Community Chat

[willowbark]

I never click on a link from an email and on occasion one from amazon that was meant for the spam folder got through to my inbox but I still did not click on anything. 

I also do not use a password manager as they get hacked and then your personal info winds up on the dark web. 

I stopped using Paypal years ago,

While I never had an issue like the one described by the OP, I feel I no longer need Amazon and so ended my subscription and removed my c.c.'s.

No need to have it open when not in use imo and can always re-open if needed later. 

[Pecky]

This is very scary.  I hope this gets straighten out soon for you.

[nambee]

Gosh, this is all so scary and disheartening! Of course, all businesses are pushing for online buying, subscriptions, and keeping our CC info on file. There's also a big push for automatic withdrawals from bank accounts. However, there doesn't seem to be any real way of correcting an error or hack when it occurs.

Like you @willowbark, I have backed away from using Amazon unless I have no other option. I do not keep my CC info on file and re-enter it when I need to buy something, then delete it immediately. I also have 2-factor ID.

I never do auto-pay even if I it means I don't get the discount. And I'm reluctant to order online except if necessary and then only on well-known websites. And I never save my CC info. 

Even so, I know that I can't prevent something bad from happening!

I also know it's about to get much worse as AI becomes more widespread. Why does progress seem like such a huge step back for consumers? Sigh!

[geezerette]

@nambee 

"I also know it's about to get much worse as AI becomes more widespread. Why does progress seem like such a huge step back for consumers? Sigh!"

Boy, do I feel the same way about that!

[Qgirl26]

I'm so sorry this happened to you, @MamaWick . That sounds awful! I hope it gets fixed really soon.

And for everyone, whatever you do, don't click on any links in any email you get! I have gotten several from people thanking me for my purchases from Amazon and they have a link on it. I know better so I go and check my Amazon account and find no such thing was purchased. I pay my credit card in full each month so if there's something extra on it, I will know. But these scammers are stealing your info by getting you to click on their links or call the number they provide. NEVER call the number provided in the email!!! Look it up online to find the correct number or go on the official website. They do things like this because they want you to panic, call the number or click on the link and they got you. Also, ALWAYS look at their email address to see what it is. You can usually tell if it's actually from the official place or if it's something else. Amazon won't email you from someone named Erniewantsadollar or something like that! If you get these emails, take a breath, check your account and contact them from the numbers provided on the actual website to make sure everything is ok. Just don't panic! I got one just yesterday telling my that my Prime membership expired and had a button for me to click on. I knew that wasn't true because mine automatically renews and it's in March. But scammers are going strong on trying to hurt people. You have to be very careful these days.

[Thats Me]

This is really scary and I'm so sorry!

Amazon isn't easy to contact by phone but the number I've used (and it's for Amazon order support) is 206-922-0880.

I wonder if that number can also bee used for account issues but don't know.

Good luck getting this resolved!

[AuntG]

What a scary situation. You don't know what emails should be opened. I only open the Amazon ones that say my delivery is on the way only IF I had ordered something.

[Katrinka23]

I feel for you.  In the past six weeks or so. I have had my Visa card, my Discover card, my Google account and my PayPal account hacked and malware on my laptop.  It has been a real nightmare!  But everyone has been very helpful.

I had mentioned  on another forum that I have the habit of checking my accounts daily so that was,a big help in finding these charges early.

I have become so paranoid about buying anything.  My laptop is only a couple of years old and I see the Geek Squad charges about $180 to remove the virus.  I may just continue using my fire tablet instead of buying a new laptop.

Good luck to you in getting your account settled.

Also. I removed all credit cards from Google Wallet and deleted a lot from Password Manager.

[Mz iMac]

@MamaWick  Update?

[MamaWick]

@Mz iMac. Thank you for asking.  After being told it would be a hassle to re-claim my account, I was pleasantly surprised that it wasn't. Amazon suspected there was fraud when they saw many orders placed at pretty much the same time being shipped to different addresses all across the United States. 

They froze my account, of course, and began their investigation.  I contacted the banks of the two credit cards listed in my account (but only one was being used) and both were immediately closed.  I received new cards/new numbers within a week.  The card that was being used opened their own fraud investigation, and slowly each charge was reversed.  

Amazon canceled most of the fraudulent orders, but some were shipped.  I'm not privy to what happened there.  

Thus,I am not being charged for these orders.  I have my account back with all my lists, MY prior orders, my Kindle books account, and Amazon fire stick TVs working under MY email.

I have, however, set up a new email dedicated only for Amazon, with a password I hope is extremely strong.  I have gone into every place where I had a Wallet storing cards, i.e. QVC, HSN, hotels, Walmart, etc, and removed all stored cards. It will be a pain to enter a card with each order, but I'll do it to help prevent this. 

EDIT:  I am also implementing 2-factor authentication on everything.