More than 200 million Americans use Amazon Prime for its fast shipping, entertainment, and shopping perks.

But that popularity has also made it a target for scammers.

Fraudsters are impersonating Amazon through emails and phone calls in an effort to steal personal and financial details.


These scams are becoming more sophisticated and harder to spot.

In response, Amazon has released new safety tips to help customers protect their accounts.


How the scam works

The scam often begins with a fake email or phone call that appears to come from Amazon.

Some messages claim your Prime membership is about to renew at a higher rate unless you cancel immediately, while others warn of suspicious purchases—such as a high-priced iPhone—on your account.

These communications may use real names, addresses, or past order details to appear legitimate.

Victims are then prompted to click on a link that leads to a fraudulent login page mimicking Amazon’s site.

In other cases, callers posing as Amazon agents ask for sensitive information such as account passwords, credit card numbers, or even gift card codes.

Amazon reports that it has already taken down over 55,000 phishing websites and more than 12,000 phone numbers used in these scams this year alone.


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Why these scams are so convincing

Fraudsters are using more sophisticated tools and data, often obtained through past data breaches, to craft messages that look and sound credible.

Some scam websites use convincing URLs like “amazon.digital” and replicate Amazon’s branding.

In addition, with the use of artificial intelligence, scam calls and emails are becoming more polished and harder to spot.


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Amazon’s advice for staying safe

To protect customers, Amazon has issued several recommendations:

1. Avoid clicking on suspicious links. If you receive a message about your account, go directly to the Amazon website or app rather than using any links in the email or text.
2. Use the Message Center. Legitimate messages from Amazon will also appear in your account’s Message Center.
3. Turn on two-step verification. This added security measure requires a code sent to your phone or email when logging in. Visit amazon.com/2SV to enable it.
4. Check your financial accounts. If you suspect you clicked a suspicious link, monitor your bank and credit card statements for unusual charges.
5. Report scam attempts. Forward questionable emails or texts to amazon.com/reportascam to help Amazon investigate.
6. Never pay with gift cards. Amazon will never request payment through gift cards or third-party websites.

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How to spot the red flags

Here are some common signs that a message might be a scam:

• It creates a sense of urgency, like threatening to suspend your account.
• It asks for personal, login, or payment details.
• The email address or website appears slightly off (e.g., “amazon-support.com”).
• It directs you to download software or call unofficial phone numbers.
• It requests payment via wire transfer or gift card.

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Steps to take if you’ve been targeted

If you suspect you’ve interacted with a scam:

1. Change your Amazon password immediately and use one you haven’t used elsewhere.
2. Enable two-step verification to protect your account.
3. Review your orders and payment methods for unauthorized changes.
4. Contact your bank if you believe your credit card information was compromised.
5. Report the incident to Amazon and consider notifying the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

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Why scams increase around major shopping events

Scammers often ramp up their efforts around sales events like Prime Day, Black Friday, and the holiday season.

In 2024, Amazon reported an 80% spike in impersonation scams during Prime Day alone, taking advantage of the high volume of customer emails and purchases during that period.

What Amazon is doing to fight back

Amazon continues to invest in cybersecurity, employing thousands of fraud investigators and machine learning specialists to identify and shut down scams.

The company also works with the Better Business Bureau to maintain a Scam Tracker tool, which helps customers check and report suspicious communications.


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Simple steps to improve your digital safety

• Always access Amazon by typing “amazon.com” directly into your browser or using the official app.
• Be cautious with unexpected calls, texts, or emails about your account.
• Use unique, strong passwords for your online accounts.
• Enable two-step verification whenever possible.
• Share these tips with family members, especially those who may be less familiar with digital safety practices.

Staying safe online doesn’t have to be complicated—it starts with awareness and a few smart habits.

By following Amazon’s recommendations and sharing this information with friends and family, especially those who may be less tech-savvy, we can all help stop scammers in their tracks.

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If you’ve received a suspicious message or phone call claiming to be from Amazon, your experience could help others stay protected. Sharing tips and personal stories—whether in person or online—can help build awareness and keep others from falling victim.

Scams are constantly evolving, but with awareness and the right tools, you can stay one step ahead.