What’s the Amazon product recall scam?

Ordered something from Amazon? You probably expect messages about your orders, right?

Well, if you get a message about a product recall, stop and think twice.

This scam started in the US and has been popping up across the UK in recent weeks.

How the scam works

You receive a text message from a UK mobile number.

The message tells you that a product you bought has been recalled for ‘your safety’.

You’re told you must stop using the product immediately.

You’re then given a link and told to click it to request a refund.

What happens if you click the link?

You’re taken to a fake website that looks just like Amazon.

You’re asked to log in to your Amazon account.

If you don’t have one, you’re even invited to create a new Amazon account.

Once you enter your details, scammers can steal your login information and access your account.

What Amazon says

Amazon confirmed to consumer group Which? that these links are fake.

They warn that scammers try to panic you by creating urgency, so you act without thinking.

Amazon also asks you to report suspected scams, so they can help protect you and others.

How to protect yourself

If you get a text or email claiming to be from Amazon:

• don’t click links
• don’t follow instructions in the message
• log in to your Amazon account directly and check for messages there

If it’s real, you’ll see it in your account.

How to report it

• report scam messages to Amazon by sending them as an attachment to
  [email protected]
• forward scam texts to 7726
• forward suspicious emails to [email protected]

• report dodgy websites to the National Cyber Security Centre

What about real product recalls?

Genuine product recalls are listed on the government’s product safety alerts, reports and recalls website.

If you’re unsure, check there first before doing anything else.

If you’ve lost money

If you think you’ve been scammed:

• call your bank immediately using the number on the back of your card
• report it to Report Fraud
• if you’re in Scotland, call the police on 101