AMAZON force-resets some account passwords

[leebase]

With SSN's, merchants protect you by just asking for the last 4. Since most everyone does that now, the effect is to reduce the length of your SSN to 4 digits

[49Kat]

Originally Posted by Fluribus

In my case, the automated voice code worked better than the text message code.

I wasn't offered that option. A customer service rep I spoke to today said the mobile phone option was only available on Amazon.com. I said ok, although I figured he didn't really understand what I was talking about. I think he was referring to two step verification. Anyway, I decided to give up until two step verification is available outside the U.S.

[Atunah]

They just reset mine. I have to admit on feeling a quick sense of total panic when you know you are locked out. I have so much stuff on amazon so I went

My reason given though was different.

This is an important message from Amazon.com.

As a precaution, we've reset your Amazon.com password because you may have been subject to a "phishing" scam.

Here's how phishing works:

A scam artist sends an e-mail, which is designed to look like it came from a reputable company such as a bank, financial institution, or retailer like Amazon.com, but is in fact a forgery. These e-mails direct you to a website that looks remarkably similar to the reputable company's website, where you are asked to provide account information such as your e-mail address and password. Since that web site is actually controlled by the phisher, they get the information you entered.

Go to amazon.com/phish to read more about ways to protect yourself from phishing.

To regain access to your Amazon customer account:

1. Go to Amazon.com and click the "Your Account" link at the top of our website.

2. Click the link that says "Forgot your password?"

3. Follow the instructions to set a new password for your account.

Please choose a new password and do not use the same password you used with us previously.

Thank you for your interest in Amazon.com.

It was time to change it anyway, but I still got a scare there. I don't recall any fake emails from amazon and would never use a link anyway. I also had to enter now a captcha which I have never seen on amazon before. Even once I had my new password, it made me do one again. Wonder if I have to use one now ever time I sign in .

[Cinisajoy]

I doubt you will have to do that thing every time.

[Atunah]

I hope not. Captchas make me itchy. Although theirs isn't too bad.