Fraudsters frequently impersonate Amazon to steal money, credit card details, or login credentials. Because of Amazon’s massive global presence and trusted brand reputation, scammers exploit its name through emails, text messages, fake websites, and phone calls that appear authentic.
This hub provides an updated overview of current Amazon-themed scams, how they operate, and where to report them safely.
Common Amazon Scam Variants
1. Fake Order Confirmation Emails
You receive an email claiming that you’ve made a large purchase — a TV, laptop, or iPhone. The message urges you to cancel immediately if it wasn’t you, linking to a fake “Amazon support” page that steals your login details.
Red flags:
- The sender’s address isn’t from
@amazon.comor@amazon.ca. - Links don’t lead to the official Amazon domain.
- Generic greetings (“Dear customer”) instead of your name.
Protection tip: Always check order history directly from your Amazon account rather than through email links.
2. “Account Suspended” or “Payment Failed” Phishing
Scammers send messages claiming your Amazon account is suspended or payment failed for your latest order. The link opens a phishing site that mimics Amazon’s login page and captures your credentials.
How it spreads:
- Email subject lines like “Your Amazon account has been locked.”
- Text messages that say “Verify your account to avoid suspension.”
- Pop-ups pretending to be from Amazon’s support team.
Stay safe: Amazon never suspends accounts via SMS or asks for login verification through third-party links.
3. Refund and Overpayment Scams
You may receive a phone call or email stating you’ve been “overcharged” and deserve a refund. The scammer claims to represent Amazon billing support and guides you to install remote-access software like AnyDesk or TeamViewer to “process your refund.”
Once connected, they manipulate your browser to show a fake “over-refund” — then demand repayment via gift cards or crypto transfers.
Never:
- Grant remote access to your computer.
- Share one-time codes, gift card PINs, or crypto wallet addresses.
4. Gift Card and Survey Scams
Amazon-branded giveaways or surveys promise free gift cards in exchange for personal data. Victims may be asked to fill out forms that collect credit card numbers or install mobile “coupon” apps containing malware.
Real giveaways: Amazon runs promotions only on its official domains or verified social media pages.
5. Fake Delivery and Tracking Updates
Text messages or emails claiming your “Amazon parcel is delayed” often link to spoofed tracking portals. These sites steal credit card numbers under the guise of “customs clearance” or “redelivery fees.”
Tell-tale signs:
- URLs that include “amz-support” or “parcel-clearance” instead of amazon.ca/.com.
- Spelling mistakes or capitalized words like “URGENT ACTION REQUIRED.”
Always track packages only via the official Amazon Orders page.
How to Verify an Amazon Message
- Check the sender’s email domain. Amazon only uses verified addresses ending in
@amazon.com,@amazon.ca, or@amazon.co.uk. - Look for your name and order number. Generic greetings are a major red flag.
- Hover before you click. If the link doesn’t start with
https://www.amazon.com/orhttps://www.amazon.ca/, it’s fake. - Don’t download attachments or open ZIP/PDF files from unsolicited messages.
- Use two-factor authentication (2FA) on your Amazon account.
What To Do If You’ve Been Targeted
- Do not reply or click any links.
- Change your Amazon password immediately.
- Enable 2FA to secure your account.
- Report the scam to Amazon and delete the message.
- If money was sent, contact your bank or credit card issuer right away.
Where to Report Amazon Scams
1. Amazon’s Official Reporting Page
- Website: https://www.amazon.com/reportascam
- You can forward suspicious emails to stop-spoofing@amazon.com
- For text messages, report by forwarding to 7726 (SPAM)
2. Canadian and U.S. Agencies
3. If your credit card was used:
- Notify your bank’s fraud department and request a replacement card.
- Monitor transactions for at least 30 days.
Recent Amazon Scam Alerts (October 2025)
- WhatsApp “Amazon Rewards” scam promising $100 gift cards for feedback.
- Fake refund emails from “Amazon Billing Team” with ZIP attachments.
- Facebook ads linking to cloned Amazon stores selling high-ticket items at unrealistic discounts.
- “Verify your Prime renewal” texts leading to phishing pages designed to capture card details.
Prevention Checklist
✅ Always log in through the Amazon app or official website
✅ Never share one-time codes with anyone claiming to be Amazon support
✅ Ignore unsolicited calls about refunds or account problems
✅ Set up 2FA and security notifications
✅ Keep your credit card statements monitored weekly