Are you an Amazon seller or customer concerned about falling victim to scams in 2023? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
In this article, we’ll give you the lowdown on the latest Amazon scams and how to avoid them. From account hijacking to phishing, fake job offers to porch pirate scams, we’ll arm you with the knowledge and preventive measures you need to stay safe from one of these scams.
So, buckle up and get ready to navigate the Amazon jungle with confidence.
Account Security Measures
Make sure to set up two-factor authentication, use strong passwords, and never share your login details to enhance the security of your Amazon account.
Scammers are always looking for opportunities to scam unsuspecting sellers and customers. They may try to trick you with a phishing email or a text message asking for your personal information.
Remember, official Amazon representatives will never ask for your password or sensitive information through email or text. It’s important to stay vigilant and avoid clicking on suspicious links.
Always verify the legitimacy of emails or calls claiming to be from Amazon by checking the sender’s email address or phone number.
Phishing Scams
Be cautious when clicking on suspicious links or providing personal information in response to emails or messages claiming to be from a trusted source.
Phishing scams are one of the scams to know and avoid. These scams often involve fraudsters impersonating Amazon and sending out suspicious emails or messages. They may create fake websites that look like the real Amazon site to trick you into entering sensitive information.
Amazon text and email scams are on the rise, and it’s important for both Amazon sellers and customers to be aware of these scams and know how to avoid them in 2023.
Scammers impersonate Amazon through text messages and emails, often containing grammar or spelling mistakes. Real Amazon texts come from a short source code, not a regular phone number. Fake texts and emails may include links without an Amazon.com domain.
To stay safe, avoid clicking any links from suspicious texts or emails. If you mistakenly clicked on a suspicious link, change your Amazon password and enable two-factor authentication. It’s also recommended to use antivirus software to identify and isolate phishing emails.
It’s important to avoid clicking on any suspicious links and never provide sensitive information over the phone. If you receive a suspicious email or message, report it to Amazon immediately.
Scams Related to Amazon Business Listing Hijacking
Fraudsters sell counterfeit products under legitimate sellers’ listings, so it’s important to regularly check your Amazon page listings for unauthorized sellers.
Here are some important tips to keep in mind to avoid scams related to account hijacking:
- Be cautious of emails or calls claiming to be from Amazon.
Scammers often impersonate Amazon and try to trick you into revealing your login information or other sensitive details.
- Verify the legitimacy of emails or calls.
Check the sender’s email address or phone number to ensure it is from a genuine source. You can also contact Amazon support to confirm the authenticity of any communication.
- Watch out for phishing scams.
Be wary of emails or messages that ask you to click on suspicious links or provide personal information. These are common tactics used by scammers to gain access to your account.
- Research trusted brands before making a purchase on Amazon.
And also, verify the legitimacy of the seller. Remember, legitimate Amazon employees will never ask you to purchase Amazon gift cards or provide personal information.
These scams can have serious consequences, such as negative reviews and account issues. Be cautious of third-party sellers pretending to be Amazon and selling counterfeit goods.
Scams Related to Amazon Suspension and Fake Amazon Reviews
To protect yourself from Amazon suspension and fake reviews, it’s important to review Amazon’s policies and seller code of conduct regularly.
One of the most common scams related to Amazon suspension is when scammers pose as Amazon staff and request payment or account details to reactivate suspended accounts. It’s crucial to be cautious of unsolicited requests for payment or personal information, as these could be scams.
Another scam to be wary of is fake reviews. Some individuals or companies sell fake positive reviews on Amazon, which violates Amazon’s policies and can lead to suspension or banning. Instead, focus on providing quality products and excellent customer service, and encourage customers to leave honest and genuine reviews.
Amazon Counterfeits
Counterfeit goods on Amazon pose a risk to both your health and safety as a customer. It’s important to be aware of the Amazon scams to know and avoid, especially for Amazon sellers.
These scams involve the sale of counterfeit products under the guise of legitimate sellers. As a customer, it’s crucial to research trusted brands before making a purchase on Amazon. Look for recommendations from reliable sources like Wirecutter and consider adding ‘Reddit’ to your Google searches for product recommendations.
Amazon Brushing Scams
Brushing scams involve scammers sending unsolicited packages to real addresses in order to create fake verified purchase positive reviews. These scams are a common tactic used by dishonest Amazon sellers to boost their product ratings and deceive customers.
If you receive an unsolicited package, report it to Amazon immediately. Remember, there is no obligation to return these packages, so you get to keep the item for free. However, it is crucial to record the tracking ID of the package for documentation purposes.
Amazon Gift Card Scams
Amazon gift card scams are a common tactic used by scammers to target both Amazon sellers and customers. These scams involve fraudsters contacting individuals through phishing emails or text messages, pretending to be from Amazon customer service or support. They may claim there is an issue with your account or an undelivered Amazon package, and ask for gift card information as a form of payment or verification.
