‘Routine quality inspection’ from Amazon? What consumers should know
The Federal Trade Commission has issued a warning to consumers not to fall for a new scam carried out by fraudsters claiming to be Amazon.
According to the FTC, the scammers are sending text messages telling consumers that there is a problem with a product they bought.
The text says a “routine quality inspection” found that the product fell short of Amazon’s standards or was being recalled.
The text then tells consumers that they do not have to return the item, but can get their money back if they click on a link in the text to request a refund.
But the link is not for a refund, however.
The texts are a phishing scam aimed at identify theft.
The FTC advises:
- Don’t click links in unexpected texts and don’t respond to them.
- If you think the message might be real and want to find out, find the company’s phone number, email, or website independently of what you saw in the text.
- Check your Amazon account to see if there is a problem or recall. Do that by logging in through the Amazon website or app, not the link in the text.
Send unwanted texts to 7726 (SPAM) or use the “report junk” option on your phone. Delete the message after you’ve reported it.
Learn more about how to get fewer spam texts.
Let the FTC know when you see a scam.
See more: Consumer alert: Are you really out of cloud storage?
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