Fake Amazon Prime Subscriptions Scam Phone Calls [Explained]

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Written by: Stelian Pilici

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Scams have become increasingly prevalent in today’s digital age, with scammers constantly finding new ways to exploit unsuspecting individuals. One such scam that has gained significant attention in recent years is the fake Amazon Prime subscriptions scam phone calls. These fraudulent calls aim to deceive Amazon Prime users into providing their personal and financial information, ultimately leading to identity theft and financial loss. In this article, we will look into what these scams are, how they work, what to do if you have fallen victim, technical details, and statistics to support our points.

Scams

What are Fake Amazon Prime Subscriptions Scam Phone Calls?

The fake Amazon Prime subscription phone calls involve scammers posing as Amazon representatives and contacting unsuspecting individuals via phone. These scammers claim that the individual’s Amazon Prime subscription is expiring or has been compromised, and they need to provide personal and financial information to resolve the issue. The scammers often use fear tactics, such as threatening to cancel the subscription or charge exorbitant fees, to pressure the victims into complying.

How the Scam Works

The fake Amazon Prime subscriptions scam phone calls typically follow a similar pattern. Here is a step-by-step breakdown of how the scam works:

  1. The scammer initiates the call, posing as an Amazon representative.
  2. They inform the victim that their Amazon Prime subscription is expiring or has been compromised.
  3. The scammer creates a sense of urgency and fear by threatening to cancel the subscription or charge excessive fees.
  4. They request personal and financial information from the victim, such as their name, address, credit card details, and social security number.
  5. The victim, fearing the consequences, provides the requested information.
  6. The scammer then uses the obtained information for identity theft or to make unauthorized purchases.

It is important to note that Amazon does not make unsolicited calls to customers regarding their Prime subscriptions. Therefore, any call claiming to be from Amazon regarding subscription issues should be treated with suspicion.

What to Do If You Have Fallen Victim

If you have fallen victim to a fake Amazon Prime subscriptions scam phone call, it is crucial to take immediate action to minimize the potential damage. Here are the steps you should follow:

  1. Contact your bank or credit card company to report the unauthorized charges and request a freeze on your account.
  2. Change your passwords for all online accounts, especially those associated with your financial information.
  3. Monitor your bank and credit card statements closely for any suspicious activity.
  4. Consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze on your credit reports to prevent further unauthorized activity.
  5. Report the scam to your local law enforcement agency and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
  6. Inform Amazon about the scam call by contacting their customer support.

By taking these steps promptly, you can mitigate the potential damage caused by the scam and protect yourself from further fraudulent activity.

Technical Details of the Scam

The fake Amazon Prime subscriptions scam phone calls rely on various techniques to deceive their victims. Here are some technical details of the scam:

  • Caller ID Spoofing: Scammers often use caller ID spoofing to make it appear as if the call is coming from a legitimate Amazon phone number. This tactic aims to gain the victim’s trust and make the call seem more credible.
  • Social Engineering: The scammers employ social engineering techniques to manipulate the victim’s emotions and coerce them into providing sensitive information. They create a sense of urgency, fear, or confusion to increase the chances of success.
  • VoIP Technology: Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology allows scammers to make calls over the internet, making it easier for them to hide their true identity and location.

These technical aspects of the scam contribute to its effectiveness and make it challenging for victims to identify the fraudulent nature of the calls.

Statistics on Fake Amazon Prime Subscriptions Scam Phone Calls

The prevalence of fake Amazon Prime subscriptions scam phone calls is alarming. Here are some statistics that shed light on the scale of this scam:

  • In 2020, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) received over 35,000 reports of Amazon-related scams, including fake Prime subscription calls.
  • According to the FTC, victims reported losses totaling more than $11 million due to Amazon-related scams in 2020.
  • A survey conducted by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) found that 64% of respondents received scam calls impersonating Amazon.
  • The BBB also reported a significant increase in scam calls during the COVID-19 pandemic, with scammers taking advantage of the increased reliance on online shopping and services.

These statistics highlight the need for increased awareness and vigilance to protect oneself from falling victim to these scams.

Conclusion

Fake Amazon Prime subscriptions scam phone calls pose a significant threat to individuals’ personal and financial security. By understanding how these scams work, what to do if you have fallen victim, and the technical details behind them, you can better protect yourself from becoming a target. Remember, Amazon does not make unsolicited calls regarding Prime subscriptions, so any such call should be treated with suspicion. Stay informed, stay vigilant, and report any suspicious activity to the appropriate authorities. Together, we can combat these scams and create a safer digital environment.

How to Stay Safe Online

Here are 10 basic security tips to help you avoid malware and protect your device:

  1. Use a good antivirus and keep it up-to-date.

    Shield Guide

    It's essential to use a good quality antivirus and keep it up-to-date to stay ahead of the latest cyber threats. We are huge fans of Malwarebytes Premium and use it on all of our devices, including Windows and Mac computers as well as our mobile devices. Malwarebytes sits beside your traditional antivirus, filling in any gaps in its defenses, and providing extra protection against sneakier security threats.

  2. Keep software and operating systems up-to-date.

    updates-guide

    Keep your operating system and apps up to date. Whenever an update is released for your device, download and install it right away. These updates often include security fixes, vulnerability patches, and other necessary maintenance.

  3. Be careful when installing programs and apps.

    install guide

    Pay close attention to installation screens and license agreements when installing software. Custom or advanced installation options will often disclose any third-party software that is also being installed. Take great care in every stage of the process and make sure you know what it is you're agreeing to before you click "Next."

  4. Install an ad blocker.

    Ad Blocker

    Use a browser-based content blocker, like AdGuard. Content blockers help stop malicious ads, Trojans, phishing, and other undesirable content that an antivirus product alone may not stop.

  5. Be careful what you download.

    Trojan Horse

    A top goal of cybercriminals is to trick you into downloading malware—programs or apps that carry malware or try to steal information. This malware can be disguised as an app: anything from a popular game to something that checks traffic or the weather.

  6. Be alert for people trying to trick you.

    warning sign

    Whether it's your email, phone, messenger, or other applications, always be alert and on guard for someone trying to trick you into clicking on links or replying to messages. Remember that it's easy to spoof phone numbers, so a familiar name or number doesn't make messages more trustworthy.

  7. Back up your data.

    backup sign

    Back up your data frequently and check that your backup data can be restored. You can do this manually on an external HDD/USB stick, or automatically using backup software. This is also the best way to counter ransomware. Never connect the backup drive to a computer if you suspect that the computer is infected with malware.

  8. Choose strong passwords.

    lock sign

    Use strong and unique passwords for each of your accounts. Avoid using personal information or easily guessable words in your passwords. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts whenever possible.

  9. Be careful where you click.

    cursor sign

    Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. These could potentially contain malware or phishing scams.

  10. Don't use pirated software.

    Shady Guide

    Avoid using Peer-to-Peer (P2P) file-sharing programs, keygens, cracks, and other pirated software that can often compromise your data, privacy, or both.

To avoid potential dangers on the internet, it's important to follow these 10 basic safety rules. By doing so, you can protect yourself from many of the unpleasant surprises that can arise when using the web.

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