Amazon customers across the UK are being urged to stay vigilant following a serious alert about a sophisticated postal scam. Consumer champion Which? has issued a stark warning that fraudulent letters, designed to look like official Amazon communications, are being posted through doors.
How the Amazon Impersonation Scam Works
The scam involves a postcard that appears legitimate, often bearing Amazon branding and even the recipient's stamped address. The card promotes a fake 'Amazon Early Reviewer Program', which actually concluded in 2021. It encourages people to scan a QR code with a phone or tablet to claim a free product.
Scanning the code directs victims to a malicious website. This site can harvest personal information, financial details, or even install malware on the device. The instructions then ask the person to purchase the item and subsequently email a private Gmail or Outlook address to receive a refund, handing over even more data to the criminals.
Official Response and Red Flags
Amazon has confirmed these postcards are fraudulent. A company spokesperson stated: "Scammers that attempt to impersonate Amazon put consumers at risk... This is not an Amazon offer." The retail giant encourages reporting suspected scams directly to them for investigation and law enforcement referral.
Which? experts highlight that these scams can lead to phishing attempts, account takeover, or refund fraud. To protect yourself, be aware of these key warning signs:
- Urgent requests for payment or details: Pressure to act quickly, like verifying bank details due to 'fraud', is a major red flag.
- Requests for personal information: Legitimate companies won't ask for sensitive data via unsolicited postcards.
- Alternative payment methods: Being asked to pay outside Amazon's official system or via gift cards is a hallmark of scams.
- Unexpected orders: Receiving items you didn't buy, known as 'brushing', is another scam tactic used to boost seller ratings.
What to Do If You're Targeted
If you receive one of these postcards, do not scan the QR code or follow any instructions. Report it to Amazon immediately. Should you fall victim and lose money, contact your bank straight away using the number on the back of your card.
You should also report the fraud to the national reporting centre, Report Fraud (formerly Action Fraud). In Scotland, contact Police Scotland on 101. Staying informed and sceptical of too-good-to-be-true offers, especially during the busy festive period, is your best defence against these evolving threats.
