Will Amazon ever contact you by phone?

Though there are instances where Amazon departments might make calls to customers, Amazon will never request that you reveal or authenticate any sensitive personal data, nor will they propose a refund that you haven't been expecting.

How do I know if I am being scammed on Amazon?

Be extremely wary of unsolicited communications, particularly those that request personal information or urge you to click on links. Often, scammers will try to create a sense of urgency to make you act without thinking. Always scrutinize the sender's email address for any anomalies or strange characters. Be cautious about offers that seem too good to be true, as scammers often lure victims in with unrealistically attractive deals.

How can I protect myself from Amazon scams?

Protecting yourself from Amazon scams involves implementing multiple layers of security. Using strong and unique passwords is a good start; consider employing a password manager to help maintain and generate these passwords. Be skeptical of unsolicited communications and avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. Regularly review your account activity for any unauthorized or suspicious actions and keep an eye on your linked payment methods. Enable two-factor authentication on your Amazon account to add an extra layer of security. It's also a good practice to independently navigate to the Amazon website by typing it into your browser rather than clicking through an email so that you can check for any legitimate notifications or messages in your account.

What should I do if I fall for an Amazon scam?

If you suspect that you have fallen for an Amazon scam, act swiftly. Immediately contact Amazon customer service to inform them of the situation. Next, change your Amazon account password, and if you used the same password on other sites, change those as well. Monitor your credit card statements and bank activity closely for any unauthorized transactions and consider contacting your bank to inform them of potential fraud. It may also be wise to check your account settings to ensure that no unauthorized changes (like shipping address) have been made. If personal information was compromised, consider monitoring your credit reports as well.

How can I report a scam related to Amazon?

To report a scam related to Amazon, navigate to Amazon's official "Report Something Suspicious" page and provide all the details regarding the scam. Make sure to include any relevant information, such as email addresses, phone numbers or message content, that could be used to track down the scammer. Reporting scams not only helps you but also contributes to the broader effort in combating fraudulent activity and protecting other users.

Advertiser Disclosure

10 Amazon Scams To Avoid

June 26, 2023

4 min Read

Written by Caitlyn Moorhead

Edited by Susan Kim

Amazon prime box delivered to a front door of residential building stock photo

Daria Nipot / iStock.com

Commitment to Our Readers

GOBankingRates' editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services - our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our products and services review methodology.

20 Years
Helping You Live Richer

Reviewed
by Experts

Trusted by
Millions of Readers

Amazon has become one of the largest companies in the world, and millions of Americans use it regularly. Because Amazon has such a vast user base, many different Amazon scams have popped up in recent years. So, which show up most often? GOBankingRates organized 10 of the most common Amazon scams that you should be aware of.

What Are The Top 10 Scams on Amazon?

General Phishing Scams
Overpayment Scam
Brushing Scam
Prime Video Sign-Up Scam
Porch Pirate Scam
Suspicious Amazon Account Activity
Fake Prize Notifications
Amazon Review Scam
Fake Amazon Job Offer Scam
Fake Order Notifications

1. General Phishing Scams

Phishing scams involve fake emails, text messages or phone calls pretending to be from Amazon. They aim to steal sensitive data like login credentials and credit card numbers. Be cautious about unsolicited communications that ask for your personal information. Amazon will never ask you to verify sensitive personal information over the phone.

2. Overpayment Scam

Be wary of any communications saying that you have overpaid for an item and are entitled to a refund. This is one of the ways scammers try to get you to click a link to go to a site where they will try to steal your information.

3. Brushing Scam

This scam involves receiving unsolicited packages from Amazon. It happens when third-party sellers get your address and send you items, then write fake positive reviews on your behalf. While getting free items might seem exciting, it’s a breach of your personal information and manipulates the Amazon review system. If you ever receive an unsolicited package, be sure to report it to Amazon.

4. Prime Video Sign-Up Scam

Scammers send out emails claiming that your Amazon Prime account has been compromised and that you need to click a link to verify your information. Once you click the link, it takes you to a fake site where your information can be stolen. Always double-check the sender’s email and the URL of the site.

Today's Top Offers

5. Porch Pirate Scam

This scam involves thieves stealing packages from your doorstep. Often, these “porch pirates” follow delivery trucks and snatch packages soon after they are delivered. To avoid this, opt for Amazon Locker delivery or require a signature for delivery.

6. Suspicious Amazon Account Activity

Scammers send emails or calls claiming there is suspicious activity on your Amazon account. They ask you to click on a link or provide personal information to resolve the issue. Remember that Amazon will never ask for personal information via phone.

7. Fake Prize Notifications

This scam involves receiving messages that you’ve won a prize or gift card from Amazon, and you need to click a link to claim it. These are phishing attempts to gather your personal information. Amazon doesn’t randomly give away prizes through emails or texts.

8. Amazon Review Scam

This scam involves sellers offering a refund or payment in exchange for a positive review. This is against Amazon’s policies and can lead to misleading product information. Always ensure your reviews are honest and unbiased.

9. Fake Amazon Job Offer Scam

This scam involves receiving unsolicited emails or messages claiming that Amazon is hiring and you have been selected for a job. Often, these scammers ask for personal information or a fee to process your application. Remember, legitimate companies, including Amazon, will never ask for money during the hiring process.

10. Fake Order Notifications

These scams involve emails claiming that you’ve made a high-value purchase on Amazon. The email will usually contain a link that prompts you to confirm or dispute the order. This is a ploy to steal your login credentials.

Today's Top Offers

Final Take

Being informed and cautious is the first line of defense against scams on Amazon. Always verify the authenticity of communications, especially if they ask for personal information or payments. By staying vigilant and educating yourself on common scams, you can enjoy a safer shopping experience.

Editorial Note: This content is not provided by any entity covered in this article. Any opinions, analyses, reviews, ratings or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author alone and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any entity named in this article.

Our in-house research team and on-site financial experts work together to create content that’s accurate, impartial, and up to date. We fact-check every single statistic, quote and fact using trusted primary resources to make sure the information we provide is correct. You can learn more about GOBankingRates’ processes and standards in our editorial policy.