REKKed scammers exploit Amazon's return system, steal millions in MacBooks and other high-priced items

eCommerce giant Amazon has filed a lawsuit against an international cybercrime group called REKK for allegedly exploiting the company's return and refund system to steal millions of dollars worth of high-priced items like laptops and game consoles.

REKK's modus operandi

• The group offered discounted high-priced items on social media platforms like Reddit and Discord.
• They communicated with shoppers on Telegram, a platform with 30,000 followers.
• REKK either hacked into Amazon's systems or bribed employees to approve fake returns.
• They stole the items and kept them for themselves, charging customers a commission on the purchase price.

Millions lost and employees bribed

• The scheme operated for nearly a year, from June 2022 to May 2023, costing Amazon millions.
• REKK bribed at least seven former Amazon employees to approve fake returns.
• One employee approved $100,000 in fake returns for $3,500, while another received $5,000 for approving $75,000 in fake returns.

Amazon's actions

• Amazon filed a lawsuit against REKK and nearly 30 individuals from various countries.
• They seek damages for the millions lost and an injunction to stop REKK's operations.
• Amazon spends heavily on security, investing $1.2 billion and employing 15,000 people in 2022 alone to combat theft, fraud, and abuse.

This event highlights the growing threat of cybercrime in the eCommerce industry. Amazon's case against REKK serves as a reminder that even large companies with robust security measures can be vulnerable to sophisticated attacks. It is crucial for companies and individuals to remain vigilant and implement strong security measures to protect themselves from online scams.