Impersonation Scams
Amazon Impersonation Scam
Scammers pose as Amazon customer service claiming there's a problem with your account, order, or Prime membership.
Reported Losses
Part of $660 million in business impersonation losses (FTC 2024)
Primary Targets
Amazon customers, online shoppers
Last Updated
2026-01-06
Also Known As
Amazon Prime Scam
How Scammers Contact You
How This Scam 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"
Red Flags to Watch For
- ⚠️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)
📝 Real Victim Account
"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
How to Protect Yourself
- 1Don't call numbers from unexpected emails or texts
- 2Log into amazon.com directly to check for any real issues
- 3Never give remote access to your computer
- 4Amazon will never ask for payment via gift cards
- 5Check the sender's email carefully — look for typos
- 6Enable two-factor authentication on your Amazon account
- 7Use Amazon's official customer service through the app or website
🆘 What to Do If You're a Victim
- 1If you gave account access, change your Amazon password immediately
- 2Enable two-factor authentication
- 3Check your Amazon orders for unauthorized purchases
- 4If you gave payment info, contact your bank
- 5Report to Amazon: amazon.com/reportascam
- 6Report to FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
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📚 Sources & References
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