The 7 Latest Amazon Scam Calls (and How To Spot Them)

Will Amazon Ever Contact You by Phone?

Cinda Stewart was about to walk out the door when she received a disturbing call informing her that someone had purchased a $500 Xbox using her Amazon Prime account [*]. The only problem? Cinda didn’t have an Amazon Prime account. 

Still, she stayed on the line in fear of being stuck with the payment. It was only when she was transferred to the “Wells Fargo fraud department” and asked to provide her Social Security number (SSN) that she realized the whole thing was a scam.   

Cinda saw the red flags of an Amazon scam call. But not everyone hangs up in time. 

Today, Americans receive up to 150 million robocalls per month from scammers impersonating Amazon employees [*]  — with victims losing more than $27 million in 2021 alone. 

If you regularly shop on Amazon, you might not think twice if someone calls you claiming to be a company representative. But falling victim to an Amazon scam call could cost you money, time, or worse — your identity. 

In this guide, we’ll explain how Amazon scam calls typically work, how to quickly identify a scammer, and the latest scam calls you should be aware of.

{{show-toc}}

How Do Amazon Scam Calls Work?

Amazon scam calls are phone scams in which malicious actors try to trick you into giving up personal data, Amazon account information, or money. 

Here’s how Amazon scam calls typically work:

• You get a phone call from an unknown number or one “spoofed” to look like it’s coming from Amazon. 
• When you answer, the caller claims to be from Amazon’s customer support or the security team. 
• The caller tells you there’s an issue with an order you placed or that your financial data was compromised. If you don’t answer, they might leave a voicemail with a recorded message filled with similar threats. 
• The caller then says you can solve the problem by sharing personal information, such as your Amazon account username and password. With these credentials, scammers take over your Amazon account and steal any stored credit card numbers. 

Since many people shop on Amazon, receiving a call from the company’s support or security team may not seem suspicious. But Amazon will never ask you to provide or verify sensitive information over the phone. 

💡 Related: How To Block Spam Calls (Android, iOS, and Landlines) →

How do Amazon scam callers get your phone number?

Even if you do everything to try and keep your contact information private, Amazon scammers have multiple ways to get your phone number. 

They could buy your information from data brokers — companies that specialize in finding personal information online and selling it to marketers or fraudsters. Or, they might be able to find it in your online footprint, such as on your social media profile. 

But the most likely scenario is that your phone number — and other personal information — was leaked to the Dark Web during a recent data breach.

While there’s no way to fully remove your personal information from the Dark Web, knowing it’s out there can help you stay vigilant and watch out for scammers. 

Example: How To Quickly Identify an Amazon Phone Scam

Amazon phone scams come in numerous forms. The best way to stay safe is to learn to spot the warning signs of a phone phishing scam.

Here’s an example that one victim shared:

While many people might think this is a legitimate message, there are some red flags that indicate you’re dealing with a phone scammer:

• It’s a robocall. Scammers use automated technology to target thousands of people a day. If you engage, you’ll be connected to a live scammer who will continue the fraud. According to federal law, robocalls are illegal — unless you’ve directly given the company written permission to contact you in that way [*]. 
• The caller creates a sense of urgency. Fraudsters want to get you in a heightened emotional state so that you act without thinking. In this example, the caller used phrases like “suspicious activities” and “Amazon fraud department” to scare victims into calling them back.
• You’re asked to “verify” sensitive information. Scammers use threatening situations to persuade you to provide sensitive information, such as your Social Security number (SSN) or credit card numbers. Remember: Amazon will never ask for your password or any other personally identifiable information (PII). 
• The call is overly vague. Phone scammers play a numbers game and hope that you’ve bought something recently from Amazon. In this case, the scammers say there’s a problem with “the purchase,” without providing the kind of specific information you’d expect someone from Amazon to have. 
• You don’t have an Amazon account (or Prime account). The more people that scammers contact, the better chance they have of reaching someone who believes their story. In the case above, the victim posted on Reddit that they didn’t even have an Amazon account — making this a clear red flag of a scam.

The 7 Latest Amazon Scam Calls

1. Someone ordered an iPhone on your Amazon account
2. There was a “fraudulent purchase” on your account
3. Additional information regarding an upcoming delivery
4. “Verify” an Amazon purchase
5. Your package is lost
6. Refunds for a recent Amazon purchase
7. Fake Amazon technical support phone calls

All Amazon scams have the same goal but accomplish it differently. Here are seven of the most common types of Amazon scam calls and how to identify them before it’s too late.

