Amazon Related Scams

by Billy J Long Guidance, PSA Articles

Article (PSA-0031)

Why This Matters

Amazon serves millions of shoppers worldwide. Because of that huge customer base, scammers love to impersonate Amazon in order to steal money or personal data.

Amazon’s Official Stance

Amazon will never ask you for payment info, passwords, or personal details over the phone.

Common Scam Tactics

Off‑Platform Payments

  • How it works: A seller lists a product on Amazon, then contacts you with a link to pay via CashApp, Venmo, Zelle, or a wire transfer.
  • Why it works: You lose Amazon’s buyer‑protection and the scammer gets your credit‑card data directly.
  • What to do: Never pay outside Amazon’s checkout. If a seller asks for an alternate payment method, hang up and report the listing.

Phishing Phone Calls

  • How it works: Someone pretends to be an Amazon rep and asks you to “verify” your account by giving a password or credit‑card number.
  • Why it works: With over 220 million Prime members, scammers know a few will be waiting for a call back from Amazon support.
  • What to do: Never share passwords or payment info on an unsolicited call. End the call and call Amazon’s official number (888) 282‑395 (or use the Help page).

How to Spot a Fake Amazon Message

  • Look for a URL that ends in amazon.com or amazon.com/support. Hover over links to see the real address.
  • Beware of urgent language: “Your account will be closed in 5 minutes – click now.”
  • Legitimate Amazon emails will address you by name and never contain spelling mistakes.

What to Do If You Think You’ve Been Scammed

Scam‑Avoidance Checklist

  • ✔️ Amazon never asks for passwords or payment info over the phone.
  • ✔️ Verify every link – it must contain “amazon.com”.
  • ✔️ Never pay outside Amazon’s checkout.
  • ✔️ Hang up on suspicious calls; call Amazon’s official support line.
  • ✔️ Report any scam to Amazon and the FTC.

Need Help?

If you have questions or think you’ve been targeted, call us at (707) 506‑6802 and speak with a technician.