Here are some important tips from Amazon to identify scams and keep your account and information safe:

1. Trust Amazon-owned channels.

Always go through the Amazon mobile app or website when seeking customer service, tech support, or when looking to make changes to your account.

2. Be wary of false urgency.

Scammers may try to create a sense of urgency to persuade you to do what they’re asking. Be wary any time someone tries to convince you that you must act now.

3. Never pay over the phone.

Amazon will never ask you to provide payment information, including gift cards (or “verification cards,” as some scammers call them) for products or services over the phone.

4. Verify links first.

Go directly to our website when seeking help with Amazon devices/services, orders or to make changes to your account.

See Scam and Fraud Protection for 2023 for more information and make sure to Sign Up for our Scam Prevention Newsletter.

Amazon Will Never Ask for Your Password or Sensitive Information

Amazon takes the security of your account very seriously. They will never ask you to disclose your password or other sensitive information over the phone or on any website other than Amazon.com. If you receive an email, text message, or phone call from someone claiming to be from Amazon and asking for your password or other personal information, do not reply. It is a scam.

Here are some tips for avoiding Amazon scams:

• Never click on links in emails or text messages from unknown senders.
• If you are unsure whether an email or phone call is from Amazon, hang up or delete the email without responding.
• Only log in to your Amazon account on the official Amazon website or app.
• Do not give out your password to anyone, not even Amazon employees.
• If you have any questions about your account, contact Amazon directly through their website or customer service line.

Here are some examples of Amazon scams:

• A scammer will send you an email claiming that your account has been suspended or that there is a problem with your order. They will ask you to click on a link and provide your password or other personal information.
• A scammer will call you and claim to be from Amazon customer service. They will say that there is a problem with your account and that they need you to provide your password or other personal information.
• A scammer will send you a text message claiming that you have won a prize from Amazon. They will ask you to click on a link and provide your personal information in order to claim the prize.

If you think you have been the victim of an Amazon scam, you should:

• Change your Amazon password immediately.
• Report the scam to Amazon. You can do this by going to Amazon’s website and clicking on “Help” in the top right corner. Then, select “Report Phishing or Fraud”.
• File a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). You can do this online at ftc.gov/complaint.

By following these tips, you can help protect yourself from Amazon scams.

See Scam and Fraud Protection for 2023 for more information and make sure to Sign Up for our Scam Prevention Newsletter.

Amazon Account Suspension or Account Deletion Scams

Amazon is a popular online retailer, and as such, it is a target for scammers. One common scam involves sending text messages, emails, or making phone calls to Amazon customers claiming that their account has been suspended or will be deleted. The scammer will then try to trick the customer into clicking on a fraudulent link or providing personal information, such as their login credentials or payment information.

Here are some things to look out for if you receive a message from Amazon claiming that your account has been suspended or will be deleted:

• The message will often be poorly written and may contain grammar or spelling errors.
• The message may ask you to click on a link or provide personal information.
• The message may create a sense of urgency, telling you that you need to act immediately to avoid having your account suspended or deleted.

If you receive a message that you think might be a scam, do not click on any links or provide any personal information. Instead, contact Amazon directly to verify the status of your account. You can contact Amazon customer service by phone, chat, or email.

Here are some tips to help you avoid Amazon account suspension/deletion scams:

• Only ever sign in to your Amazon account on the official Amazon website or app.
• Be wary of any messages that ask you to provide personal information, such as your login credentials or payment information.
• Never click on links in messages from unknown senders.
• If you are unsure about the authenticity of a message, contact Amazon customer service directly.

By following these tips, you can help protect yourself from Amazon account suspension/deletion scams.

See Scam and Fraud Protection for 2023 for more information and make sure to Sign Up for our Scam Prevention Newsletter.

Amazon Prime Membership Scams

Amazon Prime is a popular membership program that offers free two-day shipping, streaming video, and other benefits. Unfortunately, it is also a target for scammers.

One common Prime membership scam involves an unsolicited email, text, or phone call from someone claiming to be from Amazon. The scammer may say that there is a problem with your account, such as an unpaid membership fee, and ask you to confirm or cancel your membership. They may also try to get you to provide your payment information so they can “reinstate” your membership.

