THE FRAUD CODEXSCAM DETECTION
HIGH RISK

Amazon Impersonation Scam

Scammers pose as Amazon customer service claiming there's a problem with your account, order, or Prime membership.

Losses: Part of $660 million in business impersonation losses (FTC 2024)
Targets: Amazon customers, online shoppers
Updated: 2026-01-06
Also known as: Amazon Prime Scam • Amazon Order Scam • Amazon Account Scam

1How It Works

Scammers contact you pretending to be Amazon about fake account issues: **Common scenarios:** 1. **Suspicious Purchase**: "Someone ordered a $1,000 iPhone on your account. Press 1 to cancel." 2. **Prime Renewal**: "Your Prime membership is renewing for $149.99. Call to cancel." 3. **Account Locked**: "Suspicious activity detected. Verify your identity to restore access." 4. **Delivery Problem**: "Your package couldn't be delivered. Click here to reschedule." **What happens:** - They ask for remote access to "fix" the problem - They request your login credentials - They ask for payment information to "verify" your account - They transfer you to fake "bank fraud department"

How Scammers Make Contact

Phone callsEmailsText messagesPop-up ads

2Warning Signs & Red Flags

  • Unsolicited call or message about your Amazon account
  • Urgency — "Act now or lose your account"
  • Request to install software or give remote access
  • Asking for payment via gift cards or wire transfer
  • Email from non-Amazon domain (check carefully for typos)
  • Links that don't go to amazon.com
  • Asking for your password (Amazon will never do this)

3Real-World Example

"I got a call saying someone used my Amazon account to buy $500 in gift cards. They transferred me to their 'security department' who said my bank account was compromised too. They had me buy $2,000 in gift cards to 'protect my money' while they 'investigated.' I read them the card numbers and lost everything."

— FTC Consumer Sentinel

4How to Protect Yourself

  • Don't call numbers from unexpected emails or texts
  • Log into amazon.com directly to check for any real issues
  • Never give remote access to your computer
  • Amazon will never ask for payment via gift cards
  • Check the sender's email carefully — look for typos
  • Enable two-factor authentication on your Amazon account
  • Use Amazon's official customer service through the app or website

5What To Do If You're a Victim

  1. 1If you gave account access, change your Amazon password immediately
  2. 2Enable two-factor authentication
  3. 3Check your Amazon orders for unauthorized purchases
  4. 4If you gave payment info, contact your bank
  5. 5Report to Amazon: amazon.com/reportascam
  6. 6Report to FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov

Report This Scam

FTC Report Fraud FBI IC3 Identity Theft

?Frequently Asked Questions

What is Amazon Impersonation Scam?

Scammers pose as Amazon customer service claiming there's a problem with your account, order, or Prime membership. Scammers contact you pretending to be Amazon about fake account issues: **Common scenarios:** 1. **Suspicious Purchase**: "Someone ordered a $1,000 iPhone on your account. Press 1 to cancel." 2. **Prime Renewal**: "Your Prime membership is renewing for $149.99. Call to cancel." 3. **Account Locked*...

How common is this type of scam?

Amazon Impersonation Scam is classified as a high risk threat. Reported losses: Part of $660 million in business impersonation losses (FTC 2024). This primarily targets Amazon customers, online shoppers.

Can I get my money back?

Recovery depends on how you paid. Credit card payments may be reversed through chargebacks. Wire transfers and cryptocurrency are rarely recoverable. Report immediately to your bank and file complaints with the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov and FBI IC3 at ic3.gov.

How do I report this?

Report to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov. For internet crimes, file with FBI IC3 at ic3.gov. For identity theft, visit identitytheft.gov. Also contact your local police and your bank.

Sources & References

Amazon: Identify Suspicious CommunicationsFTC: Amazon Impersonation

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Geek Squad / Best Buy Scam

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Bank Impersonation Scam

Scammers pose as your bank's fraud department claiming suspicious activity on your account, then trick you into moving money to "protect" it.

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