Money-saving expert Martin Lewis has issued a stark warning after he was 'nearly caught' by a scammer impersonating Amazon on WhatsApp. The founder of MoneySavingExpert.com took to social media to describe how he was targeted while rushed between recording podcasts.
How the Scam Unfolded
Lewis explained on X (formerly Twitter) that he received a WhatsApp call from someone claiming to be from Amazon. The caller asked if he had ordered a new iPhone, citing suspected fraud. When Lewis said no, the scammer said he would cancel the order and sent a six-digit code to reply to.
'I was feeling rushed and pressured, as the team needed to record, but finally enough of my brain turned onto the call and alarm bells started,' Lewis wrote. He asked to verify the call's legitimacy, but the scammer became pushy, threatening to let the iPhone ship if he didn't comply.
Red Flags and Realisation
Lewis noted the inconsistency: 'Why would he want to risk sending a high value item, if the customer says it wasn't ordered?' While still on the call, he searched the phone number and confirmed it was a recognised 'Amazon scam number.' He concluded that replying with the code would have led to further requests for personal data.
'Clearly, had I replied with the code he'd sent he would have then asked for further details and that would've started the data mine,' he said. By answering the call, he inadvertently confirmed his number was active, which may lead to more scam attempts.
Warning to the Public
'Scams can happen to anyone! I nearly got caught by one yesterday,' Lewis wrote. He emphasised how sophisticated and plausible the scam was, and how being distracted made him vulnerable. 'Catch someone at the wrong time, when they're not paying attention, and anyone can be caught out!'
This incident follows Lewis's recent statement confirming he would not stand in the Clacton by-election, despite suggestions he could challenge Reform UK leader Nigel Farage. He called the idea 'flattering' but said he would rather have 'month-long un-anesthetised root canal work than get engaged in party politics.'
