Amazon shoppers across the United Kingdom have been issued a stark warning about a sophisticated product recall scam that is currently targeting customers. Consumer champion Which? has revealed that individuals are receiving fraudulent text messages that falsely claim to originate from Amazon, alerting them to bogus product recalls.
How the Scam Operates
The scam involves text messages sent from what appears to be a UK mobile number, although experts caution that this number is likely spoofed to mimic legitimacy. These messages allege that a product purchased by the customer is being recalled due to safety concerns, creating a sense of urgency.
Recipients are instructed to stop using the product immediately and are provided with a link to click for a full refund. Which? analysed one such link and discovered it directs users to a fake website that closely replicates Amazon's official branding and login page design.
Dangers of the Phishing Site
Upon visiting the fraudulent site, customers are prompted to enter their Amazon login details, such as email addresses or phone numbers. The site even offers an option to create a new account for those unfamiliar with Amazon, further enhancing its deceptive appearance.
Which? emphasised that once scammers obtain these personal details, they can exploit them for future fraudulent activities. The website was only registered recently, highlighting the evolving nature of this threat.
Response from Authorities and Amazon
Which? has reported the scam website to the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and shared the dodgy link with Amazon. Amazon confirmed the website was fake and issued a statement warning customers about such tactics.
Amazon advised: "Be wary any time someone tries to convince you that you must act now - scammers may try to create a sense of urgency to persuade you to do what they're asking, and they use convincing tactics to reel consumers in." The company encourages consumers to report suspected scams to help protect accounts and refer bad actors to law enforcement.
Expert Recommendations for Protection
Experts at Which? urge the public to approach any emails or text messages claiming to be from Amazon with scepticism. To verify information, customers should directly access their Amazon account through the official website or app, rather than clicking on links in unsolicited messages.
Suspicious messages can be reported to Amazon by forwarding them as an attachment to reportascam@amazon.com. Additionally, to bolster account security, it is recommended to update passwords immediately and ensure that two-factor authentication is enabled on Amazon accounts.
This scam mirrors warnings issued last year by the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC), indicating its spread to the UK market in recent weeks. Consumers are reminded to stay vigilant and protect their personal information from such phishing attempts.
