The phone rings. The caller ID doesn’t look familiar, but you answer. A very serious, obviously pre-recorded voice announces that it is Amazon customer service, and that there has been suspicious activity on your account. A rather large purchase has been flagged and for security purposes, they need you to act now by selecting #1 to decline the charge or #2 to freeze your account. Either selection will take you to a call center where the now live person on the line will boldly proclaim they are Amazon customer service.

They are not. Hang up and contact Amazon directly. Note the phone number of the scammer and date/time of the call so you can complete the short online report form Amazon provides.

Scammers that attempt to impersonate Amazon are everywhere. They will try to use calls, texts and emails to impersonate Amazon customer service.

In the ongoing effort to protect its customers, Amazon offers these important clues so that you can identify scams and keep your account and information safe:

1. Never feel pressured to give information (such as your credit card number or account password) over the phone, especially if the call was unexpected. If you’re ever unsure, it’s safest to end the call/chat and reach out directly to customer support through the Amazon app or website.

2. Never pay over the phone. Amazon will never ask you to provide payment information, including gift cards (or “verification cards”, as some scammers call them) for products or services over the phone. 

3. Trust Amazon-owned channels. Always go through the Amazon mobile app or website when seeking customer support or when looking to make changes to your account.

4. Be wary of false urgency. Scammers may try to create a sense of urgency to persuade you to do what they’re asking. Be wary any time someone tries to convince you that you must act now.

For more information on how to stay safe online, or to report suspicious communications, visit the Amazon Customer Service page, which can be found in the Help section at the bottom of the Amazon home page.