Watch for these text messages, they may cost you a lot.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (WHAT THE TECH?) — Millions of people will be looking for deals next week for Amazon Prime Day but scammers are looking for targets to steal personal information.
One of the most common tricks is luring you into signing into your Amazon account on the scammer’s website. These fake order confirmation or delay texts and emails are sent out to millions of people. With over 200 million Prime members, the scammers will send these alerts to as many people as possible.
Watch out for gift card scams where they say you won a prize. A new scam looks like a price adjustment notice from Amazon, saying something you bought is now cheaper and they’re offering to refund the difference. It’s fake.
All of these scams will take you to a website that looks like Amazon and ask you to login with your username and password. If you do, they’ll have your account and can order whatever they want.
If you get one of these messages, check your order status directly in the Amazon app or website.
Beware of PayPal scams like this, asking you to log into your account through a link. Never click a link in an email or text.
It’s also smart to check who is selling and shipping a product. Most Prime Day items are already in the U.S., but around 1.5 million third-party sellers are based in China. Their products may be delayed due to tariffs and shipping issues. For the fastest delivery, choose items sold and or shipped by Amazon.
If you watch our stories often, you already know the red flags. But your kids might not. And they are just as likely to fall for scammers, Amazon Prime Day or not, as anyone else.
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