I keep getting emails, texts, and phone calls that claim to be from Amazon. I know you’re getting them, too.
Here’s one example of a recent robocall message:
“An unauthorized purchase of an iPhone XR 64 gigabytes for $749 is being ordered from your Amazon account. To cancel your order or to connect with one of our customer support representatives, please press one or simply stay on the line.”
Of course, these robocalls, robotexts and phishing email are not from Amazon. They’re from crooks who are trying to scare us into providing them with our personal information.
“That Amazon scam, in particular, is one of the most popular imposter robocall scams that’s happening right now,” said Amy Nofziger with the AARP Fraud Watch Network. “We’ve had victim lose tens of thousands of dollars to that scam.”
Victims often ask how did the scammers know to call them? They really don’t.
“They’re just casting a wide net knowing that many of us, especially during the pandemic, were using Amazon and other services like that to make purchases,” Nofziger said. “So, it’s just all a coincidence. But again, nobody wants to have these significant charges on their account, and we bite into their scam.”
Amazon doesn’t do this. So, if you get one of these alerts – hang up or delete. If you really want to make sure everything’s OK, log into your Amazon account or credit card account and take a look.
The AARP Fraud Watch Network has more information on avoiding robocall scams. If you get a call and don’t know what to do, call the Fraud Watch Network Helpline at 877-908-3360 before you provide an unknown caller with information or money. You do not need to be an AARP member to use this free service.
You can listen to the latest robocalls in your area on AARP Washington’s Tip-Offs to Rip-Offs page.
More Info: Robocalls on the Rise: How You Can Fight Back
