AMAZON Prime users have been issued a “red alert” scam warning – here are FIVE signs to watch out for.
The industry giant has urged shoppers to “be vigilant” as a spate of fraudulent emails sweep the UK.
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Cybercriminals are sending fake messages claiming to be about Amazon Prime membership subscriptions.
But, they’re actually scams intended to access sensitive information and financial details.
An Amazon spokesperson warned customers: “We’ve recently noticed an increase in customers reporting fake emails about Amazon Prime membership subscriptions.
The online retailed added: “We want to help you stay protected by sharing important information about these scams.”
A popular scam email circulating tells shoppers the cost of their Prime subscription has increased.
Users are given the option to click on a “cancel” button, but this is how the fraudsters are able to hack into your personal information.
Amazon warned: “Do not click on any links in these messages.”
If customers are unsure, the safest way to check their Amazon Prime account is through the website Amazon.co.uk directly – or through the verified app.
Click on the Prime option from the main menu to review any renewal dates or plan prices.
Additionally, there’s a Message Centre in the Your Account section that keeps all of your Amazon notifications.
And, if you do fear you’ve been targeted by scammers, it’s wise to keep any eye on any bank transactions.
Contact your bank immediately if you notice anything suspicious.
This comes as new research conducted by McAfee shows the users most at risk and how to stay safe online as scams become increasingly difficult to spot.
According to Abhishek Karnik, the Head of Threat Research at McAfee: “As inflation and tariffs push more people to hunt for deals, scammers are using generative AI to craft scams that are more polished, personal, and persuasive.
“From retailer impersonations to hyper-realistic delivery scams, these threats are getting harder to spot.”
In light of this new growing threat, the cyber security company has shared five red flags to watch out for to help users stay safe online:
- Urgent language demanding immediate action (“Your account will be closed in 24 hours!”).
- Requests for payment via gift cards, wire transfers or cash.
- Claims that you need to “verify” or “legalise” your money.
- Transfers to “goverment agencies” during the same call.
- Pressure to keep the call secret or not hang up.
McAfee also emphasised that Amazon will never call you about suspicious account activity or unauthorised purchases.
Further advice includes, using Amazon’s Message Centre, and never giving personal information, passwords, or payment details over the phone.
Mr Karnik added: “The good news is that the tools to fight back are getting smarter too.
“The best way to stay safe is to pause before you click, trust your instincts, and use AI-powered protection like McAfee’s Scam Detector to stay one step ahead.”
On how to protect your shopping experience, McAfee advised that you enable two-factor authentication on your Amazon account, use strong and unique passwords, and only shop on secure websites.
It also suggests you monitor your bank and credit card statements regularly, never click on suspicious emails, and, most importantly, trust your gut.
McAfee identified older adults as particularly at risk, while platforms like TikTok shop and Instagram Shopping are fast becoming hot spots for scam exposure.
How to protect yourself from fraud
USE the following tips to protect yourself from fraudsters.
- Keep your social media accounts private – Think twice before you your share details – in particular your full date of birth, address and contacts details – all of this information can be useful to fraudsters.
- Deactivate and delete old social media profiles – Keep track of your digital footprint. If a profile was created 10 years ago, there may be personal information currently available for a fraudster to use that you’re are not aware of or you have forgotten about.
- Password protect your devices– Keep passwords complex by picking three random words, such as roverducklemon and add or split them with symbols, numbers and capitals.
- Install anti-virus software on your laptop and personal devices and keep it up to date – This will make it harder for fraudsters to access your data in the first place.
- Take care on public Wi-Fi– Fraudsters can hack or mimic them. If you’re using one, avoid accessing sensitive apps, such as mobile banking.
- Think about your offline information too – Always redirect your post when you move home and make sure your letter or mailbox is secure.
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