Scam artists are at it again and this time, posing as an Amazon representative to confirm a recent purchase you didn’t make or to inform you that your account has been hacked. According to the Federal Trade Commission’s new Data Spotlight, 1 in 3 people have reported this scam since July 2020.

These scams can look a little different. In one version, the impersonator wants to refund you for a purchase. They ask for account information and “accidently” transfer more than what should be issued and ask you to send back the difference. What’s really happening though? The scammer actually moves your own funds to another one of your accounts (like a savings or checking) to make it look like you were refunded. When you send the “overpayment” back (which in reality is your own money) the money now becomes theirs.

The other version is positioned to make it seem like hackers have already accessed your accounts. The only way to protect your account is to purchase gift cards. After you purchase the gift cards, you share the number and PIN. You’ve now just turned the gift card funds over to the scammer.

So how do you protect yourself?

• Never answer or call back an unknown number. Do not use the number left in an unexpected voicemail. Visit the website for true contact information. Tip: Set up your phone to silence unknown calls and send them straight to voicemail.
• Don’t pay for anything with a gift card. Gift cards are for gifts–not payment options or to be used for anything other than a gift.
• Never give remote access to someone who contacts you unexpectedly. Handing over information gives scammers all the access they need to access your personal and financial information.
• If you have to first pay for something to get something, it’s a scam. If a caller says they’ll pay you $10,000 but you first have to send them $2,000 to secure the winnings, you’ll be out $2,000.

Have you spotted this scam or others? Contact the Federal Trade Commission here.