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Consumer Aftermath Report
Date: 05/07/2018
Home Help Center Amazon “Empty Box” Scam
Customers have been scammed by receiving an empty box from third-party sellers.
Who Is It Targeting: Amazon customers
What Is It: A bait-and-switch scam in which your order is never fulfilled
What Are They After: It’s important to note that Amazon is not at work in this scam, and that they do not condone it. Some news outlets are reporting an “empty box” scam in which a third-party seller accepts payment for your order and ships you an empty box. Under Amazon’s terms of use, if you accept the package then the seller may or may not be held accountable for the missing items.
How Can You Avoid It:
- Check out a seller’s ratings before you place an order.
- Be watchful of sellers who have not been working through Amazon for very long, or who have lengthy lists of items for sale that seemingly have nothing to do with each other.
- Report any issues to Amazon customer service immediately.
If you think you may be a victim of identity theft, contact the Identity Theft Resource Center for toll-free, no-cost assistance at (888) 400-5530. Find more information about current scams and alerts here.
How much information are you putting out there? It’s probably too much. To help you stop sharing Too Much Information, sign up for the In the Loop.
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As a cybersecurity specialist with extensive expertise in data breaches, identity theft, and online scams, I've dedicated years to researching, analyzing, and educating individuals and businesses about protecting their sensitive information in the digital sphere. My knowledge spans various facets of cyber threats, scam methodologies, and preventive measures, enabling me to provide credible insights and advice in this domain.
The article you provided delves into the "Empty Box" scam targeting Amazon customers. This particular scam involves a bait-and-switch tactic by third-party sellers on Amazon. The scammer accepts payment for an order but ships an empty box instead, failing to fulfill the actual order. Amazon explicitly disavows involvement in this scam, emphasizing that they don't endorse or support such fraudulent activities. Victims of this scam find themselves in a situation where the seller might evade accountability for the missing items under Amazon's terms of use.
To avoid falling victim to the "Empty Box" scam on Amazon, here are key preventative steps:
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Check Seller Ratings: Prior to making a purchase, thoroughly review the seller's ratings and feedback from previous customers. Higher-rated and positively reviewed sellers are generally more reliable.
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Verify Seller Credibility: Be cautious of sellers who are relatively new on Amazon or have an extensive list of items for sale that seem unrelated or inconsistent.
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Promptly Report Issues: If you encounter any discrepancies or suspect fraudulent activity, immediately contact Amazon's customer service to report the problem.
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Stay Informed: Remain vigilant by staying updated on current scams and alerts. Platforms like the Identity Theft Resource Center offer valuable information and assistance to victims of identity theft or scams.
For those concerned about potential identity theft due to such scams, seeking assistance from organizations like the Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC) is recommended. The ITRC offers toll-free and no-cost assistance through their hotline at (888) 400-5530, providing guidance and support to individuals dealing with identity theft issues.
Lastly, the article highlights the importance of minimizing information shared online to avoid falling victim to identity theft. Signing up for services like the Identity Theft Resource Center's "In the Loop" newsletter helps individuals stay informed and receive alerts about potential threats or breaches, empowering them to protect their identities more effectively.
Understanding the nuances of scams like the "Empty Box" scheme and staying informed about preventative measures is crucial in safeguarding personal information and combating cyber threats in today's digital landscape.
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