It is important to remember not to open attachments or click links from suspicious emails or text messages. Links and attachments may lead to your device being infected with a virus or malware.
A reader contacted BladenOnline after receiving a suspicious text message this week. The text message in question claimed to be from “Amazon” and stated an order had been shipped and the customer’s card was charged. Then the text message read, “NOT YOU? Call at” and gave a phone number to call.
Our reader said, “People need to be aware of this and that it is a scam. I almost fell for it.”
Emails have also been sent to Amazon customers about unauthorized purchases from their accounts. The emails prompt unsuspecting customers to call a fake Amazon “customer support” number. According to reports, the phone calls are answered by counterfeit “tech support” representatives attempting to hijack devices and steal personal information.
According to law enforcement, these scams are becoming more prevalent — and more sophisticated.
Here are some tips to help you avoid being a victim:
1. A common trick of scammers is to send an email claiming a fraudulent purchase was made on a popular account you might use, such as Amazon. First, check the sender’s email address — if the email URL is not from the service in question, it’s a scam.
2. With email scams, remember, if you receive one of these scam emails, never call the “customer service” or…