Key Takeaways
Everyday habits that keep you safer
The safest way to shop, track orders, request refunds, or ask for help is to go straight to Amazon’s official app or website. Avoid clicking on links in unexpected messages, even if they look polished. Type the address yourself or open the app you already use.
What Amazon itself highlights
Amazon explains that it does not ask for payments or payment details over the phone, including gift cards or bank transfers. Genuine support flows through official digital channels, not surprise phone calls that pressure you to act.
Security tools you should turn on
Two-Step Verification adds an extra code on top of your password, making it harder for intruders to get into your account. Passkeys go further by letting you sign in with your face, fingerprint, or device PIN instead of a password, reducing the risk of stolen credentials.
The red flags in scam messages
Scam attempts often mention delivery problems, account trouble, or limited-time offers that sound too good to be true. They may arrive by text, email, social media, or phone, and they commonly push you toward unknown links or demand immediate action.
Where to report and get help
Amazon maintains dedicated pages explaining how to identify and report suspicious communication and offers 24/7 customer support through its app and website. Reporting helps the company shut down fake sites, phone numbers, and profiles faster.
Story & Details
Why Amazon impersonation scams are so persuasive
Impersonation scams thrive on familiarity. People expect order confirmations, delivery updates, and account alerts, so a message that mentions Amazon, a parcel, or a subscription does not feel out of place. Criminals copy logos, colors, and tone closely enough that a quick glance may not reveal anything wrong, especially when someone is busy or distracted.
What distinguishes a scam from a genuine notification is not only what it looks like, but what it asks you to do. Phishing attacks are designed to collect sensitive information: passwords, card details, one-time codes, or full account credentials. Once those details are shared, attackers can take over accounts, make purchases, or reuse the same data elsewhere.
The simple rule about where you click
Amazon’s own guidance is straightforward: use the official app or website for anything related to your account. That means opening the Amazon app on your phone or typing the web address into your browser instead of tapping on links in unexpected messages.
If a message claims there is a problem with your order, a refund waiting, or a change to your membership, you can ignore the link it provides. Instead, sign in the way you normally would. If the issue is real, it will be visible in your orders, messages, or account settings. If nothing appears there, you have likely just sidestepped a phishing attempt.
Payments, refunds, and the fake urgent call
Scammers often use the phone to create pressure. They might claim your account will be closed, that a large purchase is pending, or that law enforcement will get involved unless you pay immediately. The demanded payment methods are usually unusual: gift cards, wire transfers, or other hard-to-recover options.
Amazon specifically warns that it does not ask customers to pay for products or services by phone, and it does not request gift card numbers or bank transfers to “unlock” a delivery or resolve an account issue. When money is owed, it is handled inside your account in the same secure way you already know, not through aggressive calls.
If a caller claiming to be from Amazon insists on payment or asks for card details, one-time passcodes, or remote access to your device, it is a strong indicator that you are dealing with a scammer.
How Two-Step Verification and passkeys protect your account
Two-Step Verification, also called multi-factor authentication, adds a second layer to your Amazon sign-in. After entering your password, you confirm your identity with a code sent to a trusted device or generated by an authenticator app. Amazon’s help pages describe this as an “extra layer of security” designed to prevent unauthorized access even if a password has been compromised.
Passkeys go a step further by replacing traditional passwords altogether. On Amazon, passkeys let you sign in using your fingerprint, your face, or the PIN used to unlock your device. Behind the scenes, a cryptographic key pair is stored securely, so there is nothing for a phisher to steal; you never type a password that could be reused on a fake site.
Together, Two-Step Verification and passkeys reduce the damage that a single mistaken click can cause. Even if you land on a convincing fake sign-in page, these tools make it much harder for attackers to turn harvested data into a working login.
The tricks scammers use over and over
Despite their variety, most impersonation scams follow a familiar script. A message may claim:
There is a problem with a delivery. You are told that a package cannot be delivered until you pay an extra fee or confirm your details. The message urges you to click a link to “release” the parcel, which actually leads to a phishing page.
Your account is at risk. You might see warnings about suspicious activity, imminent suspension, or unusual charges. The link in the message leads to a fake login page that captures your email address, password, and sometimes additional data like card details or verification codes.
A deal is about to disappear. Social media posts or ads promise dramatic discounts, vouchers, or rewards in Amazon’s name. These offers often redirect to counterfeit websites that collect payments without providing genuine goods, or harvest login credentials under the guise of promotions.
Technical help wants to “fix” something. Unsolicited callers claim to be from support, ask you to install software, or walk you through “verification steps” that reveal sensitive information. Some even pretend to be coordinating with banks or authorities, escalating the fear and the sense of urgency.
