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Amazon has warned 300 million customers about rising scam attempts ahead of the holiday shopping season. Learn about common scam tactics, red flags, and how to protect your account with simple safety steps.
As the holiday shopping season gets closer, Amazon has shared an important warning for its users. With millions of people preparing for Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and the Thanksgiving weekend, the company says cybercriminals are increasing their attempts to steal personal and financial information. With 300 million active users, Amazon wants people to shop safely and stay alert.
Why Amazon Sent the Scam Warning
In an email sent on November 24, Amazon explained that scammers are trying to get sensitive information by pretending to be the company. They may ask for account details, payment information, or personal data. These messages often look official, which makes it easier for shoppers to fall for them—especially during a busy shopping period when many people expect order updates.
Amazon said the goal of these scammers is simple: make you panic and react quickly without thinking.
Common Scam Attempts Targeting Amazon Users
Amazon listed several scam styles that customers should watch out for, especially during the holiday rush:
- Fake delivery or account issue alerts
- Social media adverts offering unrealistic “too good to be true” deals
- Messages through unofficial channels asking for payment or login details
- Links that redirect you to suspicious pages
- Unsolicited phone calls pretending to be Amazon tech support
These attacks can happen by email, text, phone, or even social media messages. Scammers try to appear trustworthy while pushing you to act fast.
How to Identify a Scam
Amazon says impersonation scams often share similar patterns. They may pressure you with false urgency or ask for details Amazon would never request through text or email. They may also direct you to make payments outside the Amazon platform.
Here’s a simple comparison to help you tell the difference:
| Real Amazon Communication | Scam Attempt |
|---|---|
| Comes from official app or website | Comes from random emails or numbers |
| Does not request sensitive info | Asks for passwords, codes, or bank details |
| No urgency or threats | Uses pressure to make you act fast |
| Matches your actual order history | Mentions orders you never placed |
| Clear and simple information | Poor grammar or unfamiliar links |
If anything looks unusual, it’s safer to open the Amazon app directly instead of clicking a link.
How to Protect Your Account
Amazon encourages customers to take a few quick steps:
- Use only the official Amazon app or website for customer service, order tracking, and account changes.
- Turn on two-factor authentication or use a passkey for added security.
- Never respond to messages asking for personal information.
- Double-check order updates directly through Amazon instead of relying on links.
These small steps can prevent major problems.
Final Word: Stay Alert During Holiday Shopping
With holiday deals attracting millions of shoppers, scammers see an opportunity to strike. Amazon’s warning is a reminder to stay careful and think twice before clicking or sharing information. By recognizing red flags and using secure methods, you can shop confidently and protect your personal information.