Holiday Scam Targets Amazon Shoppers

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- With the holidays coming, it's the perfect time of year for the latest scam.

It targets people who have ordered something on Amazon.

"So many people right now are using Amazon," said consumer advocate Mary Bach of Murrysville.

So many people are using Amazon that, for scammers randomly sending out an email, the chances are very good that they're actually going to get some people who have ordered via Amazon.

The email instills a little nervous twinge if you're counting on a certain gift.

"The email says basically that there is a problem in processing a specific order," said Bach.

The scammer gets you when you take the next step.

"They then need to click on to a specific link which is in the email, and that's where the problem is."

The phony link asks for credit card or bank account information, and when you're done: "Then they somehow are linked and allow you to go back to the actual Amazon homepage or webpage."

Join The Conversation On The KDKA Facebook Page
Stay Up To Date, Follow KDKA On Twitter

So victims may not realize there's anything wrong until scammers use their information to steal from them.

Bach says there are some red flags.

First, don't click on a link in an email like this, instead, she says: "Go back to the original Amazon site. Your original order and follow the directions on their site for checking on your particular order."

She also says make sure you're dealing with a site that has http-"s" at the beginning of the address.

"Because that means that it is a secure site."

Amazon has a section of its site dedicated to helping you avoid scams.

AARP has written about this particular scam, and Bach is involved with that group.

She encourages consumers with questions to call AARP's Fraud Fighter Call Center at: 1-877-908-3360.

Read more
f

We and our partners use cookies to understand how you use our site, improve your experience and serve you personalized content and advertising. Read about how we use cookies in our cookie policy and how you can control them by clicking Manage Settings. By continuing to use this site, you accept these cookies.