specific number instead of using Amazon's official contact
- Request to give remote access to your computer or phone to process a refund
- Caller claims Amazon will fire them if an overpayment is not returned
- Request for pictures of gift card numbers or codes
- Text confirmations of fake account credits after you buy gift cards
What to do
Do not call numbers given in unsolicited messages, and do not click links in texts or emails about your account. If you think there is a real problem, go directly to Amazon's official website and use the contact information listed there. Never give anyone remote access to your device unless you contacted the company first using a number you found yourself. Never buy gift cards or send pictures of gift card codes to anyone. If you sent money or gift card information, contact your bank and the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov right away.
If this reached you
Source: FTC . Scam Sentinel summarizes official guidance in plain language; it is a decision aid, not a guarantee.