Amazon issues warning to customers amid growing threat of impersonation scams

Amazon says it has taken down thousands of phishing websites and dodgy phone numbers in an attempt to stop fraudsters in their tracks.

Scammers have repeatedly targeted Amazon, looking to deceive its customers via calls, texts and emails. We recently reported on Amazon Prime scam calls, where fraudsters persuaded victims into downloading software to give them access to their device.

Read on to find out how to spot and avoid Amazon impersonation scams.

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How to avoid Amazon impersonation scams

Amazon says it has initiated takedowns of more than 20,000 phishing websites and 10,000 phone numbers that were being used for impersonation scams. Additionally, it says it has referred hundreds of suspected scammers to police forces around the world.

It has contacted customers to warn them of the growing threat of impersonation scams, and recommends following these tips to stay safe:

• Don’t install apps or software Amazon will never ask you to install anything on your device to get a refund or help from customer service.
• Don’t pay over the phone Amazon will never ask you to provide payment information for products or services over the phone.
• Don’t be rushed Scammers may try to create a sense of urgency to rush you into making decisions without thinking them through.
• Verify orders with Amazon Check the ‘Your Orders’ section on Amazon’s website or the Amazon Shopping app. Amazon won’t call, text or email you about orders you aren’t expecting.

How to report Amazon impersonation scams

You can report Amazon impersonation scams directly to the retailer by using its online reporting service.

Dodgy calls and texts

On an iPhone, you can report scam calls by texting the word ‘call’ followed by the scam number to 7726.

On an Android phone, you can text the word ‘call’ to 7726. You will then be asked for the phone number the scam was sent from. Scam text messages can also be forwarded to 7726 to report them.

Scam emails

Scam emails can be forwarded to report@phishing.gov.uk. To report them to your email provider, select 'Report phishing’ on Gmail or Hotmail, or from a Yahoo account you can forward emails to abuse@yahoo.com.

Suspicious websites

Never click on any links in suspicious texts or emails, but if you come across a suspicious website, it can be reported to the National Cyber Crime Security Centre.

What to do if you fall victim

If you are scammed, contact your bank immediately and also report it to Action Fraud online or by calling 0300 123 2040 in England, Wales or Northern Ireland. In Scotland, you can report the scam to the police on 101.