1. Someone ordered an iPhone on your Amazon account

In this scam, fraudsters scare you into believing your Amazon account was hacked and someone used it to purchase an iPhone or other expensive electronics. In order to “protect” your account, you need to hand over sensitive information, such as your Amazon account password, two-factor authentication (2FA) codes, or credit card numbers. 

Fraudsters may even research you on social media to make their scams seem more legitimate   — for example, claiming the fraud took place at a recent concert from which they saw photos you posted.

There was a huge spike in the “fake iPhone purchase” scam last year, with both the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Better Business Bureau (BBB) reporting record numbers of this scam [*].

Spot the scam:

• You receive a robocall explaining that an iPhone (or other expensive product) was ordered using your Amazon account. The total purchase price will be specific and expensive to create a sense of legitimacy and urgency.
• You’re asked to stay on the line or press “1” to talk to an Amazon customer service representative if you have any issues with the order. Amazon will not contact you over the phone to “confirm” large orders. 
• Be extremely cautious if anyone starts asking you for sensitive information — especially your address, SSN, credit card numbers, or passwords. Amazon customer service will never ask you for this information. 

🛟 Related: The 10 Best Spam Call Blocker Apps of 2023 →

2. There was a “fraudulent purchase” on your Amazon account

Many robocalls warn victims of a “fraudulent purchase” on their Amazon account [*]. In this scam, victims are asked to press “1” or call a different number to talk to a customer support representative who can remove the phony charge. 

Like the iPhone scam, fraudsters tell victims that confidential information is needed, like the victim’s credit card number or Amazon password, to stop the fraudulent purchase. These scammers target everyone — especially people they suspect make purchases from Amazon regularly.

Spot the scam:

• You receive a robocall or voicemail saying there was a fraudulent purchase on your Amazon account. Don’t blindly trust these messages. Instead, check your Amazon account and credit card statements to confirm the fraudulent charge is actually on your account.
• You’re told that an Amazon customer support representative can help you remove the phony charge. Typically, your bank will remove a phony charge — not Amazon.
• You’re asked to transfer money to a “safe” account using Zelle, Venmo, or another payment method that’s almost impossible to reverse. Scammers often claim your linked bank account is at risk in their efforts to try and get you to send them money.

🛟 Related: Scammed on PayPal? Here’s How To Get Your Money Back →

3. You’re asked for additional information regarding your delivery

Scammers know that most people are usually waiting for some kind of delivery and don’t want to miss it. In this scam, fraudsters claim that your Amazon order has an issue — such as a damaged package, incorrect address, or owed payment. 

If you’re waiting on a package delivery, you might trust the fraudsters and provide payment or account information that they can use to scam you. 

The BBB warns consumers that these calls are particularly dangerous because scammers often spoof other organizations’ phone numbers to get you to answer the phone — including the BBB’s phone number [*]. 

Spot the scam:

• Someone calls claiming to be from Amazon or an affiliated delivery service (FedEx, UPS, etc.) and says there’s an issue with your order. Always confirm this information by checking your Amazon order history and checking the provided tracking numbers. 
• The caller asks for information that they should already have — such as your home address, order number, or name. While scammers may have some of your personal information, they most likely won’t know your Amazon order number. 
• You’re asked to pay over the phone or provide your credit card information to “fix” the delivery issue. Always check with Amazon directly before paying fees. If there is a legitimate issue with your order, Amazon will email you from an official “Amazon.com” domain. 

This type of scam is particularly ingenious because scammers know people are paranoid about fraud. If victims didn’t make a recent Amazon purchase, being asked to verify one puts them on high alert — and they are more willing to give out their information in order to stop the “fraud.”

These scam calls have gotten so pervasive that the Alabama Sheriff’s Office warned residents about the scam, saying that multiple victims had accidentally given up their personal or financial information [*].

Spot the scam:

• You receive a phone call or voicemail message from someone who says there was a recent mysterious purchase on your Amazon account. Pause and check your Amazon account before giving any information to the caller.
• The caller says your Amazon credentials and credit card information are needed to stop scammers from using your account. Again, Amazon representatives will not ask for that information.

🛟 Related: What Happens If You Call Back a Spam Number? →

5. Your package is lost

Everyone gets concerned when a package gets lost — and scammers are using this angle to try and gain access to your Amazon account. 

In this Amazon scam call, fraudsters tell you that your package is lost and that they need more information to process a reorder or redirect it. Then, the fraudster asks for your address, Amazon login credentials, credit card number, or other personal information. 

