According to the Better Business Bureau (BBB), about 50% of people who lose money in online shopping scams do so because the deal seemed irresistible. The problem often arises when you think you’re purchasing from a trusted site, like Amazon, but you’re actually on a fake website designed to look like the real thing.
These fake sites can be deceivingly similar to legitimate ones. Scammers know that if they can create a website that looks just like Amazon or any other well-known retailer, they can trick you into handing over your money. But there are ways to spot these fakes if you know what to look for.
First, closely examine the URL of the site you’re on. Real Amazon’s URL is simple, it’s amazon.com. However, scammers use lookalike URLs which might look convincing at first glance but are actually traps. For legitimate websites, the brand name should be directly followed by .com or whatever the top-level domain (TLD) it is they use. If you see a hyphen, additional words, or anything else between the brand name and the TLD, you’re likely dealing with a scam.
You might wonder how scammers manage to make these fake sites look so real. It turns out there are two main ways. Cybercriminals can buy phishing kits that allow them to replicate the look and feel of popular brands’ websites. These kits are cheap and widely available, making it easy for scammers to create convincing fakes.
Scammers can also purchase domain names that resemble legitimate sites. They can register these names with minimal oversight, which allows them to create URLs that look legitimate but lead you straight into their traps.
The next time you’re shopping online and come across a deal that seems too good to be true, take a moment to scrutinize the URL. Make sure it’s a legitimate site before entering any personal information. In today’s digital age, a little caution can go a long way in protecting yourself from scams.
The brushing scam is a type of fraud where sellers on e-commerce platforms, like Amazon, send unsolicited packages to individuals to create fake positive reviews. People receive packages containing random, inexpensive items they did not order. Scammers use the recipient’s name and address to create fake accounts, making it seem as though the recipient purchased the item. They then write positive reviews under these fake accounts, boosting the product’s ratings and visibility.
This increase in visibility makes the product appear more popular and credible, which in turn increases its sales. Although the recipients of these packages are not directly financially affected, their personal information is being misused, which can be concerning.
A police department in Georgia has reported that some scammers have added a more malicious twist to the brushing scam. According to the Thomasville Police Department, recipients not only receive random, inexpensive items, but also a QR code instructing them to register their new product. Scanning this QR code can download a malware virus onto your phone, giving scammers access to sensitive data stored on your device.
If you receive an unexpected package, think twice before interacting with any included instructions or QR codes. Instead, change your account passwords immediately, as your information may have been compromised. Closely monitor your accounts and credit reports for any suspicious activity. Notify the authorities to report the scam. Lastly, try to inform the retailer about the fraudulent activity.
The brushing scam has plagued Amazon users for some time now. The brushing scam is a fraudulent practice where unscrupulous sellers send unsolicited packages to individuals to manipulate product ratings and reviews on e-commerce platforms, mainly Amazon. These sellers use real individuals’ personal information to place orders for their own products. They then ship low-cost items to the addresses of these unsuspecting recipients.
After the delivery, the seller posts positive reviews under the customer accounts, artificially boosting the product’s ratings and visibility. This scam not only confuses recipients, who receive items they never ordered, but also undermines the integrity of online marketplaces by inflating product ratings and reviews, ultimately deceiving genuine consumers.
Now, along with third-party sellers from Amazon, it appears as if similar sellers from TEMU are getting in on the act. TEMU is an e-commerce platform that connects buyers and sellers globally, offering a wide range of products including electronics, fashion, home goods, and more. TEMU has faced criticism for issues related to product quality and customer service.
Users have reported receiving items that do not match descriptions and experiencing delays in shipping, raising concerns about the platform’s reliability and transparency. Additionally, TEMU’s marketplace structure has been scrutinized for potentially prioritizing seller profits over consumer protection, highlighting the need for more stringent oversight and better support systems for both buyers and sellers.
Recently, a family in Illinois found dozens of boxes from TEMU on their doorstep, containing items like military hats and cameras. These individuals, like many others, had not ordered these items, prompting confusion and concern.
If you find yourself on the receiving end of an unsolicited package from Amazon, Temu, or any other retailer, the Better Business Bureau recommends the following steps to protect your personal information. Contact the retailer and ask them to investigate any fraudulent purchases associated with your account. If possible, reach out to the retailer and request the removal of any phony reviews written in your name.
Review your online e-commerce accounts for any recent orders you did not make. Update the passwords for your online accounts to enhance security and enable two-factor authentication. Lastly, keep an eye on your credit reports and credit card statements for any unusual activity.
By taking these measures, you can protect yourself from the deceptive practices of brushing scams and safeguard your personal information. If you receive an unexpected package, remember that you are not alone, and there are resources available to help you address the issue.
This spring, a concerning trend is on the rise, catching many Amazon customers off guard: receiving packages they never ordered. What might initially seem like a harmless mistake is, in fact, part of a more insidious scam that is becoming increasingly pervasive.
