Amazon ‘Your Order Has Been Placed’ Phishing Scam [Explained]

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Written by: Stelian Pilici

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Online scams have become increasingly prevalent in recent years, with cybercriminals constantly devising new methods to deceive unsuspecting individuals. One such scam that has gained significant attention is the Amazon ‘Your Order Has Been Placed’ phishing scam. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of this scam, including what it is, how it works, what to do if you have fallen victim, technical details, and relevant statistics.

Scams

What is the Amazon ‘Your Order Has Been Placed’ Phishing Scam?

The Amazon ‘Your Order Has Been Placed’ phishing scam is a fraudulent scheme that aims to trick Amazon customers into revealing their personal and financial information. Cybercriminals send out emails or text messages that appear to be from Amazon, notifying recipients that their order has been successfully placed. The message typically includes a link or attachment that the recipient is instructed to click on for more details.

However, these emails or text messages are not legitimate and are designed to deceive users into providing sensitive information, such as their Amazon account credentials, credit card details, or other personal data. The scammers then use this information for various malicious purposes, including identity theft, financial fraud, or unauthorized access to the victim’s accounts.

How Does the Scam Work?

The Amazon ‘Your Order Has Been Placed’ phishing scam relies on social engineering techniques to manipulate users into taking action. Here is a step-by-step breakdown of how the scam typically unfolds:

  1. The scammer sends out a large number of emails or text messages that appear to be from Amazon, using spoofed email addresses or phone numbers to make them seem legitimate.
  2. The message informs the recipient that their order has been placed and provides a link or attachment for more information.
  3. When the recipient clicks on the link or opens the attachment, they are directed to a fake Amazon login page or a malicious website that mimics the Amazon website.
  4. The victim is prompted to enter their Amazon account credentials, credit card information, or other personal details.
  5. Once the victim submits their information, it is captured by the scammers, who can then use it for fraudulent activities.

It is important to note that these phishing emails or text messages often contain convincing elements, such as Amazon logos, branding, and formatting, making it difficult for users to distinguish them from genuine communications.

What to Do If You Have Fallen Victim?

If you have fallen victim to the Amazon ‘Your Order Has Been Placed’ phishing scam, it is crucial to take immediate action to minimize the potential damage. Here are the steps you should follow:

  1. Change your Amazon account password: Access your Amazon account settings and change your password to prevent further unauthorized access.
  2. Contact Amazon: Report the incident to Amazon’s customer support and provide them with all the relevant details. They can assist you in securing your account and provide guidance on any further actions.
  3. Monitor your accounts: Keep a close eye on your bank and credit card statements for any suspicious transactions. If you notice any unauthorized activity, contact your financial institution immediately.
  4. Scan your device for malware: Run a scan with a reputable antivirus or anti-malware software, such as Malwarebytes Free, to ensure that your device is not infected with any malicious software.
  5. Enable two-factor authentication: Enable two-factor authentication for your Amazon account and any other online accounts that offer this security feature. This adds an extra layer of protection by requiring a verification code in addition to your password.

Technical Details of the Scam

The Amazon ‘Your Order Has Been Placed’ phishing scam utilizes various technical tactics to deceive users and evade detection. Here are some key technical details:

  • Email spoofing: Scammers often use email spoofing techniques to make their messages appear as if they are coming from a legitimate Amazon email address. This can trick users into believing that the communication is genuine.
  • Phishing websites: The scammers create fake websites that closely resemble the official Amazon website. These websites are designed to capture users’ login credentials and other personal information.
  • Malicious attachments: Some versions of the scam involve sending malicious attachments, such as PDFs or Word documents, that contain malware. When opened, these attachments can infect the victim’s device.
  • Social engineering: The scammers employ psychological manipulation techniques to exploit human vulnerabilities and convince users to take the desired action, such as clicking on a link or providing personal information.

Statistics on Phishing Scams

Phishing scams, including the Amazon ‘Your Order Has Been Placed’ phishing scam, continue to pose a significant threat to individuals and organizations worldwide. Here are some eye-opening statistics:

  • According to the Anti-Phishing Working Group (APWG), there were over 241,324 unique phishing attacks reported in the first quarter of 2022 alone.
  • In 2021, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) received over 241,342 complaints related to phishing scams, resulting in losses exceeding $54 million.
  • A study conducted by Verizon found that 36% of data breaches involved phishing attacks.
  • Phishing attacks targeting e-commerce platforms, such as Amazon, accounted for a significant portion of all phishing attempts.

Summary

The Amazon ‘Your Order Has Been Placed’ phishing scam is a deceptive scheme that aims to trick Amazon customers into revealing their personal and financial information. Cybercriminals send out fraudulent emails or text messages that appear to be from Amazon, luring recipients into clicking on malicious links or attachments. If you have fallen victim to this scam, it is crucial to take immediate action by changing your password, contacting Amazon, monitoring your accounts, scanning your device for malware, and enabling two-factor authentication. Phishing scams, including this particular one, continue to be a significant threat, and it is essential to stay vigilant and educate oneself about the latest tactics employed by cybercriminals.

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.

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    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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