Warning as fraudsters pose as Amazon customer service staff in new scam

The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI). warns that people are being contacted with emails and phone calls claiming they have opened an Amazon Prime account.

The scammers then inform the recipient that the account was opened fraudulently through a security flaw on their computer and, posing as Amazon customer service representatives, ask to be given remote access to a user's computer to fix the breach - enabling them to then steal personal information including passwords and bank details.

One email version of the scam also claims the recipient has started an Amazon Music subscription for £28.99 a month and tells them to click a link and enter their bank card details in order to receive a refund, but their details are instead sent straight to the scammers.

Uncovering of the latest scam comes as the Yorkshire Evening Post is raising awareness about fraud, as part of our Stop the Scammers campaign, which aims to educate people on spotting the signs and where support is available if you fall victim to scams.

"Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, people are spending more time at home and more people are using internet platforms for shopping than ever before," she said.

"Phishing scams targeting users of big platforms like Amazon have existed for a long time, but the current crisis has made them more vulnerable.

"Amazon will never cold-call customers, nor ask for remote computer access or payment over the phone.

"Do not give any details to the caller, and always verify directly with Amazon by logging into your official account and contacting customer support.

"Anyone who receives these calls or emails should report them to Action Fraud, or if in Scotland report it to Police Scotland by dialling 101."

CTSI also encouraged anyone who receives what they believe to be a scam email to send it to the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), which launched a scam-reporting service earlier this year.

People can report email scams to the service by forwarding them to [email protected]