The Latest in Amazon Impostor Scams

Criminals love to impersonate big businesses and the bigger the better. One of the largest targets of impostor scams last year was Amazon. According to the Federal Trade Commission, 44,000 reports about scammers using Amazon's name were filed last year, with $19 million reported lost. Here are two of the latest versions of an Amazon impostor scam to be on the lookout for.

• Complex scams that involve an Amazon impostor, a bank impostor and someone pretending to be a law enforcement investigator are trending. These scams have a heightened sense of legitimacy because the victim believes they are speaking to different independent entities who are all confirming the same threat. In reality they are talking to multiple criminals who are all part of the same scheme.
  
  
• False membership renewal messages are another trending form of Amazon impostor scams. Because many customers aren’t aware of when their membership expires these messages can seem legitimate. The criminals also create real looking websites where you can share your payment information.
  

Whenever doing business, renewing a membership or dealing with a suspicious charge with any retailer, it is safest to do so at their official website or through their official customer service lines. Do not rely on links or phone numbers emailed or texted to you. These run a higher risk that you’ll be connected directly to a crook.

Be a fraud fighter! If you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam.

The AARP Fraud Watch Network is a free resource for all. Learn how to proactively spot scams or get guidance if you’ve been targeted. Visit aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork or call our dedicated helpline to speak to a fraud specialist at 1-877-908-3360.

• AARP: How to Avoid Home Improvement Scams
• The National Association of the Remodeling Industry has an online directory of members, who have pledged to follow the organization’s ethical guidelines.
• The National Association of Home Builders has state and city chapters that can give you the names of member builders and remodelers in your area.
• The Restoration Industry Association has a page where you can search for RIA members certified in fire, flood and other remediations.
• The Better Business Bureau has listings with ratings in its business directory. The organization also has an online guide to home improvement.