Stop Your Amazon Shopping Until You Read About This New Scam

It is so sad to say but the holiday scams have continued.

One of the biggest platforms people use to conveniently order their holiday gifts is Amazon, which is now the center of the next major holiday scam that is being discussed.

There have been multiple reports of people being tricked into paying for things that are  for sale on Amazon using gift cards or other external platforms/websites.As a result, these customer never receive their packages and their money is long gone.

So now it is time to learn a few tips so that this does not happen to you.

Don't Use Gift Cards

First: No legitimate Amazon seller will ask you to pay with gift cards. If you are using a gift card, the correct process would involve you adding that gift card balance to your Amazon account and then paying through the Amazon website.

You should never give gift card information to other businesses or individuals to pay for an item.

"Once a claim code, from any gift card, is provided to a scammer, the funds will likely be spent before you are able to contact law enforcement or Amazon," it says on Amazon's list of tips to avoid getting scammed on their website. "Never use Amazon.com gift cards for payment outside of Amazon or its affiliated properties and never use gift cards for other retailers and brands outside of the intended brand."

Stay On Amazon

Second: It should be a major red flag if the seller is asking to make contact with you outside of Amazon. Once you leave Amazon, they are no longer responsible for what happens when you make a purchase.

Plus, if you are communicating through email take a close look at the email address. The only address that should be considered legit is something that ends in "@amazon.com." If you see anything else, head for the hills.

Other tips to spot phishing emails can be found HERE.

Only Pay On Amazon

Third: Never follow any links to give payment. The scammer wants you to leave Amazon because then there are no tracking numbers or anything to ensure you will get what you are paying for. This will ensure that you will never see your money again because just as I said above, Amazon is no longer responsible because the business interaction did not happen on their website.

Do Your Research

Fourth: Check out the seller if they are from a third party. Take a look at other reviews but keep in mind that those can be forged as well.

Basically, your best bet is to stick with the typical steps of purchasing on Amazon. Purchase through your account and on the website because then if you do not receive your package, Amazon can get involved and help so that all parties leave the situation happy.

For other tips, take a look at Amazon's safety precautions HERE.

What To Do If You Are Scammed

If you do believe that you have fallen victim to one of these scams, contact your local police through the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) immediately. You may not get your money back but law enforcement can stop the hacker so others are tricked.

Take a look at the original article at NJ.com.

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