For many, it starts with an unexpected delivery. It could be anything from patio chair cushions to child’s toys arriving unannounced on your doorstep. This might sound like an innocuous inconvenience, but for some, it’s much more than that.
Take, for example, a disabled veteran who is finding these unsolicited deliveries particularly burdensome. Receiving numerous boxes that he struggles to move due to his condition has turned a minor nuisance into a significant hassle. The items range from patio chair cushions to various fabric-related products, cluttering his home and adding unnecessary stress to his daily life.
This situation isn’t unique. Another individual experienced a similar issue, receiving a calligraphy pen and even a child’s scooter, all without ordering them. This phenomenon is known as the brushing scam. It’s an attempt by unscrupulous third-party sellers to boost their ratings on Amazon by sending out unsolicited items to unsuspecting individuals. By doing so, they can post fake positive reviews to bolster their product’s visibility and credibility.
According to the Better Business Bureau (BBB), this is not an isolated incident. They have received reports from thousands of people across the country experiencing these random deliveries. The items sent can be bizarre and varied, making it clear that these packages are not simply misplaced orders but part of a calculated strategy.
While it might be tempting to dismiss this as a victimless crime, the reality is more concerning. The very fact that these scammers have access to your name and address indicates that your personal information is in the wrong hands. This should not be taken lightly.
Here’s what you should do if you find yourself on the receiving end of this scam. Contact Amazon or the respective retailer to inform them about the unsolicited items. Immediately update your password for the site to enhance your account’s security. You should also enable two-factor authentication, as this provides an extra layer of security to your account.
Remember, legally, you are not obligated to return these deliveries. However, reporting them to Amazon’s fraud website is a prudent step. This helps prevent further misuse of your information and ensures you are not mistakenly charged for items you never ordered.
In conclusion, while receiving unexpected packages might seem like a minor inconvenience, it is part of a larger, more troubling scheme. By taking the necessary precautions and staying informed, you can protect your personal information and help curb this growing threat.
In a time when digital transactions dominate, gold, the age-old symbol of wealth and stability, seems like a relic of the past. However, recent trends suggest otherwise. Surprisingly, gold is making a comeback, not on the trading floors of Wall Street, but in the shadowy realms of online scams. From fraudulent investment schemes to sophisticated phishing tactics, scammers are increasingly demanding gold as payment.
An 80-year-old woman from Cherokee County, Georgia, found herself embroiled in a sophisticated fraud scheme that cost her more than $150,000. It all began with a seemingly innocuous call from an individual posing as an Amazon employee, expressing concern about a purported unauthorized purchase.
Initially, when the victim received the call, she was eventually redirected to an individual claiming to be an employee of the U.S. Treasury Department. This imposter persuaded the woman to procure $1,500 worth of gift cards and disclose their details over the phone. Subsequently, after the gift card funds were transferred, the caller instructed the woman to wire $50,000 to a bank in New York.
Following the suspect’s directives, the woman was later instructed to purchase 40 ounces of gold from a nearby distributor. She complied, acquiring the gold valued at approximately $100,000, and handed it over to an individual she believed to be a Treasury employee at a local establishment, according to the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office.
The extent of the deception became apparent when the victim finally confided in a family member, prompting swift action from authorities. In a meticulously planned sting operation, investigators apprehended a 27-year-old suspect from Ontario, Canada. However, the suspect’s arrest only scratched the surface of a larger criminal network spanning across continents, with ties to India and the United Kingdom.
With older Americans increasingly becoming targets of financial exploitation, law enforcement agencies stress the importance of skepticism when dealing with unsolicited requests for money or personal information. Remember, legitimate organizations will never request payment in the form of cash, gold, cryptocurrency, or gift cards over the phone. All of these forms of payment are largely untraceable once they leave your possession. If someone you don’t know personally asks for any of these as a type of payment over the phone, it should raise immediate suspicion.
Social media platforms and even physical mailings are rife with advertisements promising the chance to become an Amazon product tester, but not all of these opportunities are what they seem.
Recently, a potential victim of this scam received a postcard inviting them to test a new remote-control car, purportedly from Amazon. At first glance, the invitation seemed exciting, but upon closer inspection, several red flags emerged. The email address provided had no affiliation with Amazon, and the domain name associated with the offer, raised suspicions as it was flagged as having a risk of being a scam site. Furthermore, the return address belonged to a shoe warehouse with no ties to Amazon whatsoever.
It’s crucial to understand that while Amazon does indeed have a legitimate product testing program known as Amazon Vine, it operates by invitation only. Participants are selected based on their history of writing insightful reviews, typically those who have contributed a significant number of reviews. Unlike the enticing promises of monetary compensation and freebies from dubious sources, Amazon Vine members are not paid for their participation and are solely provided with the opportunity to order items for free in exchange for their reviews.
