In this scam, fraudsters pretend to be customer service agents for popular online stores like Amazon, Walmart, or eBay. They trick customers into sharing personal details, login credentials, or payment information.
How This Can Happen to Us
1. Fake Customer Service Numbers on Search Engines
◦ People searching for "Amazon customer service" may find fraudulent phone numbers listed on unofficial websites.
◦ Scammers impersonate company representatives and demand credit card details or remote access to devices.
2. Fake Refund Calls or Emails
◦ Victims receive emails claiming an issue with a recent order, offering a refund.
◦ When they call, the scammer tricks them into revealing bank details.
3. Fake Live Chat Support
◦ Fraudsters create fake websites with live chat features, appearing as official store support.
◦ Unsuspecting customers enter their account details, allowing scammers to hijack their accounts.
Example of a Fake Customer Service Scam
A man in New York searched for "Amazon customer service number" and called a fraudulent listing. The scammer asked for his credit card details, leading to $1,000 in unauthorized charges.
How to Protect Yourself from This Scam
• Only contact customer service through the official website.
• Never share bank details or remote access to your device.
• Verify email senders—legitimate companies don’t send refund offers from personal Gmail accounts.