Is a job that pays me to buy and resell items on Amazon a scam?
Resale and arbitrage job offers that ask you to use your own money and accounts are usually fronts for money laundering or advance-fee schemes.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Explanation
Genuine retail arbitrage is a legal solo business model, but 'jobs' where an employer pays you to buy items online using your own accounts and money are a different matter. In many cases your purchasing account is being used to launder stolen payment details — you buy real goods, which are shipped and then charged back, leaving you with neither goods nor payment. Some schemes keep your initial deposit and vanish. Others use your Amazon seller account to process fraudulent transactions. Legitimate employment does not require you to spend personal money to carry out work, and no employer needs to use your personal marketplace account.
Common red flags
- You must use your personal Amazon account or bank card to purchase
- Reimbursement is promised after purchases but delayed repeatedly
- You are asked to ship items to addresses you have not verified
- Contact was via WhatsApp or Telegram with little company background
What to do now
- Do not use personal funds or accounts for an employer's transactions
- Report the job offer to the relevant employment authority
- If items were purchased, stop and contact your bank about any charges
- Report to Amazon Trust and Safety if your account was involved
Frequently asked questions
What is real retail arbitrage?
Legitimate retail arbitrage is when a self-employed individual buys underpriced products and resells them for profit using their own business. It does not involve an employer asking you to buy on their behalf.