Consumers are being cautioned by Which? about fraudulent websites targeting Amazon Prime Day shoppers to deceive them and steal their money.
Which?, a consumer rights advocate, has uncovered a deceptive Amazon advertisement and website promoting the sale of purported “unwanted stock,” though neither is affiliated with Amazon.
The advertisement promotes significant savings on slow-moving stock from large warehouses, luring unsuspecting buyers.
The website linked in the ad, created on May 30, falsely claims to offer clearance sales from an online warehouse with a wide range of products at discounted prices, along with convenient returns, refunds, and a one-year warranty.
Which? warns shoppers to be cautious as scammers are exploiting Amazon Prime Day to perpetrate fraudulent schemes and advises verifying deals directly on the official Amazon website to ensure authenticity.
The advice follows the start of Amazon Prime Day, running from July 8 to July 11, with legitimate deals available through Mirror’s shopping team.
Amazon emphasized that these misleading messages are not from Amazon and urged consumers to report suspicious activities to safeguard against scams, reinforcing their commitment to consumer protection.
Which?’s Lisa Webb, a Consumer Law Expert, underscores the need for vigilance against scam ads and fake websites, advising consumers to exercise caution with enticing deals, avoid clicking suspicious links, and report any potential scams promptly.
In case of suspected scams, consumers are encouraged to report them to the National Cyber Security Centre, notify their banks if card details have been compromised, and take immediate action to secure their accounts and personal information.
Actions to combat scams include reporting dodgy websites, forwarding scam emails to designated authorities, and refraining from sharing personal information with suspected scammers, with additional steps outlined for safeguarding against financial losses and fraudulent activities.
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