Imagine you’re going about your day and receive a notification on your cell phone claiming that you got a package. Then you realize you haven’t ordered anything off of Amazon in a while, so there would be no reason for you to get a random text about a package you didn’t order. This is the reality that has spread over many people’s devices during the coronavirus. Someone gets a text stating that a package is waiting for them, but then they click on the link asking for loads of personal information to “confirm the package is theirs.” In reality, there’s a scammer behind these text messages, waiting for the next victim to fall for the Amazon scam email.

Watch Out for the Amazon Scam Email and Text Messages!

You get a text message or a phishing email claiming that you have a package waiting for you to pick up! It also states that in order to pick up the package, to verify your identity by clicking on the provided link below.

Once you click on the link, the scam website will ask you to enter your personal information within the form below. In some cases, scammers will also use these links to install malware onto your device without you even knowing about it.

Once they have your personal information from the form you filled out or the malware installed on your device, they then use it to commit identity fraud under your name. They can then transfer money out of your bank account, apply for credit cards, or acquire money belonging to you just by using your personal information.

Is the Amazon Scam Email and Text Messages Linked to Sex Trafficking?

There have been rumors circulating around social media platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, or Instagram, stating that the link in the text messages and email can link the victim’s location. This would allow scammers to track their victims and supposedly kidnap them for sex trafficking.

According to USA Today, the Polaris Project, which runs the U.S. human trafficking hotline, has stated that they are not aware of situations that follow this pattern. They encourage people to do their own research when it comes to information about human sex trafficking before spreading false stories on social media. Therefore, there is no viable evidence that this scam is linked to human sex trafficking.

Don’t Fall For the Amazon Scam Email!

• Don’t click on any random links from anyone. Even if it’s your friend or family member sending you a link, always call them to ask if they meant to send the link they did. If the link is from someone you don’t know or if your loved one has been hacked, chances are the link is malicious and is trying to steal your information.
• Don’t fill out any personal information on the links. The scammer can use this information against you and perform identity theft with the stolen information.
• If you have opened the link, scan your device for malware. By using anti-viral software, you can scan your device for malware to make sure your information stored on your device is safe.
• Report any scams to the FTC. This will help spread awareness of the scam you were a part of and help them compile data on the scam.

And Lastly…

• Reverse search for any information you have with Social Catfish.

Social Catfish is here to help you research the identity of someone who is attempting to send a phishing email to you. You can reverse search any name, email address, phone number, social media username, or email to see who it is you’ve really been talking to.

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