Amazon Scam SMS and Accurate Data

this is us on 26/03/2021 - 12:34

Two days ago, I was checking deals for a new Macbook Pro, something that I haven't done in the last years… I was in a hotel using the public (password protected) Wi-Fi network. I often activate my VPN under these circumstances, but connection was not good so I disconnected the VPN.

I browsed as usual, checked my emails (was logged in, didn't have to enter any passwords)…

Yeaterday, I received a scam message on my phone:

Confirmed: Your Amazon order Apple MacBook Pro 13-inch M1 8-Core for 2699 AUD. Order id 051-345121760T on 2021-03-25. If NOT you, Please Call (+61)1800-749-173

Message was sent from 0478 821 653.

Obviously, a scam, and I believe if I call back they will be asking for details, and maybe my credit card number so they can "cancel the order", or something like that.

Interestingly, my phone number is NOT linked to my Amazon account, although it is linked to my delivery address.

Yes, that's a scam, but I wonder if the item (Macbook Pro) was just a coincidence, or if my computer or Wi-Fi network is leaking my data, and if there is a way to track this. I use Brave to browse and I have extensions, but nothing obviously dodgy. I was browsing on my Macbook…

Any suggestion?

Internet

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Comments

  • Hybroid on 26/03/2021 - 12:38
    +1

    Coincidence. Looks like a common text scam.

    https://www.reverseaustralia.com/lookup/1800950475/

    • pharkurnell on 26/03/2021 - 12:44

      Gee, they've been busy!

    • this is us on 26/03/2021 - 12:48

      I found this page yesterday, but it was hard to believe it happened on the same day I actually searched for the same item, and even added to my cart on JB website. Still, better than discover that my browsing data is leaking.

      • SF3 on 26/03/2021 - 14:01
        +1

        It would seem that's how such scams work, to spam people with popular items or activities, so people don't see it as a coincident. The scammers only need a few people to bite to get their prize.

  • nedski on 26/03/2021 - 12:58
    +5

    I got that text as well but it was for a Dell XPS. I called them back for fun and confirmed the order and said I couldnt wait to receive it. Funny thing is, one of the first things the guy said was "So you want to cancel the order". Why would I want to cancel the order? Im getting a free laptop! Guy got frustrated and hung up.

    • Hithere on 26/03/2021 - 13:57

      Im getting a free laptop!

      Funniest thing I've read all week. Well done :)

  • fantombloo on 26/03/2021 - 13:29

    I got it too for a camera. Funny enough I don't generally use Amazon (probably not for at least a year or two) but did get one thing the other week and got a month of free prime so maybe there legit is a leak somewhere.

    I called to waste their time, they asked for the ID sent in the SMS and even sent me a second confirmation text. Well played by these aholes, I reckon this scam will pay dividends.

  • Ocker on 26/03/2021 - 14:27

    If you want to call them back and block your calling number from being displayed at their end, enter 1831 before the number you want to call

    • jayboi on 26/03/2021 - 15:06

      you mean #1831 on the phone dialer before I enter their number? How do I revert it if I want to call someone else?

      • Ocker on 26/03/2021 - 15:57

        Just precede the number you wish to call with 1831. That will block you caller ID for that call only. Future calls will act as normal

  • netjock on 26/03/2021 - 14:29

    Never respond to these messages. Go straight to Amazon via Google (not the sponsored ads at the top) and check your accounts. Safest option (unless you got malware / spyware on your laptop).

    • CircularIllusion on 26/03/2021 - 17:50

      Why not go to Amazon directly?

      • netjock on 26/03/2021 - 17:55

        Depends on what is on your URL history.

        Some people click on links in emails which is a no no.

        • CircularIllusion on 26/03/2021 - 19:07
          +1

          Yeah, I agree that clicking links is a bad idea. If people don't know the URL of Amazon then sure… But cutting out Google by going straight to amazon.com.au is even better. Going to .COM should redirect to .COM.AU for anyone worried about forgetting.

  • MeCat on 03/04/2021 - 17:00

    Yep I received an sms from +61402903269 telling me that I had paid $ 3969 against Apple MacBook Pro (13inch) including an order number on 3 April 21 and asking me to contact a helpline +61-1800749172. This is a SCAM - do not contact - hoping that the recipient would ring and give them their credit details over the phone.

    The link for me was that I recently purchased an Apple product at JB ?

  • c64 on 16/04/2021 - 18:32
    +3

    i stumbled upon this today https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VrKW58MS12g
    pretty much covers how the scam works. apparently very profitable as well.

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