Common threads run through these situations: surprise, pressure, and a demand for sensitive information or payment via unusual methods.
How official notices signal authenticity
Legitimate security information from Amazon tends to be measured, not dramatic. Rather than threatening language, official notices include neutral explanations of how scams work and clear instructions on how to stay safe. They may also link to fraud-prevention resources and tools for reporting suspicious activity.
Corporate notices commonly include transparent details about the company behind the message: the full business name, the registered entity for the country in question, and standard legal disclaimers. In Mexico, for example, Amazon’s retail operations reference a registered commercial services company, its tax registration details, and a city-based office address. These are public identifiers, part of the imprint that many reputable companies use.
Some security pages and notifications include simple, low-pressure elements such as “Was this information helpful?” rather than ultimatums or threats. That tone contrasts sharply with scam messages that warn of immediate closure, fines, or arrest.
Where to turn when something feels wrong
When a message looks suspicious, Amazon encourages people to report it rather than engage with it. Suspicious emails can be forwarded to dedicated addresses such as stop-spoofing@amazon.com or reported through self-service options on customer support pages. Fake texts, social media messages, and phone calls can also be reported so that associated domains, numbers, and profiles can be blocked more quickly.
If you are ever unsure whether a message is real, you can bypass it entirely. Open the Amazon app or type the web address into your browser, sign in, and check your account, orders, and message center. If the issue is genuine, it will appear there.
Support is available at all hours through official help pages and contact forms, so there is no need to respond directly to strange messages or calls. That space to pause is often enough to stop a scam in its tracks.
Conclusions
Calm beats manufactured urgency
Scammers rely on haste. They want you to feel that there is no time to think, only time to click, share, or pay. The safest response is the opposite: slow down, doubt the message, and verify through channels you control. The more you build this pause into your routine, the less power urgency has over you.
Make security part of everyday shopping
Security on Amazon does not have to be complicated. Using only the official app or website, turning on Two-Step Verification, enabling a passkey, and reporting anything suspicious are modest steps with large effects. Over time, they become part of how you shop and manage your account, not special precautions. When that happens, impersonation scams lose much of their leverage, and your attention can return to what it was meant for in the first place: choosing what to buy, not fighting off fraud.
Sources
Primary references
Amazon Customer Service – Identifying a scam:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=G4YFYCCNUSENA23B
Amazon Customer Service – Report a scam:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=GRGRY7AQ3LMPXVCV
Amazon Customer Service – What is Two-Step Verification?:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=G3PWZPU52FKN7PW4
Amazon Customer Service – About Multi-Factor Authentication:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=G9MX9LXNWXFKMJYU
Amazon Customer Service – About Passkey:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=TPphmhSWBgcI9Ak87p
Amazon – Passwordless sign-in with passkeys:
https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/retail/amazon-passwordless-sign-in-passkey
About Amazon Europe – Tips to stay safe and avoid scams when shopping at Amazon:
https://www.aboutamazon.eu/news/customer-trust/six-practical-tips-to-help-you-stay-safe-and-avoid-impersonation-scams
Additional guidance and video
National Cyber Security Centre – Phishing advice and guidance:
https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/collection/phishing-scams
Wikipedia – Phishing (general explanation of techniques and trends):
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phishing
Federal Trade Commission – “Phishy Store: Avoid Phishing Scams” (YouTube):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfdXrhOoNrQ
Appendix
Account recovery
Account recovery is the process Amazon uses when a legitimate user can no longer sign in, for example because access to a phone number or authenticator app has been lost. It usually involves extra checks to confirm identity before restoring control of the account.
Impersonation scams
Impersonation scams are fraudulent schemes in which criminals pose as trusted organizations, such as Amazon or a delivery company, in order to persuade people to share sensitive data, transfer money, or install malicious software.
Passkey
A passkey is a passwordless way to sign in that relies on cryptographic keys instead of memorized words or phrases. On Amazon, a passkey lets someone log in using their fingerprint, face recognition, or device PIN, making it far harder for attackers to steal reusable login credentials.
Phishing
Phishing is a form of online fraud in which deceptive messages try to lure people into revealing confidential information, such as passwords or card numbers, or into clicking links that install malware or lead to fake sign-in pages.
Scam messages
Scam messages are communications sent by criminals that pretend to be legitimate alerts, notifications, or offers. They often push people to act quickly, click on unknown links, share financial details, or make unusual payments, and they may reference real brands to appear convincing.
Two-Step Verification
Two-Step Verification is an extra security feature that requires a second proof of identity when signing in, such as a one-time code delivered to a trusted device. On Amazon, it complements the password and makes it much more difficult for attackers to take over an account even if the password has been exposed elsewhere.
My Diary - Leonardo Cardillo 