I got an email from Amazon about scamming scammers trying to steal our money. Here's some advice from them:
Avoiding Payment Scams:
When in doubt, ask the intended recipient for more information about the purpose and safety of the requested payment. Don't send the payment until you're comfortable with the transaction.
To avoid payment scams:
Don't do business with a seller who directs you away from the Amazon website.
Don't respond to an internet or phone offer that you're not sure is honest.
Don't respond to emails that ask you to provide account information, such as your email address and password combination. Amazon will never ask you for personal information.
Amazon says that fake order confirmations are the most-reported scam. That's when you get unsolicited communications about a purchase you didn’t make, and they ask you to act urgently to confirm the purchase. "When you try to cancel this order by clicking a link or calling the supposed “customer service” number, scammers try to steal your information."
Also good to know, Membership Scams (really for Amazon or any subscription service) usually go this way:
- You get an unexpected call/text/email talking about that refer to a costly membership fee or an issue with your membership and ask you to confirm or cancel the charge. These scammers try to convince you to provide payment or bank account information in order to reinstate a membership.
- Sometimes they say your account is being deleted and the scammer provides a fake link to reinstate your account. They're trying to steal your account info.
The Takeaway:
1) Don't buy anything over the phone. You need to be able to confirm who you're dealing with and over the phone is the worst way.
2) Don't give a stranger your account info, banking info or password. Whether this is over the phone, via text, or via email. Scammers will try to trick you!
3) If the call/ text/ email seems urgent, be HIGHLY SUSPICIOUS. Scammers try to get you off-balance by making things seem ultra pressing.
More info at these links:
1) https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-avoid-scam
2) https://www.fdic.gov/resources/consumers/consumer-news/2021-10.html
3) https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/competition-bureau-canada/en/fraud-and-scams/tips-and-advice/scams-target-canadian-consumers-tips-avoid-being-scammed