Scam call about an Amazon order: how the fake purchase alert works
Quick answer
A call, recording or message saying Amazon saw a big charge on an order you didn't place is a scam. The aim is to get you to call back and hand over passwords or card details. Hang up, check your order history in the Amazon app or site yourself, and report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
- Comes by
- Phone call, Voicemail, Text, Email
- Pretends to be
- Amazon
- Last updated
How it works
Scammers pretend to be Amazon and say there's a problem with an order. The FTC says the reason might be a suspicious purchase, a lost package or an order they can't fulfill. It's often a recording that tells you to press 1, or a message that gives you a number to call.
If you call, you reach the scammer. They ask for your passwords, card number or other sensitive details so they can "cancel" the charge or "secure" your account. What they want is the information, and then your money.
Some versions add a refund twist. The caller offers to refund the purchase, then says they sent too much by mistake and asks you to send the difference back. The FTC explains the scammer only moves your own money between your accounts, so what you send back is gone.
Red flags
- A call or recording about an order or charge you don't recognize, with a number to call back
- A prompt to press 1 to speak to "Amazon support"
- Pressure to act right now before the charge goes through
- A request for passwords, card numbers or a one-time code
- A refund that was "too big" and has to be partly sent back
Example message
This is Amazon. We've noticed a charge of $[amount] on your account for an order you may not have placed. If you didn't make this purchase, press 1 or call [phone number] right away to cancel it.
What to do
- 1
Hang up and don't press anything
Don't call back the number they gave you and don't press 1. Block the number.
- 2
Check the order yourself
Open your orders in the Amazon app or type the Amazon address into your browser. If there's no such order, the call was fake. You can also look at your card statement.
- 3
If you shared card details, call your card company
Use the number on the back of your card, tell them it was fraud, and dispute any charge you don't recognize.
- 4
If you shared a password, change it
Change the Amazon password and any account that used the same one, and turn on two-step verification.
- 5
If you sent money back, tell your bank right away
Ask whether the transfer can be stopped. Don't deal with anyone who offers to get it back for a fee.
- 6
If you gave personal information, check for identity theft
The FTC points to IdentityTheft.gov for the steps.
Report it
Check if your details are exposed with Serus
Scammers find your number and address on data brokers and people-search sites. Serus removes them.
Why you got it
These calls go out in bulk, but the convincing ones use your real name or the area you live in. Scammers get those details from people-search sites and from data breaches. Serus finds where your phone number and address are listed and removes them, and alerts you when your details turn up in a breach, so fewer scammers have what they need to reach you.
More Amazon scams
Frequently asked
Does Amazon call about orders I didn't make?
The FTC's advice is to contact the company through a phone number or website you already know is real, not one from the call. If you're worried about an order, check your account yourself.
What if the caller knew my name?
A name proves nothing. Scammers can look up basic details, and caller ID can be faked. Hang up and check your account directly.
I pressed 1. Am I in trouble?
Pressing a button doesn't give anyone your money, but it can mark your number as active. Don't talk to whoever answers, block the number and watch for more calls.
Where do I report it?
At ReportFraud.ftc.gov. If you gave out personal information, the FTC also points to IdentityTheft.gov.
Sources
Something wrong or out of date? Tell us and we'll re-check it.
