Amazon is the most impersonated brand in phishing emails worldwide. Scammers exploit the fact that most people have an Amazon account, order frequently, and expect regular emails about orders, deliveries, and account activity. Here are the most common Amazon scam emails circulating right now, with real examples and how to verify every one.
Why Amazon Scam Emails Work
Amazon sends a lot of email. Order confirmations, shipping updates, delivery notifications, review requests, Prime renewal reminders, deal alerts. Because Amazon customers are accustomed to receiving frequent emails, a scam email blends into the noise. Scammers also know that even if you didn't place an order, the fear that someone else did — using your account — creates immediate urgency.
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The 7 Most Common Amazon Scam Emails
1. Fake Order Confirmation
You receive an email confirming an order you didn't place — often for an expensive item like a laptop, phone, or TV.
From: Amazon.com <order-confirm@amazn-notifications.com>
Subject: Your Amazon.com order #112-7429831-6641052
Hello,
Thank you for your order! Your MacBook Pro (M4, 16") will ship within 1-2 business days.
Order Total: $2,449.00
If you did not place this order, click here to cancel immediately and secure your account.
The scam: The "cancel" link leads to a phishing page that asks for your Amazon credentials, then your credit card details to "verify your identity." The scammer is betting that you'll panic about a $2,449 charge and click before checking.
How to verify: Open the Amazon app or go to amazon.com directly. Check "Your Orders." If the order doesn't exist there, the email is fake.
2. Account Suspension/Verification
From: Amazon Security <account-alert@amazon-verify-center.com>
Subject: Action Required: Your Amazon account has been temporarily locked
We've detected unusual activity on your account. Your account has been temporarily suspended for your protection.
Please verify your identity within 24 hours to restore access.
Verify My Account →
The scam: The link goes to a fake Amazon login page. After you enter your credentials, it asks for your full name, address, phone number, date of birth, credit card details, and sometimes even your Social Security number — all under the pretense of "verifying your identity."
How to verify: Go to amazon.com and try to log in normally. If you can log in, your account isn't suspended.
3. Fake Delivery Problem
From: Amazon Delivery <shipping-update@amazoncustomer-support.com>
Subject: Delivery failed: Your package could not be delivered
We attempted to deliver your package but were unable to. Please update your delivery address to reschedule.
Update Delivery Preferences →
The scam: The "update address" link leads to a fake page that requests your personal information and payment details. Some variants ask for a small "redelivery fee" of $1.99 to make the request seem reasonable — the real goal is capturing your full credit card number.
4. Prime Membership Expiration
From: Amazon Prime <prime-renewal@amazon-membership.net>
Subject: Your Amazon Prime membership expires today
Your Prime membership could not be renewed due to a payment issue. Update your payment method to avoid losing your benefits.
Renew Prime Now →
The scam: Exploits the fear of losing Prime benefits (free shipping, streaming, etc.). The link leads to a fake payment update page designed to steal your credit card information.
How to verify: Go to amazon.com/prime and check your membership status directly.
5. Fake Refund Notification
From: Amazon Refunds <refund-notification@amzn-services.com>
Subject: Your refund of $87.49 is pending
A refund of $87.49 has been approved for your recent return. To process your refund, please confirm your payment method.
Confirm Refund →
The scam: Greed is a powerful motivator. You might think "I don't remember a return, but I'll take $87.49." The confirmation page asks for your bank details or credit card number to "deposit the refund."
6. Gift Card / Prize Winner
From: Amazon Rewards <gift@amazon-exclusive-rewards.com>
Subject: Congratulations! You've been selected for a $500 Amazon gift card
As a valued Amazon customer, you've been selected to receive a $500 gift card. Complete a short survey to claim your reward.
Claim My Gift Card →
The scam: The "survey" collects personal information. At the end, you're asked to pay a small "shipping fee" for the gift card — which never arrives. Your payment details are then used for further fraud.
7. Fake Customer Review Request
From: Amazon Marketplace <review-request@amazon-seller-center.com>
Subject: How was your recent purchase? Leave a review for a $10 credit
Thank you for your recent purchase. We'd love your feedback! Complete your review through the link below and receive a $10 Amazon credit.
Write a Review →
The scam: While Amazon does send review requests, they come from @amazon.com and take you directly to the Amazon website. Scam versions lead to fake login pages or install browser extensions that track your activity.