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) cautions that people who buy from Amazon regularly or have recently made an expensive Amazon purchase are more susceptible to this type of scam [*].

Spot the scam:

• You receive a live or prerecorded phone call from an “Amazon representative” saying a package is lost. Check your email to see if you’ve received any communications from Amazon. If not, the call is likely a scam.
• The call is missing specific details — such as the order number, item that was purchased, or your shipping address. A legitimate Amazon representative will have this information before contacting you. 

🛟 Related: Was Your Amazon Package Stolen? Here’s What To Do →

6. You’re owed a refund from a recent Amazon purchase

Bad actors have started making calls claiming that victims are owed refunds from recent Amazon purchases. Most people are excited to hear they’re receiving a refund, so they stay on the line and comply with the scammer’s commands.

But, as soon as you try to claim this “free money,” there’s an issue that requires you to give the scammer remote access to your computer. 

From there, the scammer installs malware to take over your screen and make it look like they’ve “accidentally” deposited a huge sum of money into your bank account. The caller will then “panic” and demand that you send the money back — by purchasing gift cards, sending a wire transfer, or using other non-reversible payment methods. 

Spot the scam:

• You get an unsolicited call from someone imitating an Amazon representative and saying that you’re eligible for a refund. Amazon does not call you if you’re owed a refund.
• The caller instructs you to download remote access software, such as AnyDesk or TeamViewer. These apps give scammers full access to your device and should only be installed if you called a tech support agent to help deal with a known issue. 
• You’re asked to purchase gift cards or use Venmo (or similar) to “refund” the overpayment. Amazon will not ask you to buy gift cards or use other non-traditional payment methods. If you’re owed a refund, they will apply it to your Amazon account or your credit card balance. 

🛟 Related: Amazon Account Hacked? Here's How To Recover It →

7. You receive fake Amazon technical support phone calls

Scammers create websites or social media posts that list fake Amazon support phone numbers in hopes that you’ll call them. If you call, they’ll try to get you to give up remote access to your computer to allow them to “fix” the issue. 

In one example, a 72-year-old California man fell prey to a technical support scam after trying to get help setting up a printer he had bought on Amazon [*]. 

The man Googled a tech support number and called the first result. But, the person who answered was a scammer who quickly took over the man’s Amazon account and spent $717 on gift cards and other computer accessories.

Spot the scam:

• You do a Google search for Amazon customer support and are taken to a site that isn’t on the official “Amazon.com” domain. All legitimate sites use this domain. If you’re unsure, click on the padlock symbol next to the website’s URL and check that the site’s security certificate was issued to Amazon.com.

• Look for warning signs of a fake website, such as a lookalike domain name (for example, “amazon.onlinepurchases.com”), spelling mistakes, or poor design.
• Use Safe Browsing tools to help you know if a website is safe to visit. For example, Aura will warn you before you enter a fake or dangerous website.

What To Do If You Receive an Amazon Scam Call

Amazon scam calls aren’t a threat unless you give up your personal information or Amazon password. If you receive a call, stay safe by following these steps:

• Don’t give out personal information. Amazon will not ask you for sensitive information over the phone — especially passwords, two-factor authentication (2FA) codes, or financial information. Legitimate support representatives can view your account information from their portals. No matter what, don’t hand over any information.
• Hang up. If the caller’s requests, phone number, or demeanor seem fishy to you, hang up and call Amazon back using the phone numbers listed on their official website. For security issues, log in to your account here and then contact Amazon.  
• Report the scam call to Amazon. Amazon is aware of scam calls, and the company is doing what it can to alert customers of potential new scam tactics. Use this link to report scam calls to Amazon.
• Warn your friends and family. Alert your friends and family about the scam call so they’ll know what to look for if they’re targeted.
• Monitor your Amazon account and credit for suspicious activity. Check your Amazon account frequently to catch and report suspicious activity right away. The earlier you catch and report fraud, the better chance you’ll have of getting your money back.

🛟 Related: How To Identify a Fake Amazon Email →

Did You Give Personal Information to a Scam Caller? Do This

Providing your personal information can not only lead to an Amazon account takeover; it can also lead to other types of fraud — including identity theft. If you’ve given any personal data to a scammer, there are a few things you can do to limit the damage.

If you gave a scammer your Amazon login

• Visit IdentityTheft.gov to file an identity theft report with the FTC.
• Report the scam to Amazon and to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
• Change all of your passwords to your online accounts. Make sure to use strong and unique passwords that are at least 10 characters long and combine letters, numbers, and symbols.  
• Consider signing up for identity theft protection. Aura monitors your sensitive information, account passwords, and financial accounts for signs of fraud. If we find anything suspicious, you’ll be alerted in near real-time so that you can shut down the scammers before it’s too late. Try Aura free for 14 days and see if it’s right for you.

