Amazon warns customers of holidays cyberattacks as FBI sees $300M in thefts

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Amazon warns customers of holidays cyberattacks as FBI sees 0M in thefts — Amazon warns customers of holidays cyberattacks as FBI sees 300M in.jpg

Amazon Warns Customers About Cybercriminals Impersonating Company Reps

Amazon is cautioning its massive customer base of over 300 million to stay alert for cybercriminals who are actively posing as representatives from the e-commerce giant this holiday season. The FBI has reported that online fraudsters have already pilfered close to $300 million by hijacking victims’ accounts since the beginning of the year.

Forbes reported that Amazon recently sent out emails to its customers, alerting them about criminals attempting to gain access to sensitive information such as personal or financial details, as well as Amazon account credentials.

Meanwhile, the FBI disclosed that they have received 5,100 complaints of “account takeover fraud” since January, resulting in losses exceeding $262 million. This type of fraud involves criminals illicitly accessing accounts to carry out fraudulent activities.

Shoppers should be wary of delivery or account issue messages. Credit: itchaznong – stock.adobe.com

The FBI did not specify which companies were impacted by these fraudulent activities in their recent statement. In response, Amazon has advised customers to be cautious of common fraud practices such as fake delivery notifications, unsolicited tech support calls, social media ads offering Amazon deals, and requests for account or payment information through unofficial channels.

Customers in the US received these warning emails earlier in the month, with UK clients receiving them this week. Amazon recommended using only their official mobile app or website to contact customer service, setting up two-factor authentication to prevent unauthorized account access, and using a passkey for signing into Amazon accounts.

A person wearing a dark hoodie is seen from behind, sitting at a desk with multiple computer screens displaying lines of code and data. — Amazon warns customers to beware of scammers impersonating legitimate businesses. Credit: Gorodenkoff – stock.adobe.com

In July, Amazon provided tips on avoiding scammers who create a sense of urgency or pressure customers into buying gift cards. The company stated that two-thirds of scams claimed to be related to order or account issues. The FBI recommended consumers to regularly monitor their financial accounts, use unique complex passwords, and refrain from clicking on advertisements.

Amazon disclosed that they shut down over 55,000 phishing websites and 12,000 phone numbers associated with impersonation schemes last year. Customers can find more information on how to avoid Amazon scams on the company’s website.