Amazon scam calls and texts: how to tell real from fake

"This is Amazon. We’ve detected a suspicious purchase of an iPhone for $999 on your account. Press 1 to speak to a representative."

If you’ve had a call like this, you’re far from alone. Amazon impersonation is one of the most common phone scams around, because so many people have Amazon accounts. Hearing about a big charge you didn’t make is alarming, so people press 1.

How the Amazon scam works

1. The hook. A robocall, text or email says there’s a suspicious order, a problem with your account, a package that can’t be delivered, or a refund waiting for you.
2. The "representative." When you call or press 1, a friendly, professional-sounding person answers. They may know your name or address, which they got from data leaks.
3. The ask. To "cancel the order" or "protect your account," they need you to do one of these: - Buy gift cards and read them the numbers - Install an app so they can "see" your computer or phone - Give them your password, a code sent by text, or your card number - Log into your bank so they can process a "refund," which turns into "you were overpaid, please send the difference back"

Every one of those is a red flag.

What Amazon will never do

Based on Amazon’s own guidance:

• Amazon won’t ask you to pay with gift cards, or to buy gift cards for any reason other than as a gift.
• Amazon won’t ask for payment over the phone, or ask you to pay outside the Amazon website or app.
• Amazon won’t ask you to install software on your computer or phone to fix an order.
• Amazon won’t offer a refund you weren’t expecting and then ask for access to your bank account.

How to check if there’s really a problem

Don’t call back, don’t press anything, and don’t tap links in the message. Instead:

1. Open the Amazon app on your phone, or type amazon.com into your browser yourself.
2. Sign in and go to Your Orders. If there’s no strange order, there’s no problem.
3. Check Message Center (in the app, tap the person icon, then Your Account, then Message Center). Real messages from Amazon about your account show up there.
4. If something really does look wrong, use Customer Service inside the app or website to contact Amazon.

That’s it. A real problem will be visible in your account. A scam won’t be.

Fake texts and emails

These often look very convincing, with the Amazon logo and an order number. Common clues:

• The sender’s email address isn’t from amazon.com (look closely, scammers use addresses like "amaz0n-support" or random Gmail accounts).
• It says "Dear Customer" instead of your name.
• The link, when you press and hold on it, goes somewhere that isn’t amazon.com.
• It creates urgency: "Your account will be suspended in 24 hours."

When in doubt, don’t tap. Open the app and check.

If you already gave them information

• If you shared your Amazon password: change it right away from the Amazon app, then turn on two-step verification (Your Account, then Login & Security).
• If you shared a card number: call the number on the back of your card and ask for a new one.
• If you bought gift cards: follow the steps in gift card scams and what to do.
• If you let them onto your computer: disconnect from the internet and see tech support scams explained.
• If you logged into your bank while they watched: call your bank’s fraud line from the number on your card.

You can also report the scam to Amazon through its website and to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

The same playbook, different names

Swap "Amazon" for Apple, PayPal, Geek Squad, Norton, McAfee or your bank and the script is the same. A surprise charge, a friendly helper, then a request for gift cards, remote access or codes. The fix is the same too: hang up, and check your account yourself through the official app or website.

Our guides on Medicare and bank scam calls and blocking spam calls cover the other common versions and how to stop many of these calls from reaching you.

When to get help

If you’re not sure how to check your Amazon orders, or a parent keeps getting these calls, we can help set up the Amazon app, turn on two-step verification and screen out unknown callers. We work with older adults and families across DC, Maryland and Northern Virginia, at home, by phone or by video. Book a free 15-minute call.