Amazon is one of the most trusted and widely used marketplaces in the world, with millions of shoppers placing orders every day. But where there’s high traffic, there are also scammers looking to take advantage. While Amazon has security systems in place, that doesn’t mean every transaction is foolproof.
Scammers have found clever ways to exploit third-party listings, fake reviews, and even communication outside Amazon’s platform. Whether you’re a frequent shopper or just browsing occasionally, it’s smart to know what to watch for.
Here are some common Amazon scams people are falling for in 2024, and how to stay safe.
Fake “Amazon Support” Calls or Emails
You receive a phone call, email, or text saying your Amazon account has been compromised or that there’s a problem with a recent order. The scammer asks for sensitive information or remote access to your device.
These messages look or sound official and create urgency. Victims panic and provide personal or financial information before verifying the source.
Amazon will never ask for your password, OTPs, or remote access over the phone or email. Check your real Amazon account for alerts before taking action.
Counterfeit Products Sold by Third-Party Sellers
You order a brand-name product, think designer bags, electronics, or beauty items, and receive a low-quality counterfeit instead.
Some third-party sellers manipulate listings or use fake reviews to boost their products’ rankings. Counterfeits can be hard to spot in photos.
Stick to items labeled “Shipped and Sold by Amazon” or fulfilled by Amazon. Read verified reviews and be cautious of prices that seem too good to be true.
Empty Package or “Bricks-in-the-Box” Scam
You order a high-value item like an iPhone or camera and receive an empty box, or worse, a box filled with junk to match the package’s weight.
Scammers rely on unsuspecting buyers not opening packages immediately or struggling to prove the item was missing.
Open high-value items as soon as they arrive and take a video during unboxing if possible. Report any suspicious delivery directly to Amazon immediately.
Fake Product Review Manipulation
Sellers pay for fake 5-star reviews or use bots to inflate ratings. In some cases, they hijack positive reviews from other unrelated products.
Buyers often rely on high ratings and glowing reviews, assuming they reflect real experiences.
Use tools like Fakespot or ReviewMeta to analyze suspicious reviews. Look for verified purchases and balanced feedback, not just overly positive comments.
Gift Card Scams Posing as Amazon Rewards
Scammers send texts or emails claiming you’ve won an Amazon gift card, asking you to click a link and provide personal information to claim it.
Everyone loves free money, and a $100 Amazon gift card sounds harmless enough. The link usually leads to phishing sites or malware downloads.
Amazon does not send surprise gift cards or run reward promotions via random texts or emails. Only redeem offers through the official site or app.
Fake Seller Accounts with “Too Good to Be True” Prices
A new seller lists a product at a steep discount, collects money, and never ships anything. By the time complaints come in, the seller account vanishes.
Scammers create urgency with low prices and fake scarcity (“Only 2 left in stock!”). Many victims are left without recourse if too much time passes.
Be wary of new sellers with few or no reviews. Double-check seller ratings and look for Amazon’s A-to-Z Guarantee coverage.
Refund-for-Review or Free Product Scams
Some sellers message buyers after purchase, offering a full refund if they leave a 5-star review. Others send free products to people who leave positive feedback.
It seems like a win-win, but it’s against Amazon’s rules and artificially inflates ratings, misleading future buyers.
Decline offers to manipulate reviews, and report them through Amazon’s “Report Abuse” button. Your reviews should reflect your real experience.
Amazon Brushing Scams
You receive random items you never ordered, cheap phone cases, socks, or random gadgets. It’s not a delivery mistake; it’s a tactic called “brushing.”
Sellers create fake orders using real addresses, then leave glowing reviews under your name to boost credibility on their listings.
You don’t need to return the brushing scam packages. Report them to Amazon, and monitor your account for suspicious activity.
Subscription Trap Scams
Some third-party products, especially supplements, apps, or digital services, come with a hidden subscription model. You think you’re making a one-time purchase, but you’re unknowingly enrolled in recurring monthly charges.
The fine print is often buried or disguised in the checkout process, and the product may even appear “free” except for shipping. Charges often begin 7–30 days later, when the buyer has forgotten.
Read listing details carefully. Avoid sellers that ask you to enter additional info outside of Amazon or redirect you to external sign-up forms. Regularly check your bank or Amazon account for surprise recurring charges.
Impersonation Sellers in “Used–Like New” Listings
Some fraudsters copy the names or branding of trusted sellers to appear legitimate. They post high-demand products as “Used–Like New” or “Refurbished,” but the items are fake, damaged, or never delivered. These listings are often backed by stolen or manipulated reviews.
Shoppers trying to save money may fall for the illusion of a good deal. Stick to Amazon Renewed or long-standing sellers with verified histories for refurbished purchases. Use the “fulfilled by Amazon” filter for extra protection.