Remember, Amazon will never ask for your gift card details through email or text message. If you receive such requests, it’s important to contact Amazon customer service directly to verify the legitimacy of the communication and protect your account.
Always be cautious and avoid sharing sensitive information or gift card details unless you are certain of the source.
Amazon Tech Support and Outbound Call Scams
Tech support and outbound call scams involve scammers pretending to offer assistance or refunds and requesting personal information or payment details. These scams are designed to deceive and trick unsuspecting individuals into providing sensitive information that can be used for fraudulent purposes.
To protect yourself from falling victim to these scams, follow these important steps:
- Be cautious of unsolicited calls or emails claiming to be from Amazon.
Scammers may use this tactic to gain your trust and convince you to disclose personal and financial information.
- Never provide card details or any sensitive information over the phone.
Legitimate Amazon representatives will never ask for this information over a phone call.
- Always verify the legitimacy of the call or email.
Contact Amazon directly through their official website or app to confirm any requests for information or assistance.
- Enable two-factor authentication on your Amazon account for an extra layer of security.
This will help prevent unauthorized access to your account and reduce the risk of falling victim to online scams.
Off-Platform Payment Scams
As an Amazon seller or customer, it’s crucial to stay vigilant and protect yourself from these scams. Off-platform payment scams involve scammers creating fake product listings and requesting payment outside of the Amazon app or website. They may ask for payment through platforms like Venmo, PayPal, Zelle, or unsafe payment portals.
It’s important to remember that legitimate transactions should always be conducted through the secure Amazon platform. By avoiding off-platform payments, you can protect yourself from losing money without receiving the ordered items.
Always prioritize the safety of your transactions and be cautious of any requests for payment outside of Amazon’s A-to-z Guarantee policy.
Vishing Scams
Vishing scams, which involve scammers impersonating customer service representatives, can be avoided by exercising caution when sharing sensitive information over the phone. To protect yourself from falling victim to vishing scams in 2023, both as an Amazon seller or customer, it is important to be aware of the following:
Tips for Avoiding Vishing Scams
- Never give out personal or sensitive information over the phone unless you initiated the call.
- Be skeptical of unsolicited calls claiming to be from Amazon.
- Verify the legitimacy of the caller by contacting Amazon’s official customer support.
- Use alternative methods, such as email or online chat, to communicate with Amazon if you have concerns.
Steps to Take if You Suspect a Vishing Scam
- Hang up immediately if you feel uncomfortable or suspicious during the call.
- Report the incident to Amazon and provide them with any relevant information.
- Monitor your accounts for any signs of unauthorized activity.
- Educate yourself about the latest vishing scam techniques to stay vigilant in protecting your personal information.
Mystery Box Scams
Mystery box scams on Amazon promise high-value items but often deliver cheaper alternatives, leading to disappointment for buyers. As an Amazon customer or seller, it is important to be aware of these scams and take steps to avoid them in 2023.
When encountering mystery box listings, exercise caution and skepticism. Look out for different pricing tiers that falsely promise top-tier items. Additionally, be wary of misleading reviews that may lure you into making a purchase.
To avoid falling victim to these scams, consider researching the seller’s reputation and reading customer feedback before making a purchase.
Fake Refund Scams
If you receive unexpected calls, texts, or emails claiming to offer a refund and asking for personal information or website navigation, it is important to contact the appropriate channels directly to address your refund concerns.
Fake refund scams are a common tactic used by Amazon scammers to trick unsuspecting customers. These scams involve scammers posing as Amazon representatives, trying to obtain your personal information or payment details. They may even send emails or texts that appear to be from Amazon, with vague descriptions of refund reasons.
It’s also a good idea to change your Amazon password regularly to further protect against payment scams and potential Amazon scammers.
Amazon Prime Video Scams
The Amazon Prime Video scams involve fake websites and ads impersonating Prime Video, prompting users to call a phone number for account setup.
To protect yourself from falling victim to these scams, follow these steps:
- Be cautious of any emails or texts claiming to be from Amazon Prime Video.
Verify the legitimacy of the message by checking the sender’s email address or phone number.
- Avoid clicking on any links in suspicious emails or texts.
Instead, go directly to the official Amazon website or app to access your account.
- Never provide personal or financial information over the phone to someone claiming to be from Amazon.
Amazon will never ask for this information through email, text, or phone calls.
- Report any suspicious emails, texts, or scam calls to Amazon and the appropriate authorities.
Typosquatting Scams
To protect yourself from typosquatting scams, be cautious of unsecure websites with URLs similar to Amazon. Avoid providing payment information on these fake websites.
These scams involve scammers creating websites that resemble official Amazon site, but with slight variations in the URL. They often contain typos, grammatical errors, or design flaws that may go unnoticed at first glance.
