6 Amazon Scams in 2024
Key Takeaways
- Amazon’s vast platform and large user base make it a target for scammers who use fake emails, scam calls, and deceptive listings to exploit customers.
- Common scams include fake order updates, fraudulent Prime renewal notifications, phishing emails, deceptive sellers, off-platform payment requests, and mystery box scams.
- Scammers employ sophisticated methods such as social engineering, fake customer service contacts, and malicious pop-ups to deceive you into revealing sensitive information or making unsafe transactions.
- To protect yourself, ensure all transactions occur on Amazon’s platform, verify communication legitimacy, use strong passwords and two-factor authentication, and avoid clicking on suspicious links.
It’s little wonder Amazon scams are on the rise. Amazon.com, Inc., is a diversified technology company with strengths in e-commerce, cloud computing services (AWS), digital streaming, and artificial intelligence development. Its vast e-commerce platform, with over 310 million active users globally and daily sales exceeding $1.4 billion, as Yaguara highlights, offers lucrative opportunities for fraudsters.
With the company’s enormous scale, scammers exploit various tactics to deceive unsuspecting customers, putting your personal and financial information at risk. From fake Amazon emails sent by hackers to Amazon scam calls, these fraudulent schemes are becoming increasingly sophisticated.
In this article, we’ll explore six prevalent Amazon scams in 2024, shedding light on how they operate and offering practical tips to safeguard your information.
Update Your Order
So you’ve placed your Amazon order, and you’re waiting for it to arrive. You might think the risky part is over once you’ve finished ordering, but actually, there are some scammers who use this period to take advantage. Here’s how Amazon scammers target you as you await your delivery.
Before your package arrives, you’ll receive a call or notification via text or email informing you of an issue with your account or order. The scammer may ask you to update your information to rectify the order issue. Their target is your personally identifiable information (PII), such as payment information.
So, how do you avoid this scam?
First, Amazon never asks you to update any information without official communication. If you receive emails, calls, or texts asking you for any personal information you use on Amazon, confirm on your Amazon account. Amazon will never ask for payments or updates over a phone call, text, or email.
If your order has an issue, you can always check for the problem under the Your Orders section on your Amazon account. Alternatively, visit Amazon’s customer service to receive help.
Amazon Prime Renewal Scam
Beware of Amazon Prime scam emails or messages saying your Amazon Prime account has expired. You likely forgot to renew your Amazon Prime when a notification pops up on your screen, seemingly from Amazon. Before you take any action, check the email address. All Amazon emails end with @amazon.com. Not amazoon, or amaazon, just amazon.com.
Next, check the message content. To safeguard your sensitive data, consult with Amazon’s customer service when requesting personal or payment information. Don’t share your personal or payment information via email.
Amazon Refund Scam
Refund scams come in various forms. Here’s how Amazon scammers might try to trick you:
Phishing Emails
You might receive refund emails that appear to be from Amazon, but they’re actually Amazon phishing emails. These emails could contain links to a phony website where they’ll steal your login information or financial details. Scammers may also send phishing emails disguised as Write a Review request from Amazon or Amazon Job Offer.
Fake Customer Service
Be wary of unsolicited calls or chats claiming to be from Amazon customer service. Amazon scammers might try to impersonate a representative and pressure you into giving them your account details or payment information, like gift card codes, to process a refund. Remember, Amazon will never ask for such methods.
Deceptive Sellers
Super low prices can seem too good to be true, and often they are. Scammers might create fake seller accounts with unbelievably cheap products. If you buy from them, you might receive a counterfeit item or nothing, with no way to get your refund.
Social Engineering Tricks
Devious scammers might use mind games to get your personal information. They could call or email you, pretending to be from Amazon, and ask for your login credentials or credit card details to process a refund. They might also use Amazon text scams to trick you. Don’t fall for it!
Become an ExpertOff-Platform Payments
Have you ever found a good deal on Amazon, only to be contacted by a seller to pay outside Amazon for your purchase? Be cautious! This could be an attempt to scam you.
Amazon scammers create fake product listings that look real. When you try to buy the item, they’ll contact you directly, often through email, and ask you to pay through Venmo, PayPal, Zelle, or even a suspicious website disguised as a safe payment portal.
The red flags should start waving here. Amazon purchases always occur within their secure platform. If someone asks you to pay outside of it, it’s a scam.
