Amazon Prime customers are currently finding out about alleged problems with their payment method by email. But before you react: Please read on, this is obviously attempted fraud.
Amazon Prime customers may currently receive emails notifying them that they are in arrears. However, as consumer protection warns, fake reminders are currently being issued – an attempt at fraud.
Attempted email scam on Amazon Prime
As the emails state, the bill for the monthly subscription with Amazon Prime has not been settled. A card problem is to blame and the customer account is therefore suspended for security reasons. The addressee must now update their payment information within six days in order to avert termination of their membership and be able to use the Amazon Prime service again. The email contains a link for this purpose, but it apparently leads to a fraudulent site.
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Recognizing false emails and reacting correctly
A few days ago, consumer protection raised the alarm about the false emails. The online retailer is also aware of the problem. On its website, Amazon gives its customers tips to recognize phishing and to protect themselves from this and future fraud attempts. You should always pay attention to the following points.
Pay attention to the salutation
Customers are always addressed by name in (real) emails from Amazon Prime. With the wrong ones that are currently being used, it just means “hello” – often and in this case as well, an indication of phishing.
The amount requested is incorrect
In the circulating emails, an amount of 10.71 euros (plus taxes) is reminded. However, Prime customers pay €7.99 for their monthly subscription.
Amazon Prime never requests data via email
“Amazon will never ask you to send personal information via email,” says the mail order company’s website.
Always check the sender address
Furthermore, Amazon advises never to open links given in emails of questionable origin. Real Amazon email addresses always ended with @amazon.de.