Avoiding Scams on Amazon
Most Amazon purchases are safe. The scams that do happen follow a small number of patterns. Recognizing them takes minutes.
Common scam patterns
"Too good to be true" pricing, brand-new sellers with branded products, requests to move payment off-platform, urgency-driven messages.
Phishing
Emails or texts that look like Amazon but ask for password, OTP, or payment. Always log in via the official app or website rather than email links.
Off-platform payment requests
Never pay outside Amazon's checkout. Doing so voids buyer protection.
Report and recover
Use the help center to report scams and request refunds. Amazon's protection covers most legitimate disputes.
Frequently asked questions
I paid off-platform — what now?
Contact your bank to dispute. Amazon cannot help.
How do I know if a message is real?
Open the Amazon app and check the messages section. Real Amazon messages appear there.
Related guides
How to Spot Fake Products on Amazon
Identify counterfeit goods on Amazon — telltale signs in pricing, photos, seller info, and reviews.
Safe Payment Methods on Amazon
Which payment methods on Amazon give you the strongest dispute and fraud protection.
Amazon Account Security
Harden your Amazon account against takeover — strong password, 2FA, session review, and alerts.
Two-Factor Authentication on Amazon
Set up 2FA on Amazon the right way — authenticator app vs SMS, recovery codes, and backups.