Here’s why you shouldn’t fall for it:
- By paying outside Amazon, you lose the A-to-Z Guarantee policy. This policy protects you if you don’t receive your order or the item isn’t as described. Without it, getting a refund becomes nearly impossible.
- Those seemingly helpful links to safe payment portals could be traps. Clicking them might lead to malicious phishing websites that steal your data.
Remember, when shopping on Amazon, keep your transactions on the platform. It’s the safest way to ensure a smooth and secure shopping experience.
Amazon Prime Pop-up Scam
Setting up Amazon Prime Video on your SmartTV reveals your favorite shows and movies. But scammers may be out to get you through pop-ups during the set up process. The pop-up ad may promise to help you Set up Prime on TV.
These ads often contain keywords that trick you into thinking they’re legitimate. The ad will lead you to a fake Amazon website resembling Amazon’s real SmartTV setup page. Feeling confident, you enter your Amazon six-digit code on your TV, just like the instructions say. The fake site then directs you to call a phone number for additional assistance.
Here’s where things get dangerous. The scammer will attempt to get you to share an Amazon two-factor authentication code. This code is an extra layer of security for your account. If you fall for this and share the code, you’ve just handed the scammer the keys to your Amazon account.
Amazon Mystery Box Scam
Watch out for those enticing video ads promoting Amazon mystery boxes. These flashy videos promise iPhones, consoles, and laptops at unbelievable prices, claiming they’re clearing out Amazon’s excess stock. Those clicks lead to fake or phishing websites that mimic Amazon.
Amazon mystery box scams work like this: you see the ad, get hooked by the ridiculously low prices, and click the link. The website looks real, using Amazon’s logo and design to trick you. They advertise these mystery boxes and promise crazy savings.
They’ll use fake timers and limited-quantity warnings to pressure you into buying. Once you enter your card details, the scammers steal your data.
Here’s the worst part: contacting the seller is impossible. There is no phone number or address, just empty promises. Since the payments are often through untraceable methods, getting your money back is an uphill battle.
Amazon scammers also use the same model to execute their Amazon gift card scam. Remember: if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
How To Avoid Scams on Amazon
Shopping on Amazon is usually easy, but unscrupulous Amazon scammers can transform it into a chaotic ordeal. Here’s how you can protect yourself from tricksters.
Secure Your Account
Safeguard your Amazon account by setting up a password that is one-of-a-kind and difficult for others to crack. To create a secure password, think of a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols with a length of at least 16 characters.
Prevent information theft by ensuring your login is distinct from your other account logins. To further secure your account, activate Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), which introduces an additional verification step to thwart unauthorized attempts.
Never Make External Payments
Amazon ensures security by handling all transactions securely on its platform. Beware of sellers who insist on conducting transactions outside of Amazon – it’s a warning sign. Stick to paying directly through Amazon for guaranteed safety.
Never Click on Pop-Ups
Resist the urge to click on those alluring pop-ups that promise unbeatable deals or warn about potential account problems. They’re probably scams targeting your information.Pop-up ads are common especially during discount periods such as Black Friday or Amazon Prime Day. For any account actions, stick to the Amazon website or app.
Ignore Amazon Emails
Phishing emails and texts disguised as Amazon can trick you into clicking dodgy links. Remember, Amazon won’t contact you through these channels for sensitive information. If you have any doubts about your account, it’s best to go directly to the official Amazon website or app to check or call their customer support number.
Don’t Click on Suspicious Links
Phishing emails and texts are a common tactic. Amazon won’t contact you for sensitive information outside their platform. If a message seems suspicious, don’t click these links and contact Amazon directly using their official website or app.
Install Antivirus Software
Some scams discreetly install malware on your device to steal your personal information. Antivirus software acts as a protective shield against these threats. It detects and removes malicious programs before they can infect your device. Consider it a safety net – even if you accidentally click on a suspicious link, a reliable antivirus will swiftly intercept any malware.
Closing Thoughts
With many scams on Amazon, you must be vigilant at all times. Remember, Amazon will never request personal information via email, text, or phone calls. Treat any of these communication forms as Amazon scam calls, messages, or emails. Stick to secure payment methods on the Amazon platform, such as credit cards or PayPal, to ensure a safe transaction. Research sellers and avoid clicking suspicious links. With a little caution, you can enjoy safe and secure shopping on Amazon.
