Fraud with Amazon: fake order emails and Prime cancellation calls
Quick answer
Scammers pretend to be Amazon with fake order emails and automated calls about a Prime charge. Action Fraud says Amazon never asks for personal information by email. Don't click, don't install anything, and check your order in the Amazon app.
- Comes by
- Email, Phone call
- Pretends to be
- Amazon
- Last updated
How it works
Action Fraud, the UK's national fraud reporting service, has described three versions of this scam. Scammers impersonate Amazon, which is a victim here.
- Fake order email: It claims an expensive order was placed, and says that if you didn't authorise it you can click a help centre link for a refund. The link goes to a fake site that asks for your name, address and bank card details.
- Account problem email: A phishing email with a link to a genuine-looking site made to steal your Amazon login.
- Prime cancellation call: An automated call says to "press 1" to cancel a purchase. You're transferred to a fake customer service agent who tries to get remote access to your computer.
Red flags
- An email about an order you didn't place
- A link to a "help centre" to claim a refund
- An automated call about Prime asking you to press 1
- A request to install software or give remote access to your computer
- A request for card details or your Amazon login by email
- A sender address that isn't Amazon's
Example message
Your Amazon order for [item] has been placed. If you did not authorise this transaction, click here to receive a full refund: [link]
What to do
- 1
Don't click, call back or press 1
Hang up on automated calls, and delete the email.
- 2
Check your orders in the Amazon app
Go to the app or website yourself and look at your orders and account messages.
- 3
Never install software after a cold call
Action Fraud advises this. If you gave remote access, disconnect from the internet and get your device checked.
- 4
If you gave card details, call your bank
Use the number on your card and ask to block it.
- 5
Report it
Report to Action Fraud (0300 123 2040), or Police Scotland on 101 in Scotland.
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
Scammers need a way to reach you, and names, phone numbers, email addresses and home addresses are easy to find on people-search sites and data broker listings or in old data breaches. The fewer places your details are listed, the fewer scammers can reach you with a message that looks personal. Serus finds the sites that list you and removes your data, and alerts you when your details show up in a breach.
More Amazon scams
Frequently asked
Does Amazon ask for personal details by email?
Action Fraud says Amazon will never ask for personal information by email.
I pressed 1 on an Amazon Prime call. What now?
Hang up. If you spoke to someone and gave them remote access to your computer, disconnect it from the internet and call your bank.
How do I report a fake Amazon email or call?
Report fraud to Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk, or by phone on 0300 123 2040.
Is Amazon behind this?
No. Scammers pretend to be Amazon. Amazon is the company being impersonated.
Sources
Something wrong or out of date? Tell us and we'll re-check it.
