If you receive an email update on an order from Amazon that you did not place, beware; it’s likely an attempt to steal your credit card information. Unlike emails from Nigerian royalty and other obvious scams, this fraudulent email contains none of the telltale spelling or grammatical mistakes. It’s not yet filtered by Microsoft and spam protection software. It is a new and sophisticated financial fraud threat.  The fake Amazon Prime email order is billed to you but shipped to a strange name and address unfamiliar to you. A toll-free number is provided.
“Thank you for calling Amazon,” says the person who answers and gives you his name. ”How may I help you today.” (Listen to a fake Amazon rep)
This is where the sophistication of the fraudsters is most frightening. With the din of a call center in the background, the fake Amazon representative never asks you for your account password after you explain why you are calling. Adding credibility, the fake rep tells you to check your email because he is sending you a one-time password. Even a skeptic now is likely to believe this is a real Amazon representative! The fake Amazon rep is careful never to ask for your full credit card numbers but eventually connects you to another department to cancel the fake order. To be clear, the fake email and fake representative was all a setup. The final stage of the fraud is still yet to come. To generate the one-time password, the fake Amazon rep simply used your email address to request a new password for your Amazon account. That generates an email to you, but makes it seem legitimately sent by the fake Amazon rep you are talking to. In this case, the bad guys hung up the phone after questions about their location and verifying their identity, but it’s easy to see how many consumers could fall victim to this scam. Please let us know if you would like to receive alerts about online financial fraud. Nothing contained herein is to be considered a solicitation, research material, an investment recommendation, or advice of any kind, and it is subject to change without notice. It does not take into account your investment objectives, financial or tax situation, or particular needs. Product suitability must be independently determined for each individual investor. Tax advice always depends on your particular personal situation and preferences. The material represents an assessment of financial, economic and tax law at a specific point in time and is not intended to be a forecast of future events or a guarantee of future results. Forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties. Actual results, performance, or achievements may differ materially from those expressed or implied. Information is based on data gathered from what we believe are reliable sources. It is not guaranteed as to accuracy, does not purport to be complete, and is not intended to be used as a primary basis for investment decisions. Any investments or strategies referenced herein do not take into account the investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs of any specific person. The material represents an assessment of financial, economic and tax law at a specific point in time and is not a guarantee of future results. |