Police warning over Amazon Prime scam as victims lose £1m

Police shared the warning from Action Fraud, the national police unit which tackles fraud and cyber crime.

According to Action Fraud, it has received more than 500 reports of scam calls with victims losing more than £1 million.

Victims are targeted through an automated call which pretends it is coming from Amazon.

The recipient of the call is told that fraudsters have used their personal details to subscribe to Amazon Prime and are instructed to “press 1” if they wish to cancel the purchase.

When victims do this, they are automatically transferred to the fraudsters posing as Amazon customer services representatives who attempt to access the victim’s computer remotely in order to steal personal and financial details.

Action Fraud is advising people to do the following to avoid becoming victims:

. Never install any software as a result of a cold call

. Always question uninvited approaches and contact the company directly using a known email or phone number

. Have the confidence to refuse unusual requests for personal or financial information.

To report a fraud, call 0300 123 2040 or visit: https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/.