Overview
Amazon scams exploit the trust consumers place in the world's largest online retailer. With billions of packages shipped annually, scammers use fake order confirmations, delivery notifications, and account alerts to trick people into revealing personal information or making payments. These scams target both buyers and sellers, using sophisticated techniques that closely mimic Amazon's official communications. Learning to recognize these schemes can save you from financial loss and identity theft.
How This Scam Works
Scammers send fake order confirmation emails for expensive items you never purchased, prompting you to click a 'Cancel Order' link that leads to a phishing site.
Phone calls from people claiming to be Amazon support, warning about unauthorized purchases on your account and requesting remote access to your computer.
Fake delivery notifications via text message with tracking links that install malware or lead to credential-stealing websites.
Phony Amazon gift card offers that require you to enter personal information or pay a small fee to claim a reward.
Counterfeit seller accounts that list items at impossibly low prices, collect payment, and never deliver the product.
Warning Signs
Real Scam Examples
These are examples of messages used in this type of scam. Recognizing the patterns helps you stay safe.
"Your Amazon order #112-7654321-9876543 for MacBook Pro ($1,299.99) has been confirmed. If you did not place this order, click here to cancel immediately to avoid being charged."
"Amazon: Your package could not be delivered due to an incomplete address. Update your information here to reschedule delivery: [suspicious link]"
"This is Amazon Security calling. We have detected an unauthorized purchase of $799 on your account. To stop this charge, please stay on the line and follow our instructions to verify your identity."
How to Protect Yourself
1Check orders on amazon.com directly
Never click links in order confirmation emails. Log into your Amazon account directly to view your actual order history.
2Amazon will never call asking for payment
Amazon does not make outbound calls asking for payment or personal information. If you receive such a call, hang up immediately.
3Use Amazon's in-app messaging
Communicate with sellers only through Amazon's messaging system. Never respond to requests to contact sellers via personal email or phone.
4Enable login notifications
Turn on Amazon's login notifications so you are alerted whenever someone accesses your account from a new device.
5Report suspicious contacts
Forward suspicious emails to stop-spoofing@amazon.com and report phone scams through Amazon's customer service.
6Verify seller ratings
Before purchasing from third-party sellers, check their ratings, review count, and how long they have been selling on Amazon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Think you have received a scam like this?
Paste the suspicious message into our free AI-powered GCR Scam Guard for instant analysis.
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