Amazon Warns 200 Million Prime Members of Surging Scams Ahead of Prime Day
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Amazon urges shoppers to delete suspicious emails and texts ahead of its July 8–11 Prime Day sale.
Amazon is cautioning its 200 million Prime members about a sharp rise in cyber scams as the retailer prepares for its four-day Prime Day event starting July 8. With global sales expected to break records, fraudsters are exploiting the shopping frenzy by impersonating Amazon to steal account credentials and payment details.
Scam Tactics on the Rise
Impersonation scams surged by 80% during Prime Day 2023 and are escalating again in 2024. Cybercriminals deploy phishing emails, fake texts, and urgent calls warning of account lockouts or unauthorized charges. These messages often include malicious links or request sensitive data like passwords, gift card codes, or one-time passcodes—a tactic Amazon never uses.
Key Stats:
- Over 55,000 phishing websites and 12,000 fraudulent phone numbers were shut down by Amazon in 2023.
- 94% of scams globally involve fake emails, texts, or calls, with two-thirds posing as account issues.
- Payment fraud now accounts for 38% of reported cases, surpassing account-access scams.
Amazon advises verifying messages through its official app or website to avoid scams.
How to Spot Fake Messages
- Check Sender Details: Legitimate Amazon emails come from @amazon.com. Hover over the sender’s address to spot misspellings or odd characters.
- Use Amazon’s Message Center: All official communications appear under “Your Account” > “Message Center.”
- Avoid Urgency Traps: Scammers pressure users to act fast. Amazon warns, “Count to ten before reacting.”
Prime Day 2024 Details
The sales event spans 26 countries, including new additions Ireland and Colombia. Last year, Prime members saved 10 million delivery trips in the U.S. alone by consolidating orders.
Amazon’s Safety Tips
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Adds an extra security layer.
- Shop Directly via Amazon: Items marked “Ships from and sold by Amazon.com” reduce the risk of counterfeit products and delivery scams.
- Report Suspicious Activity: Use Amazon’s Help Center or self-reporting tool.
Fraudsters increasingly target payment details during high-sales events like Prime Day.
Recent Scam Trends
- Social Media Impersonation: Fake accounts respond to customer complaints, urging users to click links or switch to private chats. Amazon noted a 33% rise in such scams since late 2023.
- Membership Renewal Scams: Fraudulent messages claim Prime memberships are expiring, redirecting users to phony payment pages.
Final Reminders
Amazon reiterates: “We’ll never ask for passwords or sensitive info via email, text, or call.” Stay vigilant by:
- Ignoring unsolicited messages.
- Avoiding reused passwords.
- Checking order updates in your account, not via links.
“As deals drop, guards shouldn’t,” an Amazon spokesperson warned. Verify sources, think before clicking, and prioritize security this Prime Day.
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