Amazon shoppers targeted by impostor scams

Millions of consumers shop online through Amazon every day, making it a prime target for scammers looking to steal personal information. The BBB has received reports of several different types of scams that impersonate Amazon in an attempt to steal personal information.

In some examples scammers pose as Amazon employees claiming to need information about a consumer’s account. Other times, the scammers claim something is wrong with an order.

How the scam works

The phone rings, and when answered, it is a recorded message claiming to be from Amazon, stating there is a problem with your Amazon account. The messages may claim there was a fraudulent charge on your account, a lost or damaged package, or an expensive item ordered without your permission. But no matter what the recording says, the scammers have the same goal: getting your personal information. The con artists will outright ask for credit card and account login details, or they will request remote access to your computer under the guise of “helping” to solve the issue.

The Federal Trade Commission published examples of those scam calls.

One Ohio consumer reported to the BBB Scam Tracker they received a call from someone claiming to represent Amazon who demanded $1,250 for an item the consumer never ordered.

How to avoid Amazon impostor scams

—Be skeptical of email and unsolicited calls. Amazon may contact customers in certain situations, but it will never ask you to disclose or verify sensitive personal information over the phone. Be skeptical of unexpected refund offers or requests for payment.

—Verify websites before entering personal information. If you are on a website and are being asked to provide your personal and financial information, confirm the website is real and that it is secure. Read BBB's tips for identifying fake websites.

—Ignore unsolicited messages that ask for personal information. Amazon also will never send you an unsolicited message that asks you to provide sensitive personal information such as your tax ID, bank account number or credit card information.

—Ignore calls for immediate action. Scammers try to get you to act before you think by creating a sense of urgency.

—Report it to Amazon. Any customer who receives a questionable email or call from someone impersonating an Amazon employee should report them to Amazon Customer Service. Amazon investigates those complaints and will take action if warranted.