Warning over fake Amazon text messages
AN urgent warning has been issued to anyone with an Amazon account by consumer rights experts. It comes after a wave of reports about customers being sent fake text messages from fraudsters claiming to be from the online giant.
It has been reported that the fake texts say there has been an ‘attempted log in’ and asks customers to follow a link to secure their account. However, experts at Which? say people should be aware of the text messages, which it says are designed especially to steal personal data.
One of the texts reads: “Amazon: We detected a login into your account from a new device on 27/09/2022 at 15:10:08 UTC. If this wasn’t you, you can terminate that session via: [https://checkup-amazon.com].”
Which? says that another text can say: “From Amazon - A new login has been attempted from IP address: 82.966.81.27 (Ipswich).if this was NOT you, secure your account immediately. [amazon-logins.com].”
It says that when experts entered their details, they were taken to another
“convincing” fraudulent webpage asking for a name, date of birth, mobile number, home address and email address. This, the watchdog says, is where your personal data will be stolen.
They have urged Amazon customers to take heed of their advice. The website URLS used as the genuine Amazon URLS are “Amazon.co. uk” and “Amazon.com’”. Which? has reported the fake URLS to the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).
An Amazon spokesperson told Which? “These messages were not sent by Amazon. Scammers that attempt to impersonate Amazon put our customers and our brand at risk.
“Although these scams take place outside our store, we will continue to invest in protecting customers and educating the public on scam avoidance. We encourage customers to report suspected scams to us so that we can protect their accounts and refer bad actors to law enforcement to help keep consumers safe.
“Please visit our help pages to find additional information on how to identify scams and report them.” Amazon also said it would never ask for password or personal information by text message or ask customers to make a payment outside of its website - something the scam texts often claim is needed.
Although these scams take place outside our store, we will continue to invest in protecting customers and educating the public on scam