Shopping On Amazon? Beware Of These 15 Clever Scams

Each day, cybercriminals find new ways to manipulate Amazon shoppers, turning routine purchases into risky transactions. Some schemes rely on fake discounts, while others lure victims with convincing emails or phone calls. Recognizing common tactics is the first step toward avoiding fraud. To keep your account safe, here’s a closer look at the scams to watch for.

Phishing Emails Pretending To Be Amazon

Scammers craft deceptive emails that mimic official Amazon messages, often alerting you to supposed account issues. In many cases, these emails contain links to fraudulent websites designed to steal login credentials. To stay safe, never click on unknown links—Amazon always communicates account concerns through its Message Center, not random emails.
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Fake Amazon Customer Support Calls

Unexpected calls from supposed Amazon representatives may warn you about security threats. In an attempt to appear legitimate, fraudsters request remote access to your device or demand credit card details. Instead of engaging, simply hang up and visit Amazon’s official support page to confirm whether your account needs attention.
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Hacked Amazon Accounts

Hackers usually rely on spyware or weak passwords to gain control of your account. Once inside, they swiftly change credentials and reroute deliveries. To prevent unauthorized access, always enable two-factor authentication. This extra layer of security makes account takeovers significantly harder.
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Fake Amazon Gift Card Scams

One common tactic involves fraudsters persuading victims to buy Amazon gift cards, usually under the guise of settling debts or securing special deals. The moment a scammer gets the redemption code, the money vanishes. Instead of falling prey to such schemes, remember that no legitimate entity ever demands gift cards as payment.
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Amazon Prime Subscription Scams

Online con artists may contact you, falsely claiming your Prime subscription is expiring, and push you to renew through them. To seem more credible, they often provide fake renewal links designed to steal financial information. Rather than responding to suspicious messages, always manage subscriptions directly through your Amazon account.
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Fake Amazon Seller Scams

Fraudulent sellers frequently list high-demand products at unbelievably low prices, but after payment, the item never arrives. Some even hijack reputable seller accounts to enhance their credibility. So, don’t skip the reviews because verified feedback and ratings protect you from sketchy sellers.
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Amazon Package Theft Scams

Criminals intercept deliveries by rerouting shipments or stealing packages straight from doorsteps. In certain cases, thieves even follow delivery trucks, waiting for the right moment to snatch unattended packages. To safeguard your orders, consider using Amazon Lockers or requiring a signature upon delivery.
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Fake Amazon Job Offers

A tempting job posting claiming to be from Amazon might request upfront fees or sensitive personal details. However, Amazon never charges for job applications. Instead of engaging with suspicious recruiters, always apply through the official careers page—if payment is required, it’s undoubtedly a scam.
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Amazon Refund Scams

You might receive a notification stating Amazon owes you a refund, with a request for your bank details to process it. To make their deception seem real, scammers even send fake confirmation emails. Rather than responding, verify any refunds directly through your Amazon account.
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Fake Amazon Reviews

Some sellers manipulate product ratings by paying for fake five-star reviews, misleading customers into believing an item is high-quality. Many fraudulent reviews are generated by bots, while others come from individuals compensated for posting praise. Smart shopping starts with reading real reviews and doing a little homework.

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Amazon Account Verification Scams

Scammers often send deceptive emails that falsely claim your Amazon account needs verification, creating urgency to trick you into entering your credentials. These messages contain links to fraudulent websites designed to harvest personal data. Instead of clicking unfamiliar links, always verify concerns directly on Amazon’s official site to ensure security.
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Amazon Lottery And Sweepstakes Scams

At first glance, a message announcing that you’ve won an Amazon sweepstakes may seem exciting. However, scammers rely on this excitement to lure victims into providing payment or sensitive details. Before celebrating, remember that Amazon does not run random lotteries—if you didn’t enter, the prize isn’t real.
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Amazon Fake Tech Support Scams

Another common tactic involves scammers posing as Amazon tech support, claiming your account or device has security issues. Some even request remote access, allowing them to install malware or steal personal information. To stay safe, avoid engaging and reach out to Amazon only through its official channels.
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Amazon Fake Charity Scams

Fraudsters frequently exploit people’s goodwill by soliciting donations for fake charities, often using Amazon’s name to appear credible. In some cases, these scams even involve well-designed fake charity websites to convince unsuspecting donors. Don’t donate blindly—research the organization before contributing.
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Amazon Fake Delivery Scams

Receiving a delivery notification might seem normal, but scammers send fake updates with bogus tracking links, leading to phishing sites. Occasionally, fraudsters pose as Amazon drivers and request payments for supposedly pending shipments. Rather than relying on external messages, track orders exclusively within your Amazon account for legitimate updates.

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