Most Common Amazon Scams & How to Avoid Them
Amazon scams target U.S. consumers via calls, texts, emails, and social media, often impersonating support. Discover the latest scam tactics, red flags, and practical tips to keep your family, especially seniors, safe.
Table of Contents
Quick Facts
About this scam type
Amazon impersonation scams cover a wide set of tactics where fraudsters pose as the company’s employees, customer support, or recruiters to manipulate victims. Methods include voice calls, SMS (texts), emails, and fake websites. The goal is to steal money, credentials, or personal information by exploiting trust in the Amazon brand.
How scammers contact victims
While scammers use many channels, phone calls (including robocalls and texts) are widely used for urgency and convincing social engineering. Social media and email attacks are also common—urging users to act quickly, click suspicious links, or provide sensitive data.
Who is most at risk
Seniors and older adults are frequent targets due to less familiarity with new scam tactics, increased online shopping during holidays, and trust in brand communications. Scammers prey on concern for account security, confusion about deliveries, and seasonal shopping spikes.
Understanding the risk level
Amazon scams can result in significant financial loss, identity theft, and loss of account access. Victims may unwittingly provide payment details, credentials, or install malicious software. Some scams target severe emotional distress, such as fake fraud alerts or job recruitment deception.
Most Common Amazon Scams
How it works: You receive a robocall or SMS saying a large purchase was made on your Amazon account. The message urges you to 'Press 1' or call a number to cancel. Scammers pose as Amazon support and may try to remotely access your device, steal payment info, or demand payment to 'fix' the problem.
Real Example (Sept 2025)
"Amazon Alert: Unusual purchase of $849 detected. Call 1-888-XXX-XXXX if this was not you." Typical SMS
"Your Amazon account has been compromised. Call now to secure your account." Red Flag Signs:
- • Unsolicited call or text about a purchase you didn’t make
- • Requests for remote access or app downloads
- • Strong urgency to act immediately
How it works: Scammers send official-looking emails or texts about Amazon Prime membership expiring. Victims are sent to a fake renewal site that steals login and card details. Often spikes before and during Amazon Prime Day.
Phishing Email Example
"Your Amazon Prime will be suspended unless renewed. Update payment info here: [fake link]" Red Flag Signs:
- • Message contains urgent suspension threat
- • Links to non-Amazon domains (e.g., amazom-support.com)
- • Requests for full card or account details
How it works: You receive an unsolicited Amazon OTP (one-time passcode) via text or email. Shortly after, someone (posing as Amazon) asks you to read back or enter the code to 'verify' your identity. This allows them to hijack your account.
Common Text Scam
"Your verification code is 852331. Do not share with anyone." (Scammer follows up asking for this number.) Red Flag Signs:
- • Unsolicited OTP or verification request
- • Requests to share or enter the code outside Amazon’s site
- • Caller claims to be Amazon and needs your OTP
How it works: You receive a mystery Amazon package you never ordered, sometimes with a QR code or a card asking you to scan for a 'thank you' or prize. These can be attempts to steal info or infect devices, and leave fake product reviews.
Package Card Example
"Scan this QR for a special gift! Rate your experience to win." Red Flag Signs:
- • Unexpected package from Amazon
- • Request to scan a QR code or visit a strange website
- • Promised free gifts or rewards for reviews
How it works: Scammers mimic Amazon’s support profiles on Twitter/X, Facebook, or Instagram. If you mention an Amazon issue, they may DM you with a fake support offer, asking for credentials, payment, or remote access.
Social DM Example
"Hello, this is Amazon Help. Please DM us your full name, email, and order number to verify your account." Red Flag Signs:
- • Approaches from suspicious or unverified accounts
- • Requests for login info or payment in DMs
- • Pushes you to click links or download files
How it works: Fraudulent recruiters or emails offer fake jobs at Amazon requiring an 'application fee' or upfront payment for training/materials. Targets jobseekers and those seeking flexible income.
Recruiter Scam Example
"Congrats! You've been selected for Amazon Remote Work. Pay $75 to begin background processing." Red Flag Signs:
- • Requests for payment to apply or get hired
- • No interview or fake interview process
- • Non-Amazon email addresses or unofficial sites
Red Flags & Warning Signs
Top 5 Phrases Scammers Use
- 1 "Act now or your account will be suspended"
Creates a false sense of urgency and fear
- 2 "We detected suspicious activity. Confirm your information"
Tries to trick you into revealing sensitive details
- 3 "Please provide the code we just sent you"
Aims to capture your one-time login or verification code
- 4 "Click this link to secure your account"
Pushes you toward a phishing website
- 5 "Pay a fee now to avoid legal action or loss of job opportunity"
Asks for payment via unusual or urgent means
Scam Warning Signs
- Urgency or threatsMessages that demand fast action or threaten account loss are likely scams.
