UK Amazon shoppers are being warned to stay vigilant as a new wave of phishing emails targets customers, particularly during the busy summer shopping period. The emails claim that unusual activity has been detected on accounts and urge recipients to click a link to restore access. Amazon has reminded customers to be cautious of fraudulent messages impersonating the company.
What the Scam Email Says
The scam email reads: "We have detected unusual activity on your account. For your security, we have temporarily limited access to your account. Please verify your identity to restore full access." At first glance, the email appears convincing, featuring official Amazon branding and a sender address that looks legitimate. However, clicking the embedded link leads to a fake login page designed to steal account credentials and other sensitive information.
Amazon's Warning
Amazon stated, "Big shopping moments attract big crowds, and they're also when staying alert to bad actor activity matters. Scammers use every channel—email, phone calls, social media and text messages—to impersonate trusted brands, particularly during busy shopping periods." The company stresses that it will never ask customers to provide sensitive information outside its official website or app.
How to Protect Yourself
If you receive an unexpected email, text message or phone call claiming to be from Amazon, avoid clicking links, downloading attachments or sharing personal information until you've confirmed it's legitimate. To verify any claims, sign in to your Amazon account and check the "Your Orders" section on the official website or in the Amazon Shopping app. Genuine purchases and account notifications will always appear there.
Reporting Scams
If you believe you've received a scam message, you can report it using Amazon's self-service reporting tool. Contact Amazon Customer Service directly, but never use the phone number or links included in a suspicious email or text. Stay alert and protect your personal information.
