How does the ‘Amazon scam’ work and what can you do to AVOID falling victim to it?

Despite being well-known, the “Amazon scam” continues to claim victims in Brazil. It works like this: fake recruiters offer opportunities for good earnings as extra income through text messaging apps or social media groups.

The idea is usually the same: to buy and resell products on a website that appears to be owned by Big Tech. The scammers approach victims by promising them a bonus of between R$20 and R$100 to start making purchases.

Supposedly, the activities carried out on the fake platform generate commissions for the victims. However, the sales are fake and everything is just a simulation.

The victim only realizes that it was all a scam when they try to withdraw the money that they would supposedly have to withdraw in commissions, but the platform requires the purchase of more expensive products, on average over R$1,000, generating increasing investments without the person being able to recover what they paid.

The scam, also known as the “part-time scam,” “fake commission scam,” or “fake job scam,” targets students or people looking for extra income.

Reports from victims show that some lost thousands of reais after falling for the scam, which is not only practiced in Brazil, but also in other countries.

Amazon Clarification

In a statement, Amazon Brazil stated that it does not make any contact with potential candidates for the company’s vacancies through text messaging applications. According to the company, the selection processes are communicated on official websites or by official contracted companies.

It is important that people always be alert to contacts who approach them with promises of easy money. In any case, below we will show you some steps to avoid falling for scams like this.

Don’t be another victim of this scam

First, check the email sent for registration and check the reputation of the company that presents itself as an Amazon recruiter to confirm that it exists.

You should be wary of prices that are much lower than those practiced in the general market. Furthermore, do not click on random links sent by email, messages and messaging apps. Also note if there are any typing or grammatical errors in the messages.

If you fall for this scam, report the crime to your local police department immediately. You can file the report in person or online, with as much detail as possible about the crime.

As proof, keep proof of bank transfers with you and save any application conversations with fake recruiters.

As soon as you notice that you have transferred funds to the scammers’ account, contact your bank and explain what happened, requesting the activation of the “Special Return Mechanism”, to block the amount in the account that received the money.

If the money is still in the scammer’s account, the full amount will be returned. If not, the bank must return whatever is in the scammer’s account. However, it is not possible to recover amounts already transferred to third parties by the scammer.