Amazon issues scam warning to 300,000,000 customers as Black Friday arrives

Amazon warning to customers

Black Friday and the festive shopping season are peak periods not only for retailers but also for online scammers who exploit the surge in digital purchases to target unsuspecting consumers. Amazon has issued a warning to its vast customer base, highlighting an increase in fraudulent activities that attempt to abuse its brand and trusted services.

Scale of the alert

Amazon is alerting more than 300 million active users worldwide about a wave of impersonation and phishing scams tied to Black Friday and other holiday deals. The company stresses that attackers are trying to obtain sensitive data, including financial information and Amazon account credentials, by posing as official Amazon communications or services.

Common scam tactics

Fake notifications and messages

Scammers frequently send counterfeit delivery updates or account problem notices that appear to come from Amazon, urging customers to click links or provide details to “fix” an issue. Fraudulent third‑party ads, including on social media, may also promise unbelievable discounts to lure users into entering payment or login information on deceptive sites.

Unofficial channels and harmful links

Criminals may contact users through unofficial emails, text messages, phone calls, or social platforms, requesting account information, payment details, or remote access to devices. These messages often include dangerous links that lead to fake login pages or malware‑infected websites crafted to mimic legitimate Amazon pages.

How Amazon advises users to stay safe

Use only official Amazon tools

Amazon recommends customers manage their accounts, track deliveries, request refunds, and contact customer support only through the official Amazon website or the mobile app. Users are encouraged to enable two‑factor authentication or passkeys to add an extra layer of security to their accounts.

Recognizing red flags

The company points to warning signs such as intense pressure to act immediately, requests for confidential information, or demands for payment through gift cards or channels outside Amazon’s normal checkout system. Any unexpected order confirmation, refund notice, or tech support offer that arrives from an unfamiliar address or phone number should be treated with suspicion.

Reporting suspicious activity

Amazon encourages customers to forward suspicious emails or messages as attachments to its dedicated scam reporting address, where security teams can analyze and block malicious campaigns. Users can also report suspicious phone calls, texts, or attempts to access their accounts to relevant consumer protection agencies or fraud reporting portals in their region.

Amazon warns that cybercriminals are trying to gain access to sensitive personal, financial, and account information by pretending to be the company during the busy Black Friday and holiday shopping season.

Author summary

Amazon is cautioning hundreds of millions of users that Black Friday‑era impersonation scams are surging, urging shoppers to rely on official channels, recognize pressure tactics, and promptly report any suspicious contact.

Metro.co.uk — 2025-11-28