We all know the holidays are a peak time for many businesses including the folks at Amazon. We are busier than ever ordering gifts online trying to make it in time for the holidays and scammers have prepared for all the holiday shopping that’s being done online, targeting Amazon shoppers.
Scammers are counting on you to click before you think. After you purchase your items at Amazon, scammers are blasting inboxes with an email that looks familiar saying, “Your order has been shipped!” But the confirmation looks as if your credit card has been used for something you didn’t order. And this is where they get you, when you click on the link inside this perfectly thoughout page designed to hook you, they try to get your private information. Then what? Then they got you. Or even worse, they infect your computer with a virus.
Amazon has set up an alert that gives instructions on what to do if you get an unexpected email claiming to be Amazon. They have specific instructions on how to handle these emails and asks you to forward these emails to stop-spoofing@amazon.com.
Verizon Wireless was also a target for scammers that are sending email alerts about updating your Verizon account. Scammers have made spot on copies of the company’s actual website–until you look closely, where in fine print on of bottom of the email you’ll find an expired date.
A spokesman for Verizon says they would never send out emails like that. No company would. But how do we know? These are elaborate, well thought out, and even the best of us can be fooled.
The scammers are just after your account number and password. The FTC encourages consumers to learn more about phishing traps and how to protect yourself. There are many ways you can protect yourself and to minimize your risk of becoming a victim. You can protect your social security number, treat your trash and mail carefully, be on guard when using the internet, select intricate passwords, verify sources before sharing information, safeguard your purse and wallet, store information in secure locations, and get identity theft protection.
While nothing can guarantee that you won’t become a victim, it is best to minimize your risk before you find yourself filing a complaint with the FTC and with no money in the bank. Read our review on Lifelock identity theft protection services.