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Amazon Customer Service Scam Grows 94% in Washington State YOY

Amazon Headquarters may be located in Seattle, but it definitely doesn’t give Washington state immunity from falling victim to the Amazon Customer Service Scam. With over 300 million customers accounts for the picking, Washington state customers alone have seen a 94% increase in the scam since last year.

Scammers are actively calling Amazon sellers to access their personal accounts. Sellers are asked to log into a fake site with their username and password. This then gives scammers access to their information and account. Scammers will have the ability to damage the seller’s name and reputation by listing fake products, changing their existing offers, and transferring payments to their own accounts.

As for customers, they are receiving fraudulent emails from Amazon Customer Service. Amazon customers will receive an email notifying them of questionable Amazon login activity. The email requests that they call an 800 number to reset their account. When the victim calls the number, the scammer directs them to a fraudulent website. The customer is then asked to enter their email address, a code provided in the email, and their Amazon login credentials. Unfortunately, this provides scammers access to the victim’s account, giving them the ability to make fraudulent charges and access to personal information.

Customers should also watch out for Google and Bing search results pulling up fake Amazon customer support phone numbers. When the victim calls the “so-called legitimate toll-free number”, a scammer claims to be an Amazon Customer Service agent. Similar to the fraudulent email scam, they will direct the customer to a malicious website and request they enter their email address, provided code, and Amazon login credentials.  Once again, the scammer now has access to the victim’s account and personal information.

Based on data Hiya analyzed of consumers affected by the scam in Washington state, we have identified the top area codes being targeted by the Amazon Customer Service Scam:

  1. Seattle (206)
  2. Vancouver (360)
  3. Bellevue (425)
  4. Tacoma (253)

Avoid Becoming A Scammers Next Victim

Here are a few tricks and tips to help you from becoming a victim of any of these Amazon scams:
•Confirm that you are calling a legitimate Amazon number
•If you receive an unexpected call from Amazon requesting personal information, do not give out your Amazon password, credit card number, or financial information.
•If you receive an unsolicited email, do not reply with personal information.
• Never use Amazon.com Gift Cards for payment outside of Amazon.
•Do not provide any gift card details (like the claim code) to anyone you do not know or trust.
•Avoid payment requests for Amazon.com Gift Card claim codes.
•Avoid payment requests to guarantee transactions.
• Avoid offers that seem too good to be true.

Author Hiya Team