Detectives warned the public about a fraud scam involving claims to be from Amazon Prime.
The fraud gang was operating country-wide with one heartbroken victim losing all their savings.
According to police, the ‘Amazon Prime’ conmen have already net themselves over $1 million.
Police issued an urgent warning to the public after many of the victims reported that they have been duped into paying Amazon Prime subscription live.
A Bedfordshire Police spokesperson said: “We are issuing a fraud warning after a number of Bedfordshire residents fell victim to a scam, with one losing their entire life savings.
“Action Fraud has reported that the scam was first reported in October 2019 and since has cost the victims more than £1 million.
“The scam is carried out by phone call, with the victim receiving an automated phone message that they have been charged for an Amazon Prime subscription. They are subsequently instructed to ‘press 1’ to cancel the transaction. When they do this, they are directed to a fraudster posing as an Amazon customer service representative.
“The fraudster advises the victim that their subscription was purchased fraudulently and that remote access to their computer is required in order to fix a security flaw that will prevent it from reoccurring.
“The unsuspecting victim then downloads software which grants the scammers remote access to their computer, including personal and financial information.
“Other variants of the crime involve fraudsters stating that the recipient is eligible for a refund for an unauthorised transaction on their Amazon account.
“Bedfordshire Police would like to advise all residents to stay alert to this sophisticated scam and follow Action Fraud advice to stay safe.”
Bedfordshire Police Cyber Security Advisor Sean O’Neil also said: “We would like to ask our residents to remain vigilant to any unsolicited calls. Make sure that you share this advice with your friends and family and speak to your elderly family members.
“Remember to always protect your personal information and never grant remote access to your computer or phone to anyone who contacts you first.. Remember, if you have been a victim of fraud or cyber crime, report it to Action Fraud online or by calling 0300 123 2040.”
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Replaced!