Amazon has issued a scammer warning to customers after fraudsters impersonated the online selling site. The shopping giant revealed more than 20,000 phishing websites and 10,000 phone numbers had been taken down.
They had been used by crooks pretending to be the retailer. And now the global powerhouse has released guidance to users, with an email sent to shoppers, the Liverpool Echo reports.
It warned them to be wary of installing apps and software to receive a refund or to get help from customer service. The company said it will never ask users to download anything and advised never to pay over the phone.
The firm said that is for both products and services, including gift cards, and urged for orders to be verified directly with Amazon. The email stated that Amazon would not text, call or email customers about unexpected orders.
And it said consumers should check the "Your Orders" section of the official Amazon website or app. Finally, Amazon said people should take their time, as scammers create a "sense of urgency" to get what they want.
People are also asked to report these communications directly to Amazon. For more information on how to stay safe, people can go to the security and privacy page on the Amazon website.
The email came after reports scammers had impersonated the firm to gain access to customers' devices and steal information. Bank details were taken in successful bluffs, according to consumer rights website Which?.
To carry out the scam, fraudsters are said to be calling customers out of the blue. Fraudsters start the scam by ringing from an unrecognised number. When a person answers, the scammer will tell them their Amazon Prime subscription is going up in price or is about to expire.
On its website, Which? said: "Amazon confirmed to Which? that it will never ask customers to provide remote access to their devices or make any payments outside of its website."
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