As the largest online retailer, Amazon’s immense popularity has made it a magnet for scammers seeking to illegally profit off unwitting shoppers and sellers. This article will uncover the 20 most common Amazon scams used to target users in the USA. Read on for key advice on how to spot fraud attempts, implement safety protocols, report suspicious activities, and avoid becoming a victim.
Key Takeaways:
- Scammers exploit Amazon’s reach and perceived brand trustworthiness to enact fraud.
- Tactics like fake listings, phishing links, gift card demands, and return scams are rampant.
- Scrutinizing profiles, delivery tracking, and threat reporting helps users stay protected.
- Understanding red flags allows Amazon users to react appropriately to avoid being defrauded.
Most Prevalent Amazon Scams Currently Circulating in the USA
While Amazon facilitates millions of smooth transactions, criminals capitalize on perceived safety to perpetrate major scams including:
- Fake Listings – Goods don’t exist, scammers collect payments then disappear.
- Phishing Links – Malicious links trick users into inputting Amazon login credentials, capturing account access.
- Gift Card Demands – Scammers insist users purchase gift cards to pay false fees, taxes, or prizes.
- Switch and Return Scams – Cheap or broken items are swapped once an order is delivered.
- Brushing Scam – Sellers send unsolicited items then post fake reviews posing as buyers.
- Amazon Seller Scams – Fake sellers offer hot deals through Amazon storefronts just to pilfer payment info.
- Fake Tracking Numbers – Scammers provide bogus tracking numbers for orders that never ship.
Protecting Yourself on Amazon
While scammers are sneaky, using common sense safeguards minimizes risks:
- Thoroughly vet sellers – read recent reviews, ratings, store age, and listed policies.
- Enable two-factor authentication on your Amazon account for enhanced login security.
- Never pay with prepaid gift cards outside of Amazon’s official payment system.
- Closely watch delivery progress and follow up quickly on any shipping concerns.
- Avoid offers significantly below market prices for coveted items – it’s likely a scam.
Exercising basic precautions goes a long way towards preventing fraudulent activity.
How to Identify Amazon Scams
Certain communications or profile details may signal attempted fraud:
- Generic stock images rather than actual product photos.
- Prices widely deviating from normal market rates for similar items.
- Vague product descriptions lacking key details on size, materials etc.
- Very limited seller reviews over a short time period or all reviews posted rapidly.
- Broken English product listings with grammar/spelling errors.
- Aggressive insistence on completing transactions outside normal Amazon protections.
Scrutinizing listings and seller profiles helps surface warning signs something may be amiss. Trust your instincts.
Avoiding Amazon Unauthorized Purchase Scams
To avoid fake charges or payments:
- Enable purchase approval requirements and spend limits on your Amazon account.
- Review account settings and disable any unknown linked payment methods.
- Monitor your account purchase history routinely via desktop, not just the app.
- Immediately report unauthorized charges to Amazon customer service.
- Change account passwords after any suspcious activity and enable two-factor authentication.
Proactive account management prevents the vast majority of unauthorized purchase scams.
How to Guard Against Amazon Account Hacks
To avoid compromised Amazon accounts:
- Never click suspicious links sent via message even if claiming to be from Amazon. Links could be phishing attempts to steal login credentials.
- Use login alerts to be notified of logins from unrecognized devices. Quickly report unfamiliar sessions.
- Create a complex Amazon password using unpredictable strings that are unique from other site passwords.
- Setup two-factor authentication for an added layer of security beyond just a password.
- Check your public user profile settings – scammers can glean details from exposed personal info.
Proactive privacy and security settings make it far harder for scammers to gain account access.
Reporting Amazon Scams and Suspicious Activity
If you encounter shady activity, take swift action by:
- Tapping “Report abuse” on concerning listings, sellers or interactions within Amazon.
- Contacting Amazon customer support to notify them of scams – they can quickly deactivate accounts.
- Leaving negative reviews warning other shoppers about fraudulent sellers.
- Reporting fraud to the FTC, BBB, and IC3 to aid law enforcement investigations.
- Calling your bank if connected accounts show unauthorized charges for swift account closure.
Prompt reporting helps shut down scammers faster and prevents further victims.
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Conclusion
Amazon provides an invaluable ecommerce platform, but users must remain vigilant against increasingly sophisticated scammers attempting to hijack accounts, payments, and data. However, scrutinizing seller reputations, enabling account security, and immediately reporting suspicious activities allows smooth transactions without being defrauded. Maintaining proper perspective on safety allows consumers to tap into Amazon’s conveniences while steering clear of criminals.