Amazon Warns 220 Million Customers Of Prime Account Attacks
Beware this Prime account attack, Amazon warns customers. In a timely warning to its millions of subscribers, Amazon has issued a stark alert to all 220 million users about the increasing threat of impersonation scams targeting Prime members.
As a seasoned journalist and cybersecurity expert, I can attest that these attacks are becoming more common and sophisticated by the day. In the last four weeks alone, I have been on the sharp end of multiple phone calls and email-based threats, which is why Amazon's warning to its customers comes as no surprise.
Amazon has confirmed that scammers are impersonating the company in a Prime membership scam, using tactics such as fake emails claiming subscription rates are about to rise or asking users to cancel their subscription. These attacks can lead to Prime account credential theft, making it essential for users to be aware of the warning signs.
According to Pieter Arntz, a malware intelligence researcher at Malwarebytes, scammers often use legitimate-looking emails with personal information obtained from other sources to appear legitimate. Amazon has warned its customers that these emails may contain personal details, making them even more convincing.
What Are Amazon Prime Account Impersonation Attacks?
Ambazon has described an impersonation scam as when an attacker pretends to be a trustworthy organization or person in order to steal your money or personal information. These attacks can take various forms, including phone calls, emails, texts, or even social media messages.
The Common Denominator
The common denominator between these attacks is that the threat actor seeks to induce the victim to make a payment or provide Amazon credentials, which can lead to a Prime account takeover and all its associated risks.
How To Mitigate Prime Attacks, According To Amazon
Amanda has issued several recommendations to help users mitigate these attacks, including:
- You can find further advice from Amazon online regarding how it protects customers from scams, along with the best ways to report an attack.
- Check the BBB Scam Tracker database for Amazon attacks. This tool allows you to search by attack type, email, URL, brand, phone number, and more.
- You can also use the BBB Scam Tracker tool to report scam attacks directly to the company.
Awareness is key in preventing these types of attacks. By being vigilant and taking proactive steps, you can protect your Prime account and ensure a safe online experience.