Scammers know exactly how to exploit Amazon shoppers.
Amazon makes shopping easier than ever, but it also provides the perfect cover for scammers looking to cash in on unsuspecting buyers. Whether it’s fake listings, phishing emails, or misleading reviews, fraudsters have found countless ways to trick people out of their money. The worst part? Many of these scams look so convincing that even careful shoppers can fall for them.
Avoiding Amazon scams isn’t just about being cautious—it’s about knowing exactly what to watch for. Fraudsters rely on speed, convenience, and trust to slip past your defenses. A deal that seems too good, an urgent email demanding action, or a product with thousands of suspiciously perfect reviews could all be red flags. Here’s a breakdown of the most common Amazon scams and how to avoid falling victim to them.
1. Fake seller scams disappear after taking your money.
Amazon’s third-party marketplace allows almost anyone to sell products, which makes it easy for scammers to create fake storefronts, as stated by the writers at Fraud.org They list popular items at unbeatable prices, collect a flood of orders, and then disappear before shipping anything. By the time buyers realize they’ve been scammed, the seller’s account is gone, and getting a refund becomes a hassle.
To avoid this, check the seller’s reviews, history, and ratings. If an account has little to no feedback, it’s a red flag. Sticking to well-established sellers or Amazon’s “Fulfilled by Amazon” listings can help you avoid the risk.
2. Counterfeit products look real but don’t last.
Amazon’s marketplace is flooded with knockoffs that look nearly identical to real brand-name items, as reported by Ganda Suthivarakom of The New York Times. Whether it’s electronics, beauty products, or even vitamins, many fakes mimic packaging so well that buyers don’t realize they’ve been scammed until the product breaks or causes harm.
To avoid counterfeits, check for “Ships from and sold by Amazon.com” instead of third-party sellers. Reading recent reviews and searching for terms like “fake” or “knockoff” can also help identify suspicious listings.
3. Phishing emails pretend to be Amazon customer support.
Scammers send emails claiming there’s an issue with your account, a missed payment, or a problem with an order. The email includes a link to a fake Amazon login page, where victims unknowingly enter their credentials, giving scammers full access to their account, according to Jory MacKay of Aura.
Amazon never asks for sensitive information via email. If you receive an unexpected message, don’t click any links. Instead, go directly to Amazon’s website and check your account for any real issues.
4. Brushing scams send you free items to boost fake reviews.
If a random package from Amazon shows up at your door that you didn’t order, you might be part of a brushing scam. Sellers create fake orders and send products to real addresses so they can leave positive reviews under a verified purchase.
While receiving free stuff might seem harmless, brushing scams can indicate that your personal information is being used fraudulently. If this happens, check your Amazon account for unauthorized purchases and report the suspicious package.
5. Fake job offers trick people into paying for nothing.
Some scammers post fake Amazon job listings offering remote work or secret shopper positions. Once applicants show interest, they’re told they need to pay for training materials, equipment, or background checks—none of which actually exist.
Amazon does not charge applicants to apply for jobs. If a job offer requires an upfront payment, it’s a scam. Verify legitimate job opportunities through Amazon’s official careers page.
6. Fake delivery notifications steal login details.
Scammers send fake text messages or emails claiming there’s a problem with your Amazon delivery. The message includes a link asking you to update your shipping details, but instead, it leads to a phishing page designed to steal your Amazon login.
Legitimate Amazon delivery updates will always come from their official website or app. If you receive a suspicious message, go directly to your Amazon account to check your order status instead of clicking on links.
7. Inflated review scams make bad products look amazing.
A product with thousands of glowing reviews seems like a safe bet—but many sellers use fake or paid reviews to boost their rankings. Some even merge unrelated product listings to inherit old positive reviews, making junk products look high-quality.
Spotting fake reviews takes practice. Look for vague praise, repeated phrases, or a flood of five-star reviews posted in a short time. Third-party review checkers like Fakespot can help detect fraudulent feedback.
8. Gift card scams pressure victims into paying in untraceable money.
Scammers posing as Amazon representatives, tech support agents, or even government officials often pressure victims into paying for fake fees or debts using Amazon gift cards. Once the gift card code is handed over, the money is gone, and Amazon can’t refund it.
No legitimate business or agency will ask for payment in gift cards. If someone demands it, it’s a scam. If you suspect fraud, report it to Amazon and never share gift card codes with anyone.
9. Fake return policies leave buyers stuck with useless products.
Some third-party sellers create their own shady return policies that differ from Amazon’s official guarantees. They might refuse returns, charge excessive restocking fees, or set unreasonably short return windows, leaving buyers stuck with defective or counterfeit items.
Always check the return policy before purchasing, especially for high-ticket items. If a seller’s policy seems restrictive, it’s better to find a more reputable option.
10. “Secret shopper” scams steal personal information.
Amazon does not run a secret shopper program, but scammers often claim otherwise. These fake job offers promise payment for reviewing Amazon purchases but require applicants to provide sensitive personal information, leading to identity theft.
Legitimate mystery shopping gigs do exist, but Amazon isn’t one of them. If you’re asked to provide personal details beyond basic contact information, it’s likely a scam.
11. Fake giveaways trick users into clicking malicious links.
Scammers create fake Amazon giveaways on social media, offering expensive products, gift cards, or cash prizes. To “claim” the prize, users are asked to click a link that leads to phishing sites designed to steal login credentials or personal data.
Amazon’s real giveaways are hosted on their official site and don’t require unnecessary personal information. If a giveaway seems suspicious, verify its legitimacy before engaging.
12. Subscription scams sneak hidden charges into purchases.
Some sellers trick buyers into unknowingly signing up for monthly subscriptions. A product might appear as a one-time purchase, but buried in the fine print is an auto-renewing charge that continues indefinitely until canceled.
Before checking out, double-check that you’re not enrolling in a subscription. Reviewing order details before finalizing the purchase can help prevent unwanted recurring charges.
13. Imposter customer service reps steal personal information.
Scammers pretending to be Amazon support agents often contact customers through fake phone calls or chat messages. They claim there’s an issue with your account and ask for personal details, including passwords or payment information.
Amazon customer support will never ask for sensitive data like your password. If you need assistance, contact Amazon directly through their website, not through unsolicited messages or calls.
Scammers are constantly evolving their tactics, but knowing what to watch for can keep your Amazon shopping experience safe. Staying skeptical of deals that seem too good, unexpected messages, and unusual seller practices is the best way to avoid getting scammed.