Police issue warning to thousands of customers in Sheffield over new Amazon scam

A warning has been issued about a scam in which fraudsters contact potential victims and claim there has been ‘fraudulent activity’ on their accounts.
By Claire Lewis
Published 30th Mar 2021, 14:45 GMT
Updated 30th Mar 2021, 14:52 GMT
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The police force said a number of local residents have reported the scam.

Scammers call people and claim they owe money to Amazon as a way of tricking victims into giving access to or control of their computer.

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PC Vicki Arrowsmith said: “Amazon-related scams have been circulating for some time now but from the reports we have received it appears to be a particular trend in South Yorkshire over the last couple of weeks.

A worker prepares packages for delivery at an Amazon warehouse (Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images)A worker prepares packages for delivery at an Amazon warehouse (Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images)
A worker prepares packages for delivery at an Amazon warehouse (Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images)

“Once the fraudster has taken control of the victim's computer, they are able to access their bank account and make applications for loans using the victim's details.

“In some cases, the suspect has also informed the victims that they have taken control of their webcam and know their address, adding to their distress.”

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