Moreover, it’s essential to exercise caution when encountering non-official product testing sites. These platforms are not affiliated with Amazon and often make grandiose claims of guaranteed income for testing products. However, such promises should be met with skepticism, as they are frequently veils for scams designed to exploit individuals seeking to earn extra income or receive free goods.
In scams of this nature, perpetrators generally have two primary objectives: acquiring personal information and obtaining payment details. When individuals attempt to claim offers on fraudulent websites, they are often prompted to input their mailing information to receive the promised product. However, the catch is that the applicant must cover shipping costs. This seemingly innocuous step is where scammers seize the opportunity to extract payment information, alongside the individual’s name and address, and potentially even their Social Security number.
Just like with any online job opportunity, it’s crucial to conduct thorough research before applying. Whether you come across a listing on social media or receive an enticing offer through the mail, if it seems too good to be true, take the time to visit the official company’s website to verify the legitimacy of the job being advertised.
We firmly believe that no one is immune to falling for a scam. Regardless of someone’s socioeconomic status or level of education, they can still be targeted. Every individual is vulnerable to scams; there’s no exception.
If there was to be an exception, it should be a renowned and successful financial advice columnist. But even someone in such a position can fall prey to a scam if placed under sufficient pressure from the scammer.
It’s unfortunate but not uncommon for even those well-versed in finance to fall victim to scams. Take Charlotte Cowles, a financial advice columnist for The Cut, a division of New York Magazine, for example. Last Halloween, she received a call from someone posing as an Amazon customer service representative. They claimed she had made an $8000 purchase of Apple products, which she hadn’t. Ms. Cowles wisely checked her Amazon account, finding no such transactions. However, the scammer had a response ready, alleging that a business account was opened in her name. Despite her vigilance, Ms. Cowles was convinced her identity had been compromised.
Continuing the conversation, the fake Amazon representative exploited the situation further, claiming that the company was facing widespread issues with identity theft among its customers. To add credibility, they mentioned having a liaison within the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Ms. Cowles, concerned about the apparent threat to her identity, agreed to be connected to the supposed FTC agent.
The deceptive FTC impostor already possessed personal details about Ms. Cowles, including the last four digits of her Social Security number, her home address, and her date of birth. With such sensitive information in hand, it’s understandable why a victim might be inclined to trust the fraudulent claims being made. This level of sophistication can make the scam appear legitimate and increase the victim’s susceptibility to manipulation.
In addition to the personal details already disclosed, the counterfeit FTC representative went on to fabricate a dire scenario, claiming that numerous bank accounts, vehicles, and properties were registered under Ms. Cowles’ name. Adding to the distressing narrative, they alleged that a car linked to her identity had been discovered near the Texas-Mexico border, rented in her name, and found containing illicit drugs. These false claims likely intensified Ms. Cowles’ sense of urgency and fear, further blurring the line between truth and deception.
The deceitful tactics didn’t stop there. Ms. Cowles was informed by the scammer that arrest warrants had been issued against her in multiple states, accusing her of serious crimes such as drug trafficking and money laundering.
To further isolate their victim and maintain control, the fraudulent FTC agent instructed Ms. Cowles not to disclose the situation to anyone, cautioning her that anyone she confided in could potentially be a suspect in the fabricated crimes.
Despite the fraudulent claims and attempts to exploit her, Ms. Cowles was led to believe that the FTC was there to safeguard her finances. When asked how much money she would require to sustain herself for a year, she stated $50,000. Shockingly, the impostor instructed her to withdraw this amount in cash from her bank and assured her that it would be collected from her residence by a supposed CIA agent. Even during the withdrawal process, there were warnings. The bank teller, sensing something amiss, cautioned Ms. Cowles about potential scams associated with large cash withdrawals.
Under the false pretext of protecting her identity, Ms. Cowles was instructed to hand over the withdrawn cash to the supposed CIA agent, who would then allegedly provide her with a new government check issued under a new Social Security number.
As instructed, Ms. Cowles handed over the box containing the $50,000 to the driver of an SUV with tinted windows that pulled up to her residence.
Ms. Cowles’s experience highlights the profound emotional toll inflicted by falling victim to scammers. In her account, she vividly expresses the overwhelming sense of shame that washed over her upon realizing she had been deceived. This aspect is crucial because it underscores the psychological impact that financial scams can have on individuals, often extending far beyond the immediate financial loss. The shame and self-blame experienced by victims like Ms. Cowles serve as a poignant reminder of the need for compassion and support for those who have been targeted by fraudsters.
We urge you to take the time to read Ms. Cowles’s comprehensive narrative of the scam in her latest column.