However, these fake websites are designed to trick unsuspecting users into providing their payment information. This can lead to financial loss and identity theft. To avoid falling victim to these scams, always double-check the website’s URL before making any transactions. Only provide payment information on secure and legitimate websites.
Fake Job Scams
Be cautious of fake job scams on non-official websites and protect your personal information from potential scammers. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
- Fake job scams: Scammers pose as Amazon recruiters with fake job postings on non-official websites.
- Protect personal information: Be wary of phone calls requesting personal information and apply for jobs only on Amazon’s official jobs site.
- Genuine Amazon: Genuine Amazon job opportunities can be found on the official website.
Smishing Scams
Stay cautious of unsolicited text messages claiming to be from Amazon and requesting personal information to resolve issues or issue refunds. If you receive a text message or email that seems suspicious, it could be a smishing scam. These scammers impersonate Amazon through unsolicited messages, often containing suspicious links.
To avoid falling victim to a smishing scam, never respond or engage with these messages. Instead, go directly to the Amazon app or website to check your account for any issues. Remember, the real Amazon will never ask for personal information or payment outside of their official channels.
If you suspect a text message or email is a scam, trust your instincts and report it to Amazon directly. Don’t let these scams fool you – always stay vigilant and see the Amazon directly for any concerns.
Porch Pirate Scams
To protect your packages from porch pirate scams, it is important to have measures in place to secure your Amazon deliveries. Here are some steps you can take:
- Install security cameras or video doorbells to monitor your porch.
- Request signature confirmation for package deliveries to ensure they are received by you or a trusted neighbor.
- Use Amazon lockers or delivery lockboxes for added security.
What is the Amazon Automation Scam?
The “Amazon Automation Scam” refers to a fraudulent scheme where individuals or companies promise to help others make money on Amazon through automated systems or programs. They claim that by following their methods, people can easily generate substantial income on the platform without much effort or skill.
These scammers often sell expensive courses or coaching programs, promising to reveal their “secrets” to success on Amazon. However, in reality, many of these programs provide little to no value and are designed to extract money from unsuspecting individuals.
The scam typically involves false claims of overnight success, fake testimonials, and misleading information to lure people into purchasing their products or services. Often, the promised results are highly exaggerated, and individuals who fall for the scam end up losing money instead of making any substantial profits.
It is important to be cautious and thoroughly research any programs or services before investing in them, especially when it comes to online business opportunities like Amazon automation. Genuine success on platforms like Amazon requires hard work, knowledge, and dedication, rather than relying on automated systems or get-rich-quick schemes.
What to Do if You Fell Victim to an Amazon Scam?
If you’ve been scammed, here are some steps you can take to mitigate the damage and protect yourself:
- Contact Amazon Customer Service
Reach out to Amazon customer service representatives immediately. Report scams and provide them with all the details. They can help you lock your account and provide guidance on the next steps.
- Change Your Amazon Password
Change your Amazon account password as soon as there’s any sign of a scam to prevent further unauthorized access. Create a strong, unique password that is not used for any other accounts.
- Check Your Account Activity
Review your account activity, including recent orders, payment methods, and shipping addresses. Report any suspicious activity or unauthorized transactions to Amazon.
- Update Your Payment Information
If your payment information has been compromised, update it with new, secure details. Remove any unauthorized payment methods from your account.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Enable two-factor authentication for your Amazon account. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second verification step, usually through a code sent to your mobile device.
- Monitor Your Financial Statements
Regularly monitor your bank and credit card statements for any unusual transactions related to the scam. If you identify any fraudulent charges, report them immediately to your financial institution.
- Report the Scam
File a complaint with your local consumer protection agency and report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ftc.gov/complaint. This helps authorities track and investigate fraudulent activities.
- Stay Vigilant for Identity Theft
Be aware that scammers may have obtained personal information during the scam. Monitor your credit reports, change passwords for other online accounts, and consider placing a fraud alert or freeze on your credit if necessary.
- Educate Yourself
Learn about common scams and phishing techniques to better protect yourself in the future. Be cautious of unsolicited emails, messages, or phone calls asking for personal information or login credentials.
Remember, prevention is key when it comes to scams. Be wary of offers that seem too good to be true, double-check website URLs, and always verify the legitimacy of emails or messages before clicking on any links. But if ever you fall for this scam, act right away.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is crucial for both Amazon sellers and customers to stay vigilant and informed about the various scams that can occur on the platform.
By implementing account security measures, such as two-factor authentication and strong passwords, you can protect your account from potential hijacking or phishing attempts.
Remember to verify the legitimacy of any requests for payment or personal information, and be cautious of suspicious emails, texts, and calls claiming to be from Amazon.
So, why take unnecessary risks when you can take proactive steps to safeguard yourself from these scams?