The nation will going crazy for Prime Day deals from July 16-17, but cybersecurity experts have issued a stark warning to shoppers hoping to grab a bargain
With Amazon’s annual Prime Day shopping event just around the corner, cybersecurity experts are warning Brits to be on the lookout for a surge in scam attempts targeting unsuspecting customers.
Data shows that UK residents search for “Amazon scams” an average of 1,100 times per month, while the global search volume reaches 5,800 per month. And in the past week alone, Google searches for “Amazon text scam” have skyrocketed by 163% worldwide.
Experts have identified three specific Amazon scams that are likely to rapidly increase during the Prime Day sales frenzy:
Prime Membership Scams
Scammers may try to capitalise on Prime Day by sending fake emails or texts claiming the recipient’s Prime membership is about to expire. The message will typically urge the victim to click a link and provide personal details to “renew” their subscription.
In reality, this is an attempt to steal sensitive information like login credentials or payment details. Victims may also be prompted to make an unnecessary payment for a non-existent Prime renewal.
Account Suspension/Deletion Scams
Another common tactic is for scammers to send messages claiming the recipient’s Amazon account has been suspended or is at risk of deletion. Again, victims are told to click a link and provide account details to resolve the issue.
This is merely a ploy to gain access to genuine Amazon accounts, which can then be used for fraudulent purchases or have the funds drained.
Amazon Text Scams
Phishing text messages purporting to be from Amazon are also expected to surge around Prime Day. These texts may claim the recipient has won a prize or is eligible for a special discount, and direct them to a fake website to input personal information.
“There are three specific Amazon scams that are often used to target customers during the worldwide online shopping event,” explains Franz Ostendorff, author at CasinoRevisor who has warned against the scammers’ tactics. “Fraudsters know people will be excitedly hunting for deals, so they try to capitalise on the hype.”
To avoid falling victim, experts advise Amazon customers to be wary of any unsolicited communications, even if they appear to be from a legitimate source. Never click on links or provide personal details in response to such messages.
Instead, log into your Amazon account directly through the official website or app to check for any genuine account notifications. And be extra vigilant about reviewing your statements for any suspicious activity.
With scammers becoming increasingly sophisticated, staying alert is crucial to protecting yourself from Amazon-related fraud this Prime Day. A little caution could save you from significant financial and personal data loss.