🛟 Related: Is Identity Theft Protection Worth It? →

If you sent scammers money

• Call your identity theft insurance provider and explain the situation. Aura gives you 24/7 access to a team of U.S.-based Fraud Resolution Specialists who can walk you through the needed steps to secure your identity and get your money back from fraudsters. 
• Call your bank or credit card issuer to cancel compromised accounts and dispute any fraudulent charges.
• Freeze your credit with all three credit bureaus — Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. A credit freeze stops scammers from opening new accounts or taking out loans in your name. You can also request a free credit report at the same time to look for fraudulent accounts or transactions. 
• File an identity theft report with the FTC. An official FTC report is an essential document when it comes to disputing fraudulent charges and proving that you were the victim of identity theft. 
• If you have information about the scammers that could lead to an arrest (such as their names or contact information), file a police report with your local law enforcement.
• Contact any companies with which the scammer interacted, and let them know that your identity was stolen. They’ll most likely want to see a copy of your FTC or police report before closing accounts or writing off bad debts.
• Change all of your online passwords and consider setting up multi-factor authentication (MFA). For added security, use an authenticator app such as Google Authenticator.

If a scammer has remote access to your computer

• Disconnect your device from the internet. Most malware requires an internet connection to send data back to the hackers.
• Run a full antivirus scan to isolate and delete any malicious files or apps. 
• Delete any unrecognized apps, browser extensions, and add-ons (or anything that the scammer told you to download). Be especially cautious of any remote access apps, such as AnyDesk or TeamViewer.
• Use a different device to update your account passwords and enable 2FA on all of your accounts. Back up your computer, then wipe it to restore its original settings. Freeze your credit, and contact your bank and credit card issuer to inform them that you’ve been the victim of fraud and identity theft.

How To Stop Amazon Scam Calls

Scam calls aren’t just annoying — they can be dangerous. Instead of always being on the defense and watching out for Amazon scam callers, block and avoid unwanted calls by following these steps:

• Screen calls using Aura. Aura's proprietary AI Call Assistant will pick up calls from unknown numbers on your behalf and screen them. Configure the intent-based filtering to meet your call preferences so you don't miss calls about real appointments, deliveries, and emergencies.‍
• Talk to your cell phone carrier about tools they can offer to block spam numbers. Most service providers offer paid apps or tools that can help screen spam callers.‍
• Block spam numbers on your iPhone or Android. iPhone users can go to their Settings, click on “Phone,” then scroll down to “Silence Unknown Callers” and turn it on. This feature will silence calls from unknown numbers and send them to voicemail. Android users should have Caller ID and spam protection on by default. You can verify that it’s on by opening the Phone app, clicking “More Options,” then “Settings” — and then Spam and Call Screen.‍
• Remove your phone number from broker lists. Data brokers collect phone numbers and sell them to other businesses. While this information can be used for legitimate marketing purposes, scammers use it to steal information. You can contact data brokers yourself to have your information removed, or use a solution like Aura which automatically removes your numbers from broker lists.‍
• Register your number on the National Do Not Call Registry. While this won’t stop scammers from calling you, it can reduce the amount of spam calls you receive.‍
• Use a call-blocking app on your mobile device. These apps reduce the amount of spam calls you receive or force spam callers to explain why they’re calling you. While these apps can be helpful, it’s often more efficient to opt out of spam caller lists in the first place.‍
• Limit the personal information you share on social media. Sharing your data makes it easier for your number to end up on spam lists, and your information can be used to make scam calls more convincing.‍
• File a complaint with the FCC. Reporting Amazon scam calls can help the FCC identify the newest scam trends and track down perpetrators faster.

Don’t Fall for Amazon Scam Calls

Receiving Amazon scam calls can seem like a harmless nuisance, but they have the potential to cause serious problems. If you’re like most people, you’re busy and can’t stay on guard 100% of the time. And you shouldn’t have to. 

Aura’s #1-rated identity theft and digital protection service can be your eyes and ears. Aura monitors your bank accounts 24/7/365 so that you don’t have to, and alerts you of any suspicious activity in near real-time. 

Plus, Aura has a built-in data broker removal feature, automatically reducing spam calls and texts. In the event that your identity is stolen, Aura protects every adult member on your plan with a $1,000,000 insurance policy.

Put phone scammers on mute. Try Aura free for 14 days →