SCAMS BULLETIN Host Jay White is an inactive attorney in San Mateo County, California.

December 7, 2020

FAKE CALLS FROM APPLE AND AMAZON

Courtesy US Federal Trade Commission

December 7, 2020

Scammers are calling people and using the names of two well-known companies, Apple and Amazon, to rip people off.

Here is what you need to know about these calls.

In one version of the scam, you receive a call and a recorded message that says it is Amazon. The message says there’s something wrong with your account. It could be an alleged suspicious purchase, a lost package, or an order they can’t fulfill.

In another twist on the scam, you receive a recorded message that says there’s been suspicious activity in your Apple iCloud account. They may falsely say your account has been breached.

In both scenarios, the scammers say you can conveniently press 1 to speak with someone. Or they give you a phone number to call. Do not do either.

It’s a scam. They’re trying to steal your personal information, like your account password or your credit card number.

If you receive an unexpected call or message about a problem with any of your accounts, hang up.

Do not press 1 to speak with customer support

Do not call a phone number they gave you

Do not give out your personal information

If you think there may be a problem with one of your accounts, contact the company using a phone number or website you know is real.

If you receive a call you think is a scam, report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

ATTRIBUTION: ftc.gov