A fake Amazon app was developed by scammers to target Alexa device customers. According to CNET's previous report, customers trying to set up their Echo speakers are lured by an international ring allegedly setting up fake mobile apps and websites.
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An alleged tech support scam is pushed back by Amazon. The company stated that the tech group is targeting customers using Alexa and Echo devices through fake Alexa websites and apps. Last week, Amazon filed a civil lawsuit in federal court in Seattle against the tech support scam.
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The company reiterated that an international ring in India and Washington state developed a scheme to lure people who are trying to set up new Alexa devices. Amazon said that the customers were prompted to contact a customer support number and could be charged $150 for bogus protection plans once they finish downloading the fake Amazon-branded apps.
"Amazon works hard to protect our customers, and the blatant misuse of our brand to deceive unsuspecting customers setting up their new device is appalling," said an Amazon spokesperson on Wednesday, May 13.
Scammers use Amazon bogus app to target Alexa device customers: Fake mobile apps and websites lure customers setting up Echo speakers
Last Wednesday, May 13, CNET said that most of the scammers might have been shut down since the two apps and most websites mentioned in the lawsuit have been deactivated.
Alexa device setup is free provided by Amazon which is primarily accessed using the Alexa mobile app. The mobile app is called AMZN Mobile LLC. Echo device package sold by Amazon includes setup instructions that the "Smart Home Expert" took advantage of by developing a fake app.
Robojap technologies located in Covington, Washington, and Quatic Software Solutions, based in Punjab, India, allegedly ran the scam. The two entities market themselves as tech support companies, according to Amazon. There were no comments given by Quatic and Robojap regarding the issue.
However, the lawsuit concluded that Quatic is managed by Robojap; the website of Quatic listed in the lawsuit is no longer available. "Echo Setup Instructions and Guide" and "Setup Guide for Echo," which were used to lure in customers, were no longer available on the app store.
The lawsuit didn't include the specific number of customers affected by the alleged scam, but Amazon clarified that they received a number of complaints that customers were misled by Robojap stating that the company is connected with Amazon. It was also stated that Robojap was selling unwanted services. However, Amazon declined to give a statement regarding criminal charges.
