Amazon Prime Scam
Here’s one hot off the press. I’ve just received this Amazon Prime Scam message from our local super sleuth, John from Blacon. And it’s a warning that’s well worth heeding. And a possible scam I have actually witnessed.
I visit a neighbour now and then for a quick brew and a chat. The gentleman lives on his own, is in his mid 80’s and is quite deaf, so I help him out with whatever I can, whenever I can if need be. Case in point. Yesterday I called around to sort out his internet connection on his TV and to sort out his Netflix set up.
Anyway, once that was sorted his phone rang and it went on to voicemail. He played it back but he couldn’t hear it clearly. So he asked me to be “his ears.”
He played a part of it back and as soon as I realised it was a recorded message and heard Amazon Prime mentioned I told him to end the playback and to delete the message. And, furthermore, not to reply in any way to it.
As an added security, I told him to ignore, or hang up on any recorded messages. Once I’ve posted John’s useful Amazon Prime scam message, I’ll email it to my neighbour.
Thanks again John – much appreciated. Anyway, here’s the Amazon Prime scam message…..
Amazon Prime Scam
Just to confirm, this is a Cheshire Police Alert message under the reference of Ref: 310531.
“Having received a number of calls last week, it is apparent that the Amazon Prime Scam calls are doing the rounds again. ‘
Action Fraud has reported that the scam was first reported in October 2019 and since has cost the victims more than £1 million.
‘The scam is carried out by phone call, with the victim receiving an automated phone message that they have been charged for an Amazon Prime subscription.
They are subsequently instructed to ‘press 1’ to cancel the transaction. When they do this, they are directed to a fraudster posing as an Amazon customer service representative.
DO NOT PRESS 1 … HANG UP!! ‘
The fraudster advises the victim that their subscription was purchased fraudulently and that remote access to their computer is required in order to fix a security flaw that will prevent it from recurring.
‘The unsuspecting victim then downloads software which grants the scammers remote access to their computer, including personal and financial information.
‘Other variants of the crime involve fraudsters stating that the recipient is eligible for a refund for an unauthorised transaction on their Amazon account. Follow Action Fraud advice to stay safe.
Message Sent By Wendy Leason (Police, Community Support Officer, Saughall)”
Chester Crimewatch
Another hugely beneficial and useful article for my Chester Crimewatch section. For all Chester Crimewatch posts (most of them kindly provided by John by the way), have a look over HERE.
Keep an eye, or an ear, out for these scams folks. And if you can spread the word, then please do so.
Chester Lifestyle Blog Posts
For all my other Chester Lifestyle blog posts, head on over to HERE to see what else I’ve been writing about.
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