Amazon Big Spring Sale Alert—3 Scams To Watch Out For
As the annual Amazon Big Spring Sale approaches, Amazon users should be on high alert for a surge in scams designed to take advantage of unsuspecting consumers. With the constant press surrounding this year's sale, scammers are likely to target shoppers with phishing campaigns and other tactics aimed at stealing sensitive information.
The Three Most Popular Scams You Need to Watch Out For
According to Marc Porcar, CEO of QR Code Generator, scammers will be taking advantage of the excitement surrounding Amazon's Big Spring Sale. "While Amazon's Big Spring Sale is set to offer great discounts on hundreds of products," he warned, "scammers will take it as an opportunity to take advantage of unsuspecting consumers." Here are three scams to watch out for during this year's sale:
Scam #1: Phishing Campaigns
Phishing campaigns are opportunistic and can be triggered by any number of factors, including media coverage of a particular event or product. Scammers will use these campaigns to send out emails or texts that appear to be from Amazon, but actually contain malware or phishing links designed to steal sensitive information.
"If you receive one of these messages," said Porcar, "don't engage with it. Instead, go directly to the Amazon app or website to check the status of your account." This is a crucial step in protecting yourself from phishing scams and ensuring that you are shopping safely during the Big Spring Sale.
Scam #2: Ransomware Attacks
Ransomware attacks are becoming increasingly common, and scammers will likely use these tactics to target Amazon shoppers during this year's sale. These attacks involve hackers gaining access to your account and demanding payment in exchange for restoring access to your account.
A Word of Caution
"Recovery from ransomware attacks is often impossible without payment," said Porcar. "It's essential to prioritize your online security during the Big Spring Sale." To avoid falling victim to these scams, make sure to keep your passwords and other sensitive information safe.
Scam #3: Fake Account Takeover
Sophisticated hackers may try to take over your Amazon account by using various tactics, including phishing emails or texts. These scammers can then use your account to make purchases, sell items, and even steal sensitive information.
Protecting Yourself During the Big Spring Sale
To avoid falling victim to these scams, follow a few simple steps:
- Always check the sender of any email or text you receive before engaging with it. Scammers often use fake email addresses and phone numbers that appear legitimate.
- Never share sensitive information via phone, text, or email, even if it appears to be from Amazon. Instead, go directly to the Amazon app or website to check the status of your account.
- Keep your passwords and other sensitive information safe. Use strong, unique passwords and consider using a password manager to protect yourself.
"We will continue to invest in protecting consumers and educating the public on scam avoidance," said an Amazon spokesperson. "If you suspect that your account has been compromised or if you receive a suspicious message from someone claiming to be from Amazon, please report it to us immediately so we can protect your accounts and refer bad actors to law enforcement." For more information on how to identify scams and report them, visit Amazon's help pages at amazon.co.uk/ReportAScam.