The Increasing Sophistication of Fraud Attempts

Fraud attempts are becoming increasingly sophisticated and, potentially, dangerous. Confirmation comes from the case reported by Adiconsum of Modena and Reggio Emilia, which indirectly involves Amazon. This is a phishing attempt alongside another significant media case such as the hacking attack on ITA Airways.

What Happened

A scammer delivered a commercial envelope containing a check and a letter referencing a $51 Amazon Prime refund to a woman in Formigine, Modena. The entire communication, including the check, is a forgery, meticulously orchestrated, despite the information included in the letter being real.

The scam is detailed down to the last element. The $51 check from Huntington National Bank of Columbus, Ohio, and the attached message reference a lawsuit related to the Amazon Prime package in the United States and the Restore Online Shopper's Confidence Act. To receive the amount, a link to a website is provided, clarifying that the refund will be issued via PayPal.

The woman who received the communication (delivered by a man described as "Italian and well-dressed") became suspicious and chose to report the incident to the Carabinieri and also inform Adiconsum. Adiconsum described the scam as a "counterfeit masterpiece" and urged users who receive this communication: "Do not deposit the check, report it immediately. Beware of subsequent messages with links that risk your data, including banking information."

The communication originated from the Czech Republic and passed through the Netherlands. The hand delivery to someone in possession of an Amazon Prime account could confirm a possible data breach, with the scammers seemingly aware of the potential victim's details.

The Risks

The scam presents various risks. The first is phishing, with users being invited to provide their personal data after visiting the website indicated in the communication. The second is an "overpayment scam". This mechanic is explained by Adele Chiara Cangini, Adiconsum coordinator for Emilia-Romagna for Modena and Reggio Emilia:

"The victim deposits the check, the bank credits the funds while completing international verifications, and the scammers then call back asking to return the amount via wire transfer for a supposed error. When the check bounces, the money is already lost, with the further twist: the bank may ask the victim to return the funds that were credited at the time."

Adiconsum has also provided useful contacts (059 890897, [email protected], or WhatsApp at 333 204 6728) for users who receive such communication.