Here are some things to watch out for if you receive a message about your Prime membership:

• The message is unsolicited. Amazon will never contact you out of the blue to ask for payment information or to verify your account.
• The message is urgent. Scammers often try to create a sense of urgency by saying that your account will be suspended or deleted if you don’t act immediately.
• The message is asking for personal information. Amazon will never ask you to provide your credit card number, Social Security number, or other sensitive information over the phone or in an email.
• The message is coming from an unfamiliar email address. Amazon’s email addresses will always end in @amazon.com.

If you receive a message that you think might be a scam, do not reply to it. Instead, hang up the phone, delete the email or text, and contact Amazon directly through their website or customer service line.

Here are some tips to help you avoid Prime membership scams:

• Only ever provide your payment information directly to Amazon through their website or app.
• Never click on links in emails or text messages from unknown senders.
• Be suspicious of any messages that ask for personal information, especially if they are urgent or threatening.
• Keep your software up to date, including your operating system, web browser, and antivirus software.

By following these tips, you can help protect yourself from Prime membership scams.

See Scam and Fraud Protection for 2023 for more information and make sure to Sign Up for our Scam Prevention Newsletter.

Three Key Warning Signs of Scams

Scams are a type of fraud that involves someone deceiving you in order to get your money or personal information. They can be very convincing, and it’s important to be aware of the red flags so that you can avoid becoming a victim.

Here are three key warning signs of scams:

1. They ask you to act now. Scammers often create a sense of urgency, telling you that you need to act immediately or you’ll miss out on a great deal. This can be a red flag, as legitimate businesses typically don’t pressure you to make a decision right away.
2. They ask for personal information or codes. Scammers may ask for your credit card number, Social Security number, or other sensitive information. They may also ask you to provide security codes or passwords. Never give out this information to someone you don’t know and trust.
3. They ask you to pay in an unusual way. Scammers may ask you to pay with gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. These payment methods are often difficult to trace, which makes it easier for scammers to get away with their crimes.

If you encounter any of these warning signs, it’s best to walk away. Don’t give the scammer any personal information or money.

Here are some other things you can do to protect yourself from scams:

• Be suspicious of unsolicited emails, texts, and phone calls.
• Do your research before making any online purchases.
• Only use legitimate websites and apps.
• Keep your software up to date.
• Be careful about what information you share on social media.

By being aware of the warning signs of scams and taking steps to protect yourself, you can help to avoid becoming a victim.

See Scam and Fraud Protection for 2023 for more information and make sure to Sign Up for our Scam Prevention Newsletter.

How to Reduce the Number of Spam and Phishing Emails You Get

Spam and phishing emails are a nuisance, and they can also be dangerous. Spam emails are unsolicited messages that are sent to a large number of people, often for advertising purposes. Phishing emails are fraudulent messages that are designed to trick you into providing personal information, such as your passwords or credit card numbers.

There are a number of things you can do to reduce the number of spam and phishing emails you get. Here are a few tips:

• Use a strong spam filter. Most email providers have a spam filter built in, but you may want to consider using a third-party spam filter as well. A good spam filter will help to block most spam emails from reaching your inbox.
• Be careful about what information you share online. Don’t give out your email address on websites that you don’t trust. If you do have to give out your email address, make sure to check the website’s privacy policy to see how they will use your information.
• Don’t reply to spam emails. Even if you think you’re just replying to unsubscribe from a mailing list, replying to a spam email can confirm to the sender that your email address is active. This can lead to even more spam emails being sent to you.
• Report spam emails. Most email providers have a way to report spam emails. When you report a spam email, it helps the email provider to improve its spam filtering.
• Use an email alias. If you’re worried about getting spam emails, you can use an email alias when signing up for new websites or services. This way, you can keep your main email address safe from spam.
• Be suspicious of emails that look like they’re from a legitimate company. Phishing emails are often very good at mimicking the look and feel of legitimate emails. If you get an email from a company that you do business with, but the email looks strange, don’t click on any links in the email or reply to it. Instead, go directly to the company’s website and log in to your account to see if there’s anything there that needs your attention.
• Install anti-phishing software. Anti-phishing software can help to protect you from phishing attacks. This software will scan emails for phishing content and warn you if it finds anything suspicious.

By following these tips, you can reduce the number of spam and phishing emails you get. This will help to keep your inbox clean and prevent you from becoming a victim of a scam.

