Marketplace Scams on Amazon
Amazon's third-party marketplace is exploited by scammers who create fake seller accounts, ship empty boxes or counterfeit goods, and manipulate the review system to appear trustworthy.
Part of: Marketplace Seller Scams
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Amazon is the world's largest e-commerce marketplace, and its third-party seller programme means that any product listing may be fulfilled by an independent seller rather than Amazon directly. Scammers exploit the trust Amazon's brand provides to list fraudulent products, collect payment, and either deliver nothing, ship counterfeit items, or send packages that do not match the listing.
Amazon's A-to-Z Guarantee provides some buyer protection, but scammers evolve their tactics specifically to frustrate the claims process — for example, shipping a real but unrelated item to generate a legitimate tracking number before making a claim more complex to resolve.
How this scam works on Amazon
A common fraud involves a third-party seller listing a high-value electronics item at a competitive price, collecting orders, and shipping empty boxes or packages containing low-value items. By the time buyers raise A-to-Z claims and the seller account is suspended, the operator has created a new account under a different name.
Brush scams are another Amazon-specific fraud: sellers send unsolicited packages to real addresses, then post fake verified purchase reviews using those addresses to boost their product's rating. The receiver is not a victim, but the review manipulation harms buyers who rely on those ratings.
Off-platform steering scams occur when an Amazon seller asks a buyer to complete the transaction via a direct bank transfer, WhatsApp payment, or external website — removing all of Amazon's buyer protections.
Common red flags
- Seller account with a very recent registration date but many five-star reviews
- Listing price significantly below every comparable offer for the same product
- Seller who messages you asking to complete the purchase outside Amazon
- Reviews that are generic, very short, and all posted within a short time window
- Tracking number that shows delivery but you received nothing matching the order
How to protect yourself
- Check the third-party seller's feedback history and account registration date before buying high-value items
- Pay only through Amazon's checkout — never via a link sent in messages
- File an A-to-Z Guarantee claim immediately if an item arrives not as described
- Check reviews for clusters of similar, brief positive reviews that could indicate manipulation
- Buy directly from Amazon as the seller for high-value electronics and gifts where possible
How to report it
- File an A-to-Z Guarantee claim via your Amazon account order history
- Report the seller to Amazon using the 'Report abuse' link on the seller's storefront
- Report to your national consumer protection agency or fraud service
Frequently asked questions
Does Amazon protect me if I bought from a third-party seller who shipped an empty box or fake goods?
Amazon's A-to-z Guarantee is designed to cover exactly this situation for eligible third-party purchases, but coverage and outcomes may depend on the specifics of your order and timing — contact Amazon customer service directly to open a claim. Keep photos of the box, packaging, and any item received as evidence. Filing the claim promptly, rather than waiting, generally gives you the best chance of a resolution.
How can I spot a fake or manipulated Amazon seller before I buy?
Check the seller's rating history for a sudden spike in five-star reviews with generic, repetitive wording, which can indicate manipulated or purchased reviews. Look at how long the seller has operated and whether they have a real business address listed, and be cautious of listings with unusually low prices for branded items. Buying 'Sold by Amazon' or well-established sellers generally carries less risk than obscure third-party accounts.
What's the fastest way to get a refund for a counterfeit or empty-box Amazon order?
Report the issue through Amazon's order page as soon as it arrives, selecting the option that best matches what happened (item not as described, counterfeit, or item not received). Keep all packaging and take photos before disposing of anything, since this is often required as evidence. If Amazon's initial response isn't satisfactory, escalating to the A-to-z Guarantee claim process directly with customer service is generally the next step.
Does Amazon's A-to-Z Guarantee always protect buyers from scam sellers?
The A-to-Z Guarantee covers most cases, but it has limits and time windows. File claims promptly and provide as much evidence as possible. In disputed cases Amazon may require you to attempt a return first. If the claim is declined, escalate to your bank's chargeback process.