Attention Bay State residents: Many rely on Amazon to purchase items. Be aware that a complicated scam is still prevalent that begins with a call or text message about a suspicious charge to your account. But remember, it is NOT really Amazon. It is a scammer with an elaborate story of fraud using your identity.

Here’s how these criminals operate: Scammers spoof their phone number to make it look like Amazon is calling. A word of warning: Do not trust the number on your caller ID or follow any instructions given to you by this caller. If you are wondering about the status of your order or are concerned about a suspicious purchase on Amazon, log in through their website by clicking here. NOT Call back the number that called you or a number someone left in a voicemail or text message.

If there is a problem with your account or identity, always talk to someone you trust about it because the stranger on the phone saying it is serious or involves a crime or they claim to be from the government is a scam. No one reputable will tell you to keep this a secret and that is a cold hard fact!

Don’t trust the person on the phone if they tell you someone used your Social Security number to open fraudulent accounts in your name. If you want to know for sure, get a free instant copy of your credit report online and look for accounts you don’t recognize.

They also scare their victims by claiming they will be arrested immediately for account fraud. This is fraud! If someone has stolen your identity to open fraudulent accounts, fill out an identity theft report with the FTC here and then place an enhanced fraud alert on your credit report.

One way to spot a scam is to understand its mechanics. If you know the content of the phone call in question, consider this a warning sign and NOT Never try to move funds to protect it, as this is also something that raises eyebrows in more ways than one.

As Michael Conrad said in “Hill Street Blues” every time he sent his officers on patrol: “Be careful out there.”