Police flag ‘Amazon’ scam as Hamiltonians see spike in text, email fraud
Published March 23, 2023 at 8:58 am
If it seems as if you’re getting hit with more email and text scams than usual, the Hamilton Police Service is here to validate your suspicion.
Police say they’ve seen an increase in scam reports from residents. Specifically, a fraud scheme involving “Amazon” has officials concerned.
“The Financial Crimes Unit would like to inform the public about a scam involving unsolicited text messages or emails from ‘Amazon,'” stated the HPS Thursday morning.
The scam involves a text or email that asks the recipient to confirm a product they did not order, advise there is a problem with their account, and then offer a refund that can be collected by clicking the accompanying link.
“The message will direct you to click on a link or call a phone number provided,” said police.
Hamilton Police see an increase in text message and email related scams in #HamOnt.
READ MORE:https://t.co/x1ZlzSbL0C
— Hamilton Police (@HamiltonPolice) March 23, 2023
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Recipients are then asked for their bank account information. Some are even asked to give the sender control of their computers.
Amazon addressed the scam on its website:
“Amazon will never send you an unsolicited message that asks you to provide sensitive personal information like your social insurance number, tax ID, bank account number, credit card information, ID questions like your mother’s maiden name or your password. Amazon will never ask you to make a payment outside of our website and will never ask you for remote access to your device.”
While some departments at Amazon will make outbound calls to customers, you will never be asked to disclose or verify sensitive personal information.
Victims of mobile and online scams can report incidents to Hamilton police online at hamiltonpolice.on.ca/report-crime/online-reporting, or by calling 905-546-4925.
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