See Scam and Fraud Protection for 2023 for more information and make sure to Sign Up for our Scam Prevention Newsletter.

Crook Pretends to Be From Your Bank - Large Zelle Withdrawal Scam

Scammers are always coming up with new ways to steal money from people. One recent scam involves crooks pretending to be from your bank and asking you to make a large Zelle withdrawal.

The scammer will typically call you and say that they’re from your bank’s fraud department. They’ll tell you that there’s been suspicious activity on your account and that they need you to make a large withdrawal to protect your money. The scammer may also say that they need you to send the money to a specific person or account number.

If you fall for the scam, you’ll end up sending your money directly to the scammer. Once they have your money, it’s gone for good.

Here are some tips to help you avoid this scam:

• Never give out your personal information to someone you don’t know. This includes your bank account number, Social Security number, and credit card number.
• Don’t trust anyone who calls you and asks you to make a large withdrawal. If you’re not sure if the caller is legitimate, hang up and call your bank directly.
• Be wary of emails or text messages that seem too good to be true. If you receive an email or text message from someone claiming to be from your bank, don’t click on any links or open any attachments. Instead, go directly to your bank’s website or call their customer service number.

If you think you’ve been scammed, report it to your bank immediately. You should also file a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

See Scam and Fraud Protection for 2023 for more information and make sure to Sign Up for our Scam Prevention Newsletter.

Beware of Online Appliance Scams Asking for P2P Payment

One common scam involves scammers posing as legitimate appliance retailers and then asking customers to pay for their appliances using a peer-to-peer (P2P) payment app like Zelle, Venmo or Cash App.

Here are some red flags to watch out for when buying appliances online:

• The appliance is significantly cheaper than the market price.
• The seller is unwilling to meet in person to deliver the appliance.
• The seller only accepts payment through a P2P app.
• The seller has a suspicious-looking website or social media profile.
• The seller asks for personal information, such as your credit card number or Social Security number.

If you see any of these red flags, it’s best to avoid the seller and look for appliances elsewhere. Here are some tips for buying appliances safely online:

• Only buy appliances from authorized retailers, such as major appliance stores or online retailers with a good reputation.
• Do your research on the seller before you buy appliances. Read reviews and look for social media profiles.
• Be sure to meet the seller in person to inspect the appliance before you pay for it. This will give you a chance to make sure the appliance is in good condition and that it’s the right size for your needs.
• Only pay for appliances with a credit card. This will give you more protection if you’re scammed.

If you do end up getting scammed, report it to the authorities and to the P2P payment app that you used. You may also be able to get a refund from your credit card company.

See Scam and Fraud Protection for 2023 for more information and make sure to Sign Up for our Scam Prevention Newsletter.

Be Aware of Sporting Event Ticket Scams using P2P Payment

The start of the new sports season is always a time of excitement for fans. But it’s also a time when scammers are looking to take advantage of unsuspecting fans. One of the most common scams is the sale of fake or non-existent sporting event tickets.

Scammers often use peer-to-peer (P2P) payment apps like Zelle, Venmo or Cash App to make it easier for them to get away with their crimes. These apps are designed for quick and easy payments between friends and family, but they’re also being used by scammers to trick people into sending money for fake tickets.

Here are some red flags to watch out for when buying sporting event tickets online:

• The tickets are significantly cheaper than the face value.
• The seller is unwilling to meet in person to exchange tickets.
• The seller only accepts payment through a P2P app.
• The seller has a suspicious-looking website or social media profile.
• The seller asks for personal information, such as your credit card number or Social Security number.

If you see any of these red flags, it’s best to avoid the seller and look for tickets elsewhere. Here are some tips for buying sporting event tickets safely online:

• Only buy tickets from authorized sellers, such as the venue box office, Ticketmaster, or StubHub.
• Do your research on the seller before you buy tickets. Read reviews and look for social media profiles.
• Be sure to meet the seller in person to exchange tickets. This will give you a chance to inspect the tickets and make sure they’re real.
• Only pay for tickets with a credit card. This will give you more protection if you’re scammed.

If you do end up getting scammed, report it to the authorities and to the P2P payment app that you used. You may also be able to get a refund from your credit card company.

See Scam and Fraud Protection for 2023 for more information and make sure to Sign Up for our Scam Prevention Newsletter.