A TECH expert has warned residents to be cautious of scammers, ahead of the next Amazon Prime Day event, from Tuesday October 7, to Wednesday, October 8.

Marc Porcar, CEO of Remove Background said while many exciting deals are coming up, shoppers need to stay vigilant against common scams.

Marc revealed the three most common Amazon scams and how you can avoid them during the imminent shopping frenzy this Prime Day.

Read below for more.

These scams often start with an unexpected call, text or email from someone claiming there is an issue with your account. They may send you an email saying your account is at risk of being deleted, prompting you to click a link to verify your details. Alternatively, they may call or text you stating that there is an issue with your account that requires an additional payment, hoping to get your bank details.

This is especially common in the run-up to Amazon Prime Day, with the event available exclusively to Prime members.

To avoid this, always check the sender of any email or text you receive. As convincing as scammers can be, Amazon will never ask you to share sensitive information via phone, text, or email. If you receive one of these messages, don’t engage with it. Instead, go directly to the Amazon app or website to check the status of your account.

During Prime Day sales, scammers often send fake emails claiming that there has been an issue with your recent order or that a payment or delivery has failed. These emails usually contain links to fraudulent websites designed to steal your personal details and payment information.

If you receive an email regarding an issue with your order, do not click any links. Instead, check the status of any orders through the Amazon app or website. It is also advisable to enable two-factor authentication for extra security.

Shoppers will be searching for the best bargains during the sale; however, if the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Scammers create fake storefronts on Amazon, offering high-demand items at unbeatable prices. Once an unsuspecting customer places an order, they either receive a counterfeit product or nothing at all.

To avoid this, it is important to always check a seller’s reviews and be cautious of deals that seem suspicious. Stick to well-reviewed sellers or those marked as “Amazon Verified.” If you do fall victim to a fake listing scam, you can often resolve this by contacting Amazon. Click “I have an issue with a seller” on the Amazon app or website to start the refund process. However, while you may get your money back, it is safest to avoid this scam altogether.

Marc Porcar said: “The Amazon Prime Day sale only happens twice a year, and with the great deals it offers, it is a highly anticipated event for Prime members. However, the excitement of the sale makes for a perfect opportunity for criminals to strike, which is why it’s crucial to be aware of these common scams.

“Scammers know that during major sales like this, shoppers tend to let their guard down. People are less cautious than usual in the rush to secure a good deal, making it easier to target them.

“When shopping the sale this month, make sure you check listing reviews, remain cautious of unexpected emails or phone calls, and remember that Amazon will never ask for your personal information or account details on the phone, via email, or on an external website.

“If you think you may have fallen victim to any of these scams, stay calm and report it immediately to Amazon. If you have given out any personal information, such as passwords or bank details, take steps such as changing your password, cancelling your bank card, and keeping an eye on your online banking for any transactions you don’t recognise.”