Scam record · 540 reader reports
The Amazon impersonation scam
Also called: fake Amazon order call, Amazon refund scam, Amazon account locked email, Amazon Prime renewal scam
The Amazon impersonation scam is a call, text or email about a large order you did not place, a locked account or a Prime renewal, designed to get you to call a number or click a link where a fake agent takes your login, your card, or remote control of your device.
What to do right now
- Do not press 1, click, or call the number given.
- Open the Amazon app or type amazon.com yourself and check Your Orders. If nothing is there, nothing happened.
- Forward suspicious emails to stop-spoofing@amazon.com and report at amazon.com/reportascam.
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How it works
Amazon is the most impersonated company in the country because nearly everyone has an account and nearly everyone is expecting a package. The hook is a charge you did not make: “Your order for a MacBook Pro, $2,149, has shipped. If you did not place this order, press 1.” Pressing 1 connects you to a “security agent” who needs to “secure your account,” which means your password, a code, or remote access to your phone.
The email version says the account is locked and must be verified by clicking. The link opens a copy of Amazon’s login page.
Every version is defeated the same way: ignore the message, open the real app yourself, and look at Your Orders.
If you already paid or gave information
- Change your Amazon password and turn on two-step verification; check for unknown addresses and payment methods in the account.
- Call your card issuer about any charge; remove any remote-access app that was installed.
Where to report it
- Amazon: report a scam
- FTC: reportfraud.ftc.gov
- Report it to Latchkey Daily so we can warn other readers
Questions people ask
- What is the amazon impersonation scam?
- The Amazon impersonation scam is a call, text or email about a large order you did not place, a locked account or a Prime renewal, designed to get you to call a number or click a link where a fake agent takes your login, your card, or remote control of your device.
- What should I do if I got the amazon impersonation scam?
- Do not press 1, click, or call the number given. Open the Amazon app or type amazon.com yourself and check Your Orders. If nothing is there, nothing happened. Forward suspicious emails to stop-spoofing@amazon.com and report at amazon.com/reportascam.
- What if I already paid or gave information?
- Change your Amazon password and turn on two-step verification; check for unknown addresses and payment methods in the account. Call your card issuer about any charge; remove any remote-access app that was installed.
- Does Amazon ever call customers?
- Rarely, and never about an order you did not place with a request to press a key or call back. Check Your Orders in the app; it is the only source of truth.
Related
Related scam
The tech support scamThe tech support scam is a pop-up, call or email claiming your computer is infected or a subscription is about to renew, which leads to a "technician" taking remote control of your computer and either charging for fake repairs or using the access to get into your bank.
Related scam
The package delivery text scamThe package delivery text scam is a text claiming a package could not be delivered because of a missing address detail or a small redelivery fee, with a link to a fake carrier page that collects your card number and personal details.
Lockdown guide
Lock down your Amazon accountAmazon has your cards and your address, and it is the most impersonated company in the country.