Sadly, scammers are always on the prowl, and it is important to remain vigilant to avoid becoming the next victim. A scam currently circulating uses the name of the popular e-commerce and delivery organisation, Amazon, to add legitimacy to its fraudulent claims.
While the scam itself can vary, a recent call has claimed ‘Amazon’ has tried to provide individuals with a refund of £95 for an Amazon Prime subscription fee.
The call then states there has been an accident and the refund has instead totalled £9,500.
To rectify the issue, people are encouraged to press one on their receiver to speak to a supposed operator.
Ian Harrison, trading standards and licensing manager at Hartlepool Council, told The Northern Echo scammers are coming up with increasingly deceptive techniques.
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They could find their bank account wiped of their hard-earned money, or discover their identity has been used for fraud.
Amazon UK has said anyone who receives a suspicious call, text or email should “report it immediately”.
The legitimate organisation has said it will never ask people for personal information, not will they ask for a payment or offer a refund one does not expect.
Similarly, the real Amazon will never ask for remote access to a person’s device.
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@ThisisCourt0824 remarked: “These scam Amazon calls are literally the worst today. We’re at 10 so far.”
While @mtalkntau alerted people to the fact the scam is even being used in the United States, and wrote: “I have received seven Amazon calls in an hour.
“Seniors, please be careful of scam calls. Do not give any personal information over the phone.”
People can report scams to Action Fraud, or Police Scotland as soon as they come across them.
If individuals feel they have fallen victim, it is generally encouraged they contact their bank straight away.
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