Amazon gift card mail scam

The Amazon gift card mail scam is a type of phishing scam where scammers send fake Amazon gift cards to victims, often with a fake tracking number and a request to pay a fee to receive the gift card. Here's how it typically works:

1. Scammers send a fake Amazon gift card to the victim, often with a tracking number that appears legitimate.
2. The scammer claims that the gift card is a "free" gift from Amazon, but there's a catch: the victim needs to pay a fee to receive the gift card.
3. The scammer may claim that the fee is for "processing" or "shipping" the gift card, but it's actually just a way to get the victim to send money to the scammer.
4. The scammer may also ask the victim to provide personal information, such as their credit card number or social security number, to "verify" their identity.

Here are some red flags to watch out for:

• The gift card arrives unexpectedly, and you didn't request it.
• The tracking number appears legitimate, but you can't track the package.
• The scammer is pushing you to pay a fee to receive the gift card.
• The scammer is asking for personal information, such as your credit card number or social security number.

What to do if you receive a fake Amazon gift card:

1. Do not respond to the scammer or send any money.
2. Do not provide any personal information.
3. Report the scam to Amazon's customer service department.
4. Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and your local authorities.

How to avoid falling victim to this scam:

1. Be cautious of unsolicited emails, texts, or messages claiming to be from Amazon.
2. Never respond to or engage with suspicious emails or messages.
3. Verify the authenticity of any gift card or prize by contacting Amazon directly.
4. Be wary of requests for personal information or payment for a "processing" or "shipping" fee.

Remember, Amazon will never ask you to pay a fee to receive a gift card or prize. If you're unsure about the legitimacy of a gift card or prize, it's always best to err on the side of caution and report it to the authorities.