In response to the surge in impersonation scams, Amazon has sent a warning to all of its users. It has warned its customers that this time of year is when such cons become rife as people part with cash in exchange for Christmas gifts.
WalesOnline explained that an impersonation scam is when a scammer reaches out to you pretending to be someone you trust to get sensitive information like national insurance numbers, bank information, or Amazon account details. According to the international retailer, scammers change tactics quickly to ensure that it's harder for them to be detected.
Now, the company has issued advice so that users can be aware of the scams out there and what to do in a situation where they are potentially being scammed. One scam that has been noted as popular is the 'email attachment scam' in which scammers send emails posing as Amazon and include a PDF attachment stating that your account has been suspended or on hold.
READ MORE: 'Feelings of guilt' we didn't see the Snowdonia crash car of tragic teenagers
READ MORE: What people think about plans to switch school holidays in Wales
These attachments will prompt you to click on a fraudulent link which will then claim to "update your account". According to Amazon, these links lure you to provide personal information, such as payment information or account login credentials.
In cases like these, Amazon strongly advises its users not click on any links or provide any of their information without authenticating the email or verifying the link. In order to do this, users can visit the Message Centre , which displays a log of authentic communications sent from Amazon.
Another scam that is trending, according to Amazon, is the 'Prime membership scam'. These are unexpected calls, texts or emails that refer to a costly membership fee or an issue with your membership. They'll ask you to confirm or cancel the charge.
Furthermore, these scammers try to convince you to provide payment or bank account information in order to reinstate a membership. Amazon has said that they will never ask its users to provide payment information for products or services over the phone.
If a user needs to verity their Prime membership status of make payments, it is advised that they log into their Amazon account and go to 'Your Account'. Overall, Amazon has offered its users five important tips in order to identify a scam and how to keep their 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:
Review the link for misspellings or repeated characters. Legitimate Amazon websites contain " amazon.co.uk " or " amazon.co.uk/support." Go directly to their website when seeking help with Amazon devices/services, orders or to make changes to your account.
5. Verify email senders:
Legitimate Amazon emails contain “@ amazon.co.uk ”. In your web browser, hover over the display name under “From” to see full sender address. Look for misspellings or added or substituted characters. Visit the Message Centre to view authentic messages from Amazon.
Join North Wales Live's WhatsApp community for the latest top stories and breaking news, sent to your phone
![](https://i2-prod.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/article11806006.ece/ALTERNATES/s615/1_WhatsApp.jpg)
North Wales Live is now on WhatsApp and would like to invite YOU to join our community. Through the app, we'll send you the latest breaking news and top stories.
To join our community, you need to already have Whatsapp. Then all you need to do is click this link and select 'Join Community'.
No-one will be able to see who is signed up and no-one can send messages except the North Wales Live Team. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners.
If you don't like the community, you can check out any time you like. To leave, just click on the name at the top of your screen and click 'Exit Group'.
If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.