Experts Issues Clear 'Warning' For All 300 Million Amazon Customers

Over the past several years, online shopping has boomed in popularity due in large part to massive online retailers like Amazon, which makes it easier than ever to shop through the app and receive deliveries as soon as the same day. However, with the popularity of Amazon also comes some risks.

Given the sheer number of Amazon shoppers every day, the online retailer is often used by scammers and cybercriminals looking to target vulnerable customers.

Given the increasing number and sophistication of these scams, the experts at IT Asset Management Group (IT-AMG), a certified ITAD firm specializing in secure IT asset disposal and enterprise-grade IT equipment buyback, have shared guidance on three common scams that scammers use to target Amazon shoppers.

Prime Membership Scam

These scams generally begin with an unexpected call, text, or email from a scammer pretending to be an Amazon employee who claims that there is an issue with your account.

These scammers may send you an email saying your account is at risk of being deleted, prompting you to click a link to verify your details. Alternatively, you may receive a call or text claiming that there is an issue with your account that requires an additional payment, which would be an attempt from a scammer to get your bank details.

To avoid this, always check the sender of any email or text you receive. No matter how convincing the communication can be, it's important to remember that Amazon will never ask you to share sensitive information via phone, text, or email.

If you receive one of these messages, do not engage with it. Instead, go directly to the Amazon app or website to check the status of your account. You could also contact Amazon directly to confirm that your account is in good standing.

Fake Order Confirmation Scam

Scammers often send fake emails claiming that there has been an issue with a recent Amazon order or that a payment or delivery has failed. These fraudulent emails usually contain links to fake websites designed to steal your personal details and even your payment information.

If you receive an email or text message regarding an issue with your order, never click any links. Instead, go directly to the Amazon app or website to check the status of any orders.

Fake Listing Scam

Scammers often create fake storefronts on Amazon offering high-demand items at unbeatable, too-good-to-be-true prices. Once a customer places an order, believing they have received a great deal, they either receive a counterfeit product or nothing at all.

To avoid this, it is important to always check a seller’s reviews and be cautious of deals that seem suspicious. Stick to well-reviewed sellers or those marked as "Amazon Verified." If a deal feels too good to be true, it probably is.

If you do fall victim to a fake listing scam, contact Amazon immediately. Customers can click "I have an issue with a seller" on the Amazon app or website to start the refund process. Amazon is often able to refund customers who fall victim to these scams, but you would still be without the money while you wait for a refund, and you would not have the product you thought you were ordering. So, the safest option is always to avoid this scam altogether.

Expert Weighs In

Richy George, the Chief Revenue Officer at IT Asset Management Group, had some tips for customers as they shop on Amazon.

“It's easy to get caught up in the deals, but it is crucial to not let your guard down or overlook red flags,” George said. “To shop safely, take the time to verify a seller’s reputation, avoid clicking links on unexpected emails, and use secure payment methods only. Taking a little extra caution can save you from losing your money or compromising your personal information.”

That said, these scams are increasing in both volume and sophistication, so there is always a chance that someone might fall victim to a scam, even if you are careful.

“If you believe you have fallen victim to a scam through Amazon, report it immediately to Amazon through their official help center. If you have given any account information, change your password,” George said. “If you have given any financial information, contact your bank and cancel any cards associated with your account. On top of this, monitor your bank statements closely for any unauthorized transactions.”