Fraudsters are continuing to target unsuspecting members of the public using Amazon Prime scam calls.
The scam, which we first reported on in November, involves victims receiving an automated call, informing them that they have been charged for an Amazon Prime subscription.
They are subsequently instructed to ‘press 1’ to cancel the transaction. When they do this, they are directed to a fraudster posing as an Amazon customer service representative.
The fraudster advises the victim that their subscription was purchased fraudulently and that remote access to their computer is required in order to fix a security flaw that will prevent it from reoccurring.
The victim is asked to download a remote access application, often the ‘Team Viewer’ app, which grants the fraudster access to their computer.
The Team Viewer software is then misused by the criminal to monitor the victim logging onto their online bank account, which allows the fraudster to see the victim’s personal and financial details.
Other variants of the crime involve fraudsters stating that the recipient is eligible for a refund for an unauthorised transaction on their Amazon account.
In the last few days, one victim was scammed out of all their savings after receiving the scam phone call and is very unlikely to get any of their money back.
Sarah Burrows the daughter of the victim posted a message on Facebook urging people to “warn your parents and family members of this scam, they are making so much money targeting pensioners who are trying to protect what bit they have.”
Take steps to protect yourself
Personal information
Always question uninvited approaches in case it’s a scam. Instead, contact the company directly using a known email or phone number.
Stay in control
Have the confidence to refuse unusual requests for personal or financial information. It’s easy to feel embarrassed when faced with unexpected or complex conversations. But it’s fine to stop the discussion if you do not feel in control of it.
Remote access
Never install any software or visit a website as a result of a cold call. Unsolicited requests for remote access to your computer should always raise a red flag.
Remember, if you have been a victim of fraud or cyber crime, report it to Action Fraud online or by calling 0300 123 2040.
