Amazon scam we warned you about has now cost victims £1m

Northamptonshire fraud squad has issued fresh warnings after revealing a scam involving fake Amazon Prime subscriptions we told you about in October has now netted thieves in more than £1million.

The National Fraud Intelligence Bureau identified 571 instances nationwide in just over three months of tricksters trying to get money from victims by telling them they had been signed up for fake subscriptions.

One man targeted lost over £65,000.

A spokesman for the Bureau's Action Fraud team said: "Always question uninvited approaches in case it’s a scam.

"Contact the company directly using a known email or phone number and have the confidence to refuse unusual requests for personal or financial information.

"It’s easy to feel embarrassed when faced with unexpected or complex conversations. But it’s fine to stop the discussion if you do not feel in control of it.

"Never install any software or visit a website as a result of a cold call. Unsolicited requests for remote access to your computer should always raise a red flag."

The scam, which has been identified as widely targeting people in Northamptonshire, involves victims receiving an automated call or email, claiming they have been charged for an Amazon Prime subscription.

They are told to ‘press 1’ to cancel the transaction but this connects them to a fake Amazon customer service representative who advises the victim that remote access to their computer is required in order to fix a security flaw.

The victim is asked to download an application which allows the fraudster access to their computer allowing them to see the victim’s personal and financial details.

You can report fraud or cyber crime by contacting Action Fraud online or by calling 0300 123 2040.