Which? has issued a caution to Amazon Prime Day shoppers regarding fraudulent websites aiming to deceive consumers and steal their money.
The consumer rights advocate uncovered a counterfeit Amazon advertisement and website promoting the sale of “unwanted stock,” which is not affiliated with Amazon.
The misleading advert entices consumers with promises of significant savings on slow-moving stock from large warehouses. However, the associated website, established on May 30, redirects users to a dubious platform offering clearance sales on a wide range of products.
Lisa Webb, a Consumer Law Expert at Which?, emphasized the need for vigilance among shoppers during the Amazon Prime Day period, as scammers exploit the event to defraud individuals of their finances.
To safeguard against such scams, consumers are advised to approach deals that seem too good to be true with skepticism, avoid clicking suspicious links, and verify the authenticity of offers directly on the Amazon website.
In response to the fraudulent activities, Amazon reiterated that these messages were not from the company and underscored their commitment to protecting consumers and raising awareness about scam prevention.
If consumers encounter suspicious posts or websites, they are encouraged to report them to the appropriate authorities, such as the National Cyber Security Centre, and promptly contact their bank if any sensitive information has been disclosed.
Moreover, individuals who suspect they have fallen victim to a scam are urged to report the incident to Action Fraud online or by calling the designated hotline for further assistance. In Scotland, victims can contact Police Scotland for assistance.