How to Tell Real Amazon Emails from Fakes
Amazon provides a few built-in verification tools:
- Check the sender address. Legitimate Amazon emails come from addresses ending in
@amazon.com,@amazon.co.uk, or other official Amazon domains. They do not come from@amazn-notifications.comor@amazon-verify-center.com. - Use Amazon's Message Center. Go to
amazon.com→ Account → Message Center. Every legitimate email Amazon sends also appears here. If a message isn't in your Message Center, it's not from Amazon. - Amazon never asks for payment information via email. Any email requesting that you "verify," "update," or "confirm" payment details through a link is fraudulent. Amazon handles all payment updates through the website and app.
- Amazon never asks you to install software. If an email asks you to download a file, install an app, or enable macros, it's a scam.
- Check the link destinations. Hover over any links. Legitimate Amazon links go to
amazon.com,amazon.co.uk, or similar official domains. They don't redirect through other domains.
Amazon Scam Emails vs. Legitimate Amazon Emails: Side-by-Side
Here's what to compare when you're unsure:
| Feature | Legitimate Amazon Email | Scam Amazon Email |
|---|---|---|
| Sender domain | @amazon.com | @amazn-notifications.com, @amazon-verify.net |
| Greeting | Uses your real name | "Dear Customer" or "Dear Amazon User" |
| Order references | Links to real order in your account | Order number doesn't exist in your account |
| Links | All point to amazon.com | Point to lookalike domains |
| Action requested | View in app or website | Click link to enter payment/personal info |
| Message Center | Appears in Amazon Message Center | Not in Message Center |
| Tone | Informational, no threats | Urgent, threatening account closure or charges |
Phone Call Variants of Amazon Scams
Amazon scams aren't limited to email. Scammers also call victims claiming to be Amazon customer support, often using automated robocall messages:
"This is Amazon calling. A charge of $799.99 has been placed on your account for a MacBook Air. If you did not authorize this purchase, press 1 to speak with a representative."
Pressing 1 connects you to a scammer who will ask you to install remote access software on your computer, provide your Amazon login credentials, or share your credit card or bank account information. Some variants ask you to buy gift cards as a "refund method" — which is never how real refunds work.
Amazon will never call you to ask for payment, remote access, or personal information. If you receive such a call, hang up. If you're concerned about your account, go to amazon.com directly or use the Amazon app to contact customer service through official channels.
Text Message (SMS) Variants
Amazon scam texts typically follow these patterns:
- "Amazon: Your package could not be delivered. Update your address: [suspicious link]"
- "Amazon: Unusual sign-in activity detected. Verify now: [suspicious link]"
- "You've won a $500 Amazon gift card! Claim here: [suspicious link]"
Amazon does send delivery notification texts, but only if you've opted in, and those texts never ask you to click a link to "update" anything. Legitimate Amazon texts direct you to check the Amazon app.
Protecting Your Amazon Account
Even if you've never fallen for a scam email, take these proactive steps to secure your Amazon account against future attacks:
- Enable two-step verification. Go to Account → Login & Security → Two-Step Verification. Amazon supports authenticator apps and SMS codes. Use the authenticator app option when possible — it's more secure than SMS.
- Review your login activity regularly. Check Account → Login & Security to see recent login activity. If you see logins from devices or locations you don't recognize, change your password immediately.
- Don't save payment methods you rarely use. The fewer payment methods stored on your account, the less an attacker can exploit if they gain access. Remove old credit cards and bank accounts that you no longer use for Amazon purchases.
- Use a unique password for Amazon. Your Amazon password should not be the same as any other account. Given how much personal and financial data Amazon stores — your address, purchase history, payment methods — a compromised Amazon account is especially damaging.
- Monitor your order history. Check Your Orders periodically for purchases you didn't make. Scammers who gain access to accounts sometimes place small test orders before larger fraudulent ones.
What to Do with Amazon Scam Emails
- Forward the email to Amazon at
stop-spoofing@amazon.com. Include the email as an attachment if possible (not just forwarded text). - Report it as phishing in your email client.
- Delete the email once reported.
- If you clicked a link or entered information, change your Amazon password immediately, enable two-factor authentication, and review your order history and payment methods for unauthorized changes.
If you've received an email claiming to be from Amazon and you're not sure whether it's legitimate, paste the email content into IsThisAScam for an instant analysis. The tool will identify which type of Amazon scam it matches and tell you exactly which red flags are present.
Got a suspicious Amazon email? Check it now for free →