At Amazon, we constantly leverage the feedback we receive through customer reports and our own proactive efforts to innovate and take down scammers as fast as possible. In 2023, we initiated takedown of more than 40,000 phishing websites and 10,000 phone numbers impersonating Amazon. However, the fight against scammers is never over. Below you’ll find information on the latest trends and information on how to identify and avoid these scams.
Fake order issue scams
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These are unexpected calls, texts, and emails that often refer to an unauthorized order and ask you to act urgently to confirm or cancel the purchase by providing personal or payment information.
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For any question related to an order, always check your order history on Amazon.ca or via the “Amazon Shopping” app.
Only legitimate purchases will appear in your order history.
Customer Service is available 24/7 to help with any questions you may have.
Fake account issue scams
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Scammers pose as Amazon and send calls, texts, and emails indicating there is unauthorized activity on your account and that your
account will be suspended or locked
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. They try to lure you to provide
personal or payment information
sign-in credentials
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Do not click on any links or provide your information without
authenticating the email or verifying the link
Message Centre
which displays a log of authentic communications sent from Amazon.
Here are some important tips to identify scams and keep your account and information safe:
1. Trust Amazon-owned channels.
Amazon will never ask you to download any software in order to receive assistance. Always go through the Amazon mobile app or website when seeking customer service, tech support, or when looking to make changes to your account.
2. Be wary of false urgency or secrecy.
Scammers might try to create a sense of urgency to persuade you to do what they’re asking. Be wary any time someone tries to convince you that you must act now or cannot discuss with trusted individuals.
3. Never pay over the phone.
Amazon will never ask you to provide payment information, including gift cards for products or services over the phone. Check your financial institution records for unknown or suspicious account activity and seek the advice of your financial institution directly.
4. Verify links first.
Review the link for misspellings or repeated characters. Legitimate Amazon websites contain “amazon.ca” or “amazon.ca/support.” Go directly to our website when seeking help with Amazon devices/services, orders or to make changes to your account.
5. Verify email senders.
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Legitimate Amazon emails contain “@amazon.ca”. In your web browser, hover over the display name under “From” to see full sender address. Look for misspellings or added or substituted characters. Visit the
Message Centre
to view authentic messages from Amazon.
For more information on how to stay safe online, visit Security & Privacy on the Amazon Customer Service page.
If you receive communication — a call, text, or email — that you think may not be from Amazon, please report it to us at amazon.ca/reportascam.
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