Stay Safe: 5 Amazon Scams You Must Know About

What You’ll Learn:

• Identify the latest Amazon scams targeting unsuspecting victims.
• Understand how QR code scams work and best practices to avoid them.
• Discover actionable steps to secure your Amazon account against unauthorized access.
• Learn how to protect your personal information from being leaked online.
• Uncover how to spot fake Amazon offers and avoid scams during holiday sales.

Awareness of Viral QR Code Scams on Amazon

Recent trends on platforms like TikTok have brought attention to a particular scam involving QR codes that can lead to significant breaches of personal information. Victims receive an unexpected package containing cheap items, often just a dollar-store makeup brush, and are lured to scan a QR code included in the package. Contrary to popular belief, scanning this code does not instantly compromise the phone; however, it can lead to malicious websites that aim to harvest personal data if users follow through. According to a report by Cybersecurity Ventures, the cost of cybercrime could reach $10.5 trillion annually by 2025, emphasizing the need for heightened awareness in safeguarding our information.

Understanding the “Page Doesn’t Exist” Scam

The “Page Doesn’t Exist” scam closely follows the QR code scheme, where unsuspecting users are directed to a webpage that mimics the appearance of an authenticated Amazon site. Clicking on a broken link may redirect the user to a fake login page purporting to be Amazon, where they are prompted to enter their login credentials. If two-factor authentication isn’t enabled, this can lead to unauthorized access to their accounts. It’s crucial to understand that recovering from such breaches can be complicated and it happens much more often than you’d think. In fact, an estimated 30% of Amazon users do not take basic security measures to protect their accounts.

The Gift or Survey Scam

Another prevalent scam involves users seeing promotions claiming they have won a gift card or monetary prize in exchange for completing surveys. This offers fraudulent social proof; they see comments from supposed winners, making it appear legitimate. However, these surveys harvest personal data like email addresses and phone numbers, placing victims on databases that are often sold to malicious actors. Victims may subsequently face persistent unsolicited communications or be targeted with follow-up scams.

Recognizing the Brushing Scam

The brushing scam involves the delivery of unordered merchandise to victims. Scammers send random items to users’ addresses to create the illusion of legitimate sales, thus allowing them to leave fake positive reviews for their products. This not only diminishes the credibility of authentic reviews on platforms like Amazon but also reveals that the victim’s personal information is compromised. In 2022, a study showed that over 40% of online shoppers had been affected by this type of scam.

Protecting Yourself from Amazon Scams

Securing your Amazon account and personal information is essential to prevent these scams from taking a toll on your finances. Here are practical steps to enhance your online security:

1. Remove Your Personal Data from Broker Websites: Regularly search for your name on data broker websites and initiate the removal process to limit exposure. Alternatively, consider using a service like DeleteMe to automate the removal process from over 750 data brokers.

2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication on Your Amazon Account: By doing this, you add an essential layer of security that requires a second form of verification before logging in. Access this via your account settings under “Login & Security.”

3. Exercise Caution with Unfamiliar Packages: If you receive something you didn’t order, be suspicious. Research the source and never scan suspicious QR codes or click on unverified links.

4. Use Virtual or Prepaid Credit Cards: This helps limit any unauthorized charges if a scammer gains access to your account. You can set spending limits, protecting your primary financial information.

5. Be Wary of Promotions and Offers: Always scrutinize promotional emails, especially during major sales events. Look for subtle discrepancies in URLs and be cautious of too-good-to-be-true offers.

6. Download Security Tools: Consider using browser extensions like FakeSpot to verify the legitimacy of product reviews. This tool can help you filter through deceptive or fraudulent listings.

So in summary, staying informed about the current scams can significantly help in protecting your financial health. Implementing strong security practices like two-factor authentication, limiting data exposure, and exercising caution can go a long way in keeping your Amazon account safe.

Checklist

• How to remove personal data from data broker websites.
• Always enable two-factor authentication on your Amazon account.
• Use virtual or prepaid credit cards for online shopping.
• Scrutinize URLs to avoid phishing attempts.

FAQ

How can I identify a QR code scam on Amazon?
You can identify a QR code scam by knowing that unexpected packages should raise red flags. Legitimate Amazon communications will not typically request scanning unverified QR codes. Always verify the source of any package you didn’t order and refrain from interactions that seem dubious.

What should I do if I have been a victim of an Amazon scam?
If you’ve been scammed, immediately change your Amazon password and enable two-factor authentication if you haven’t already. Monitor your bank statements for any unauthorized transactions and report the scam to Amazon’s customer service and local authorities if necessary.

Are Amazon gift card scams common?
Yes, Amazon gift card scams are common. These scams often utilize fake promotions asking for personal information or funds to claim a supposed prize. It’s important to approach these offers skeptically, and never provide sensitive information in exchange for gifts.

What are some signs of a brushing scam?
Signs of a brushing scam include receiving unsolicited items, especially when you haven’t placed an order. If you notice unfamiliar packages at your address, be vigilant, as your information could be compromised.

Is Two-Factor Authentication enough to secure my Amazon account?
While two-factor authentication significantly bolsters your account’s security, it’s not a catch-all solution. It should be combined with strong passwords, awareness of phishing attempts, and monitoring your account activity regularly.

How can I report a suspicious Amazon seller?
You can report a suspicious seller by navigating to their profile on Amazon and selecting the option to report them for various issues, including scams. Providing detailed information on your experience can help Amazon take appropriate action against fraudulent sellers.

How can I identify a QR code scam on Amazon?
You can identify a QR code scam by knowing that unexpected packages should raise red flags. Legitimate Amazon communications will not typically request scanning unverified QR codes. Always verify the source of any package you didn’t order and refrain from interactions that seem dubious.

What should I do if I have been a victim of an Amazon scam?
If you’ve been scammed, immediately change your Amazon password and enable two-factor authentication if you haven’t already. Monitor your bank statements for any unauthorized transactions and report the scam to Amazon’s customer service and local authorities if necessary.

Are Amazon gift card scams common?
Yes, Amazon gift card scams are common. These scams often utilize fake promotions asking for personal information or funds to claim a supposed prize. It’s important to approach these offers skeptically, and never provide sensitive information in exchange for gifts.

What are some signs of a brushing scam?
Signs of a brushing scam include receiving unsolicited items, especially when you haven’t placed an order. If you notice unfamiliar packages at your address, be vigilant, as your information could be compromised.

Is Two-Factor Authentication enough to secure my Amazon account?
While two-factor authentication significantly bolsters your account’s security, it’s not a catch-all solution. It should be combined with strong passwords, awareness of phishing attempts, and monitoring your account activity regularly.

How can I report a suspicious Amazon seller?
You can report a suspicious seller by navigating to their profile on Amazon and selecting the option to report them for various issues, including scams. Providing detailed information on your experience can help Amazon take appropriate action against fraudulent sellers.