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Be Aware of Amazon Free Day Scams! How to protect yourself from online fraudsters.

Amazon Free Day is a popular event that offers discounts and deals on various products and services. However, it also attracts scammers who try to trick unsuspecting customers into revealing their personal and financial information or downloading malicious software. Here are some tips to help you stay safe online and avoid falling victim to these scams.

Verify the source of the email or message.

One of the most common ways scammers lure people into their traps is by sending fake emails or messages that look like they are from Amazon or other trusted companies. They may use logos, fonts, colors, and language that

mimic the official ones, and create fake websites or links that look legitimate. However, if you look closely, you may notice some signs of fraud, such as:

• Spelling and grammar errors
• Unusual or mismatched sender addresses or domain names
• Urgent or threatening language that asks you to act quickly or risk losing your account or benefits
• Requests for personal or financial information, such as passwords, credit card numbers, or bank details
• Offers that seem too good to be true, such as free gifts, prizes, or money

If you receive an email or message that claims to be from Amazon or another company, do not click on any links or attachments, or reply with any information. Instead, go to the official website of the company and log in to your account, or contact their customer service directly. You can also check the authenticity of the email or message by using tools such as Amazon's Email Checker or Google's Safe Browsing.

Use a secure and updated device and network.

Another way scammers can access your information or infect your device is by exploiting the vulnerabilities of your device or network. They may use malware, spyware, or phishing software that can monitor your online activity, steal your data, or damage your device. To prevent this, you should always use a secure and updated device and network when shopping online, especially during Amazon Free Day. Some of the steps you can take are:

• Use a strong and unique password for your online accounts, and change it regularly
• Enable two-factor authentication or multi-factor authentication for your online accounts, especially for your email and bank accounts
• Install a reputable antivirus and firewall software on your device, and update it regularly
• Avoid using public or unsecured Wi-Fi networks, or use a VPN (virtual private network) to encrypt your data
• Clear your browser history, cache, and cookies after each online session
• Check your bank statements and credit reports regularly for any suspicious transactions or activities

Report and delete any suspicious emails or messages.

If you encounter any emails or messages that look like they are from Amazon or another company, but you suspect they are scams, you should report them to you IT Security team and delete them immediately. This will help you protect yourself and others from falling prey to these fraudsters. You can report these emails or messages to the following authorities or platforms:

• Amazon: Forward the email or message to stop-spoofing@amazon.com, and then delete it
• FTC (Federal Trade Commission): File a complaint online at ftc.gov, or call 1-877-FTC-HELP
• FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation): File a complaint online at Cyber Crime — FBI, or call 1-800-CALL-FBI
• LinkedIn: Report the email or message using the reporting tools on the platform, and then delete it

By following these tips, you can enjoy Amazon Free Day and other online shopping events without worrying about scams. Remember, if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Always be vigilant and cautious when dealing with online offers and requests, and never share your personal or financial information with anyone you don't know or trust.

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John Goings
Owner - Millennium IT Solutions
Enterprise Solutions for Small Business
Cybersecurity-Help Desk-Cloud Solutions
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