Amazon Scams
Scams that impersonate Amazon or exploit its marketplace.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Amazon's trusted brand and the volume of orders placed through it make it a frequent target for impersonation. Scammers send fake order confirmation emails, call pretending to be Amazon customer service, and run third-party marketplace fraud that exploits buyers and sellers.
Brushing scams — where sellers send unsolicited packages to post fake verified reviews — also originate in Amazon's ecosystem. Phishing emails that mimic Amazon notifications are among the most common in circulation, and victims are often directed to fake pages that harvest login credentials or payment details.
This guide covers the main scam types connected to Amazon, how to tell them from genuine communications, and the steps to take if you think you have been targeted.
Common scams on Amazon
Amazon phishing emails
Emails mimicking order confirmations, account alerts, or payment issues direct users to fake login pages to steal credentials.
Fake Amazon customer service calls
Callers claim an order has been compromised or a refund is due, then request remote access to the victim's device or payment details.
Third-party seller fraud
Fraudulent sellers on the marketplace collect payment for goods that are never delivered or are counterfeit.
Brushing scams
Unsolicited packages arrive bearing the recipient's name — used by sellers to generate fake verified purchase reviews.
Common red flags
- Emails about orders you did not place, especially with urgent links
- Calls from 'Amazon' about account suspension or fraud — Amazon rarely calls customers unsolicited
- Requests to install remote-access software to process a refund
- Third-party sellers with very few reviews offering prices far below competitors
- Being asked to continue a purchase off the Amazon platform
- Unexpected parcels addressed to you — may indicate a brushing scheme
How to protect yourself
- Check your real order history in the Amazon app or website before acting on any suspicious email
- Never click links in unsolicited emails — go to amazon.com directly
- Enable two-step verification on your Amazon account
- Buy from sellers with established review histories and use Amazon's buyer protection
- Never allow remote access to your device to process a 'refund'
How to report it
- Report suspicious emails to [email protected]
- Report third-party seller fraud through the 'Report a problem' option on your order
- If a call led to financial loss, contact your bank immediately and report to your national fraud service
Frequently asked questions
I received an email about an order I didn't place — is it a scam?
Often yes. Do not click any links in the email. Log in to your Amazon account directly and check your order history. If no such order exists, forward the email to [email protected] and delete it.
Amazon called me about a problem — is that normal?
Amazon very rarely calls customers without prior arrangement. If you receive an unexpected call claiming to be Amazon, hang up and contact Amazon through the official Contact Us page.
I received a package I never ordered. What should I do?
This may be a brushing scam. Your account credentials may have been compromised. Change your Amazon password, enable two-step verification, and report the unsolicited item to Amazon's customer service.