Amazon puts all UK users on red alert and issues urgent 'don't click' warning

If you shop at Amazon and have a Prime account you need to stay alert. The online retail giant has just sent out a message to customers warning them about the rise in online scams. These are landing inboxes across the UK and being fooled could end up giving hackers access to personal data including financial details.

"We've recently noticed an increase in customers reporting fake emails about Amazon Prime membership subscriptions," the email from Amazon reads.

"We want to help you stay protected by sharing important information about these scams."

One attack that's currently doing the rounds suggests that Prime accounts are being renewed with a new and unexpected price. Scammers hope that customers will then click a "cancel" button embedded within the message to stop the extra payment.

"Do not click on any links in these messages," Amazon has warned.

"Scammers use fake websites to steal your Amazon login credentials and banking information."

If you do receive an email claiming to be from Amazon, stop and think before acting.

If you want to verify your Prime membership, open your Amazon mobile app or go directly to Amazon.co.uk. Select "Prime" from the main menu to view your membership status, renewal dates, and plan details.

Amazon says that anyone who thinks they have already clicked on any suspicious links, must monitor their credit/debit card statements for unfamiliar charges and contact their bank immediately about any unauthorised transactions.

Other top tips from the firm include always accessing Amazon directly through its mobile app or by typing amazon.co.uk into a browser.

You can also find out if a message is really from Amazon.

Just visit the Message Centre under “Your Account.” Here you'll see all legitimate messages from Amazon - if things don't match .

It's also a good idea to enable two-step verification for your Amazon account through the Login & Security settings or visit amazon.co.uk/2SV.

This means nobody can access your account without getting a code first.

With Prime Day taking place later this week, scams are bound to increase even further so stay alert and beware.