Amazon/Apple call: what they say, how to spot it, what to do

What they say

These are typical approaches, written as examples. The wording and claimed sender can change.

• “Amazon has approved a large order. Press a key if it was not you.”
• “Your Apple account bought a device. Call this number to cancel.”
• “To refund the purchase, install this app and sign in to your bank.”

How to spot it

• The alert pushes you to call a supplied number rather than check your order history.
• A supposed refund requires remote access, a verification code or an extra payment.
• The caller wants banking access while claiming to handle a shopping account.

What to do now

1. End the call or close the message. Do not press a key on a suspicious recording. Leave any attachment or cancellation link unopened while you check the underlying purchase.
2. Open the shopping or device account through your usual app or saved address. Review orders and payment activity there. Contact support through the real account if something needs checking.
3. Check your card activity independently. If a real unauthorized charge appears, call the card issuer through the number on the card. A real charge still does not authenticate an unrelated incoming refund caller.

If you already paid or shared details

1. If you shared a password or code, secure the affected account from a trusted device and review its sign-ins and recovery details. Tell the real provider if someone changed the account.
2. If you installed a remote access app, disconnect the affected device from the internet and seek trusted help removing it. Contact your bank from another trusted device if banking was exposed.

Contact the bank, card issuer or payment provider promptly and ask whether the payment can be stopped or reversed. Recovery is not guaranteed. Change exposed passwords through the genuine service. Keep receipts and messages privately for your report.

Report the attempt at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. For internet-enabled fraud, also use the FBI’s IC3.

Sources

• FTC: phone scams and impersonation
• FTC: remote access and tech support scams
• FTC: what to do if you were scammed

Questions people ask

Does an order number in the message prove a purchase?

Check it against the order history you opened yourself. Do not call the number in an unexpected purchase alert just because it includes an order reference.

Should I pay to cancel a purchase I did not make?

Do not send money to an incoming caller to process a refund. Resolve real charges through the merchant’s genuine support and your card issuer.