Online shopping has become a regular part of our lives, and no company is more prominent in this space than Amazon. Whether you’re browsing for the latest gadgets or restocking household essentials, Amazon makes it easy to shop with just a click. Unfortunately, this convenience also allows scammers to take advantage of unsuspecting customers.
Amazon imposter scams are rising, but don’t worry—you can protect yourself with simple precautions. Here’s everything you need to know to stay safe and keep your information secure while you shop.
What is an Amazon Imposter Scam?
Amazon imposter scams typically involve fraudsters pretending to be Amazon representatives through emails, phone calls, or text messages. They aim to trick you into sharing personal information, such as your bank account details, credit card number, or Amazon login credentials.
In this scam, a person will claim there is a problem with your order or account—whether it’s an issue with a recent purchase, suspicious activity, or an undelivered package. They may even pressure you to take immediate action, like clicking a link sent by email or text or calling a number directing you to a phony website or scammer-run hotline.
But you can protect yourself from falling victim to this scam. Here are a few tips to consider:
- Verify, Verify, Verify. Rule number one is when you get a message claiming to be from Amazon, verify it first. Don’t take the message at face value if you receive an email, phone call, or text that seems suspicious. Go directly to the Amazon website or app instead of following the provided link or calling the number. Log in to your account and check for any alerts or issues. More often than not, you’ll find that everything is just fine.
IMPORTANT: Amazon will never ask for sensitive, personal information via email or text. If someone is requesting this, it’s a red flag!
- Watch for Red Flags in Emails and Texts. Scammers are clever, but they often make mistakes that can tip you off. Look for these common red flags:
- Suspicious email addresses: Legitimate Amazon emails will come from addresses ending in “@amazon.com.” If the email is from an unusual domain, it’s probably a scam.
- Grammatical errors: Many scam messages contain awkward phrasing or bad grammar. Amazon takes its communication seriously and never sends out emails with mistakes.
- Urgent language: Scammers love to create a sense of urgency, making you feel like you must act immediately. If a message tells you there’s a problem with your order and you must click a link immediately to resolve it, slow down and think twice.
- Don’t Click Links Provided. One of the most common tactics scammers use is to send a link that directs you to a fake Amazon login page. Once there, they’ll try to capture your credentials and use them to steal your identity or drain your account. Always hover over any email links to see where they’ll take you before you click.
Pro Tip: If unsure about a link, go to Amazon.com directly through your browser instead.
This way, you can safely check your account without risking a scam. And if you’re still concerned, you can always contact customer service by telephone.
- Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). MFA adds an extra layer of protection to your account. With MFA, even if scammers steal your password, they won’t be able to access your account without a second form of verification, like a code sent to your phone.
- Be Wary of Unusual Payment Requests. Amazon will never ask you to pay for anything via gift cards, wire transfers, or untraceable methods. If someone claims to be from Amazon and asks for payment this way, it’s a scam. Scammers may also suggest downloading a remote access app to “fix” an issue with your account. Don’t be fooled, as this is something Amazon will not request.
- Report Suspicious Activity. If you receive a suspicious email, call, or text, be sure to report it. Forward any fraudulent emails to stop-spoofing@amazon.com. For suspicious calls or texts, report the incident to Amazon through their official help page.
Important: If you’ve accidentally given away personal information, change your Amazon password immediately and notify your bank. The sooner you act, the better.
Let’s keep the fun in shopping and leave the scammers empty-handed! Shop smart, stay safe, and always be cautious when sharing personal information. If you have any concerns about your account, please call us at (405) 755-1000. We’re committed to protecting you and your money however we can.
