With Amazon being one of the most popular online retailers, it’s no surprise that scammers are using the company’s name to try and trick people out of their money. One of the latest scams making the rounds is an Amazon gift card scam. Here’s how it works:
You receive an email that looks like it’s from Amazon. The email says that you’ve been selected to receive a $50 Amazon gift card. All you have to do is click on the link and enter your Amazon login information. Once you do, the scammer will have access to your account and can start buying things with your gift card balance.
Of course, there is no gift card. The whole thing is a scam designed to steal your Amazon login information. So, how can you protect yourself?
3 Ways to Protect Yourself from an Amazon Gift Card Scam
1. Be suspicious of unsolicited emails. If you receive an unsolicited email from Amazon—or any other company—that includes a link, do not click on it. It’s much safer to type in the company’s URL yourself and log in that way.
2. Don’t enter your login information into a popup window. If a website or popup window asks you for your Amazon login information, do not enter it! This is likely a phishing scam, where someone is trying to trick you into giving them your login information so they can access your account later.
3. Watch out for grammatical errors. Many scammers are not native English speakers, so they may make grammatical errors in their emails or on their websites. If you see any red flags like this, it’s best to err on the side of caution and not give them your information.
Conclusion:
If you receive an unsolicited email from Amazon—or any other company—that includes a link, do not click on it. It’s much safer to type in the company’s URL yourself and log in that way. You should also be suspicious of any popup windows or websites that ask for your login information; chances are, they’re just trying to steal your information. Finally, watch out for grammatical errors, as these can be a red flag that someone is trying to scam you. By following these tips, you can protect yourself from falling victim to an Amazon gift card scam.