Ms. Cowles’s account serves as a powerful reminder that no one is immune to the threat of scams. Regardless of our education, background, or financial status, we are all susceptible to being deceived. By sharing her experience, she highlights the importance of remaining vigilant and informed in the face of evolving tactics employed by fraudsters. Let her story be a call to action for all of us to educate ourselves, support one another, and work together to combat the scourge of scams in our communities.
A man from Utah fell victim to two different scams, which resulted in scammers taking $10,000 from his bank account.
The first scam that targeted him was the brushing scam. He was receiving several deliveries from Amazon that he didn’t order. Third-party Amazon vendors do this to game the review system, so phony reviews can have the ‘verified purchase’ tag added to them. This scam can be relatively harmless to consumers unless their Amazon account has been compromised, which this man wanted to find out.
The second scam he fell into was a customer service impersonation scam. He Googled the number for Amazon’s customer service department, which wasn’t Amazon at all. Instead, it was a scammer’s call center posing as Amazon. Scammers will often pay search engines to have their scam phone number placed higher than the actual company they’re imitating. The phony Amazon rep told the man that it appeared someone had wired $10,000 to New York without his permission. Amazon, and other retailers, cannot access your bank records, if you think you’re speaking with Amazon, and they ask for your banking details, the odds are you’re being scammed.
When the phony rep asked for the man’s credit card information, he realized he was being scammed. He went to his local Wells Fargo branch, since that was who he banked with. The branch manager told him there was, in fact, a wire transfer going out to New York for $10,000. When the man asked the manager to stop the transfer, he was instead referred to Wells Fargo’s fraud department, who told him that would investigate the matter and get back to him in ten days. It only took one day for the $10,000 to disappear from the man’s account. When the fraud department finished their investigation, they denied the man’s claim, saying that someone using the man’s username and password made the transfer, which made the man responsible for the financial loss.
Mysteriously, once the man contacted his local TV news station about the matter, Wells Fargo reimbursed his money. As we have detailed in previous stories like this one. That seems to be the only way bank scam victims can get a refund, and even then, it’s not a guarantee.
To safeguard yourself, it’s advisable to visit the official website of a company to obtain accurate contact information for addressing any issues you may encounter. Relying on contact details obtained through online searches can be unreliable. Additionally, refrain from sharing passwords or passcodes with anyone, and avoid granting remote access to your laptop or phone unless you initiate the call using the authentic contact number. Financial institutions typically request passwords or passcodes exclusively through their official app or website.
Trend Micro is a company that sells suites of security software to both corporations and individuals. This is neither an advertisement nor an endorsement of Trend Micro’s products. However, they recently posted on their blog about a job scam that’s circulating on social media that involves retail giant Amazon.
According to Trend Micro, scammers are taking to social media posing as former Amazon employees. Much like the fake jewelry discount scam we recently profiled, the scammers are promising secret ways for people to make money with Amazon.
The scammers’ posts claim anyone can make $1500 a month by becoming a product tester for Amazon. The reader is then directed to go to one of several phony websites. Once someone arrives at one of those websites, they’re taken to a survey where they’re told they can claim a gift after completing it.
Typically, with scams like this, the scammers are after two things, your personal information and your payment information. We’ve seen survey scams like this before, but not one disguised as a job offer. At the end of the survey, the applicant is asked to enter their mailing info to get their free gift, but the applicant has to pay for the shipping. That’s when the scammers obtain someone’s payment information along with their name and address. Under the guise of a job offer, scammers could get a lot more information from victims as well, such as their Social Security number.
The main problem with this scam is that testing products for Amazon is a legitimate program. However, real Amazon testers do not get paid. Under the Amazon Vine program, reviewers can receive free products to give their feedback about, but the program is invite-only.
As with any online job posting, research the posting before applying. If you find a listing on social media that sounds too good to be true, go to the company’s website to see if such a job is actually being offered.
Amazon Prime Day was this past week. It’s become such a staple of the summer shopping season that a number of other online retailers have initiated their own sales which coincide with Prime Day. With so many items being purchased, the majority of shipping companies and the USPS will be extra busy delivering all these packages. This means consumers should expect various shipping scams whether they bought anything or not this week.
The most common of these scams is the delayed delivery scam. This is where a consumer will receive a text message that claims to typically come from UPS, FedEx, or the USPS. The messages will say that your item could not be delivered for whatever reason. A link will be contained in the message where the recipient will be asked to update their shipping information. More often than not, the phony shipping company will also say there is a service fee involved, and the consumer will be asked for their payment information. While the service fee may be small, it’s really the payment information the scammers are after.
Scammers don’t actually know whether you made a Prime purchase this week or not. They send out these text messages en masse, hoping to catch a few victims. Any unsolicited text message with a link in it should be treated as suspect. However, if you are expecting an important delivery and want to make sure there are no delivery issues, use the shipping company’s app or website to address any concerns. Clicking on links in suspicious messages could lead to having your phone infected with malware, spyware, or ransomware.
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