Scammers are calling residents pretending to be from Amazon, claiming customers’ Prime subscription needs renewing.
Halton Borough Council Trading Standards officers are warning this is a con!
Scammers have been telephoning consumers (sometimes this is automated, sometimes it’s a person) stating either their Amazon Prime subscription needs renewing or the price has gone up and so further payments are required.
Halton Borough Council’s Executive Board Member for Trading Standards, Cllr Dave Cargill, said: “It is likely the scammer will be after your bank details and/or personal details and will do this by trying to take these details over the phone, via a website or even getting you to download an app on your mobile phone or computer.
“This is a scam, simply hang up the phone. “
If you or somebody you know has been caught out by a scam or fraud please contact one of our specialist officers, Linda or Sue on 0151 511 8785 or 0151 511 8775, who are already working with people in Halton who have lost thousands of pounds to scams.
Halton Trading Standards has issued a warning about this scam on itsiCAN (Consumer Alert Network) system. iCAN is a free email alert service and was originally developed to warn consumers about scams operated by cold callers and doorstep callers.
The system is now also used to let members know about free services, education and training opportunities and social events that are organised by the council or voluntary and charity groups.
From time to time the system is also used to ask members to be their eyes and ears and provide information about what is happening in the community.
Members can opt to receive some or all of the categories. If you want to join send an email with your name and address to trading.standards@halton.gov.uk.
For anything else please contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline or 0808 223 1133