- Requests for remote access/softwareReal support never asks to control your phone, computer, or install unfamiliar programs.
- Unfamiliar URLs or email addressesCheck sender and website before entering info—Amazon will use amazon.com domains.
- Unsolicited requests for payment, OTP or credentialsNever share codes or pay fees unless you’ve initiated contact.
- Typos, bad graphics, or awkward languageProfessional companies proofread and have consistent branding.
Legitimate Communications
- All official alerts appear in your Amazon Message CenterTo check, log in at amazon.com and review messages—not just your email/SMS.
- No request for OTP unless you are logging inYou’ll only be prompted for a verification code when YOU sign in or shop.
- No payment required for job offers or customer supportLegitimate Amazon jobs and help are always free to start.
- Addresses end with '@amazon.com' or verified phone numbersScammers often use lookalike domains or generic email accounts.
- Amazon never asks for remote access to your devicesSupport helps by text or phone, not by taking control of your computer.
How to Protect Yourself
Follow these steps to prevent falling victim to Amazon scams. Share these tips with family members, especially older adults and less tech-savvy loved ones.
- 1. Verify Alerts in Your Amazon Account
Never trust phone calls, texts, or emails alone. Log in directly at amazon.com and check the Message Center to confirm any alert or suspicious activity.
Bookmark amazon.com and use the official Amazon app for all account actions.
- 2. Never Share One-Time Passwords (OTPs)
Do not give verification codes or OTPs you receive—no legitimate Amazon representative will ever ask for these outside the login process.
Remind older family members: When in doubt, call Amazon via their official website.
- 3. Ignore Urgent Payment Requests or Fee Demands
Amazon doesn’t require instant payments over the phone or via gift cards for purchases, jobs, or technical support.
- 4. Check Senders and Links Carefully
Inspect email addresses, phone numbers, and web links. Official Amazon emails end with ‘@amazon.com’.
Hover over links (or tap and hold on mobile, without clicking) to see the true web address.
- 5. Never Install Unfamiliar Apps for 'Support'
Remote-access apps requested over the phone are almost always a scam. Amazon support does not need to control your device.
- 6. Report Suspicious Messages Promptly
Forward suspicious emails to stop-spoofing@amazon.com, and report scams to reportascam@amazon.com.
What to Do If You're a Victim
If you think you’ve been tricked by an Amazon scam, don’t panic—quick action can limit losses. Here’s what to do:
- 1. Change Your Amazon Password Immediately (Do immediately)
If you gave out your password or OTP, reset it from a secure device. Enable two-step verification.
- 2. Contact Your Bank or Credit Card Company (Do immediately)
If you shared payment info or see unauthorized transactions, call your bank’s fraud line to freeze or reverse charges.
- 3. Report the Scam to Amazon (Within 24 hours)
Forward details to stop-spoofing@amazon.com or reportascam@amazon.com for investigation.
- 4. File a Report with the FTC (Within 24 hours)
Report to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. This helps track scammers and may assist in recovery.
- 5. Report Cybercrime to the FBI (Within 1 week)
Visit ic3.gov to file an online internet crime report, especially for losses involving wire transfer or persistent fraud.
- 6. Monitor All Accounts Closely
Regularly check your Amazon account and bank statements for more unauthorized activity.
- 7. Contact the DOJ Elder Justice Hotline (833-372-8311) if You’re an Older Adult (Within 1 week)
This service can connect you to support and legal resources.
For additional counseling and victim support, contact the BBB Scam Tracker and consult with local law enforcement.
Citations: Amazon, FTC, IC3, DOJ Elder Justice Initiative, BBB, Malwarebytes, Tom’s Guide, YouMail, USPS/IC3.
Frequently Asked Questions
Only act on alerts found in your Amazon Message Center by logging into your account. Ignore unsolicited texts, calls, or email links to unknown sites.
No, never share one-time passcodes (OTPs) or verification codes with anyone—Amazon staff will not ask for them outside the login process.
Brushing is when you get a package you never ordered, sometimes with a QR code or survey card. Don’t scan anything or click strange links; most are harmless but some are used for fraud or identity theft.
Forward emails or SMS to stop-spoofing@amazon.com and reportascam@amazon.com, and file a report at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and the FBI’s ic3.gov.
The FTC’s Impersonation Rule (2024) prohibits scammers from posing as major companies like Amazon. It helps law enforcement hold fraudsters accountable, but you must remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
Yes, scams spike during Amazon sales like Prime Day and the holidays. Be especially cautious about urgent messages or new ‘deals’ at these times.
Call the DOJ Elder Justice Hotline: 833-372-8311. Share recovery steps listed above and use trusted support organizations for further help.