Act this weekWhat happenedA security guide describes 14 common scams that use Amazon's name through texts, emails, calls and fake listings.
Who is affectedAmazon shoppers and Prime members, including anyone who gets delivery texts, refund notices or job offers that mention Amazon.
What to do- 1Do not tap links in unexpected texts or emails about orders, refunds or your account.
- 2Open the Amazon app or website yourself to check orders, Prime charges and messages.
- 3Never share codes, install software or buy gift cards for someone claiming to be Amazon.
- 4If you already shared details, change your Amazon password and watch your accounts for odd activity.
Scammers are using Amazon's name in texts, emails, phone calls and fake listings, and a new security guide lays out 14 common versions. Most follow one playbook: invent a believable problem, make you rush, then collect your money, password or personal details. In 2025, 28% of impersonation scams that customers reported to Amazon worldwide were attempts to get into their accounts.
Why Amazon is a favorite disguise
So many people shop there that a fake message often feels timely. Amazon says it delivered more than 13 billion items same day or next day to Prime members worldwide in 2025, including more than 8 billion in the U.S. A bogus delivery notice has a good chance of matching something you really ordered. Amazon has also reported a rise in fake order confirmations and shipping notices.
The scams to know
The guide covers many forms. The ones described in detail include:
- Fake order, delivery or charge alerts with a tracking link to a copycat sign-in page
- Prime renewal notices at a shocking price, with a phone number to call
- Locked-account warnings with a short deadline
- Fake customer service calls asking for a one-time code or remote access to your device
- Refund scams, including a claim that Amazon refunded too much and you must send money back
- Gift card demands, fake recall notices, and sellers who want payment outside Amazon
Unexpected packages can also be part of a scam. In a brushing scam, a seller ships you an item and uses your details to post a fake review. It can also mean someone has some of your personal information.
Who can relax
Anyone who already checks orders and charges inside the Amazon app or website, and ignores links in messages, is in a strong position. If an order or charge in a message does not appear in your account, the message is likely a scam. The same goes for a recall notice. Real ones show up in your account under Messages or Your Orders.
What to do
The alert box above has the steps. The core idea is simple: never use the contact details in the message, and go to Amazon yourself.
What to watch for
Pressure is the common thread. Amazon will not ask you to buy a gift card or install software to get help, and it does not ask phone callers for sensitive information. Real jobs are posted on its official jobs site, and applicants are not asked to pay to get hired. A deal that pulls you off Amazon to pay by wire or bank transfer loses the buyer protections that apply on the site. The material available here covers most, but not all, of the 14 scams, so the full guide may describe more warning signs.
The takeawayWhen a message mentions Amazon, skip its links and check your orders, charges and messages by opening the Amazon app yourself.