As millions of consumers dive into the holiday shopping season, Amazon has issued a stark warning: scammers are increasingly targeting shoppers with deceptive emails, fake calls, and fraudulent websites designed to steal personal and financial information. The online retail giant, which serves as one of the busiest e-commerce platforms in the world, said its customers need to exercise heightened caution as cybercriminals exploit the seasonal surge in online shopping.
The company’s advisory, sent via email to millions of users on November 24, emphasizes vigilance against multiple forms of fraud. These include suspicious order confirmations, unfamiliar website links, and unsolicited tech support calls. Amazon explained that scammers often pose as representatives of the company to trick users into divulging sensitive data such as account passwords, payment information, or personal identification numbers.
“Scammers that attempt to impersonate Amazon put consumers at risk,” the company said in a statement shared with NTD. “We will continue to invest in protecting consumers and educating the public on scam avoidance. We encourage consumers to report suspected scams to us so that we can protect their accounts and refer bad actors to law enforcement to help keep consumers safe.”
Amazon stressed that holiday shoppers must remain alert to tactics that create a false sense of urgency. Fake emails often warn users of nonexistent problems with their orders or shipping delays, pushing recipients to act quickly without thinking. In some cases, these messages include malicious links or phone numbers that direct unsuspecting users to criminals posing as legitimate Amazon staff.
Cybersecurity experts have noted that Amazon is the single most impersonated brand in the world. According to Darktrace, a global cybersecurity firm, Amazon accounted for 80 percent of phishing attacks involving major brands in November, far surpassing other tech giants such as Apple, Netflix, or PayPal. The company reported that attacks targeting online shoppers had already surged 620 percent since the beginning of November, with projections indicating another 20 to 30 percent increase during the critical Black Friday shopping week.
“The holiday inbox is a major hunting ground for scammers,” said Nathaniel Jones, vice president of security and AI strategy at Darktrace. “Attackers know people are expecting shipping updates, discount codes, and last-minute deals from the retailers they love, so a fake email doesn’t have to work very hard to look believable. These attacks don’t just put consumers at risk of having their money and data stolen. Brands are also losing sales and loyalty as customers fall victim to these scams and become wary of genuine holiday offers.”
The timing of these attacks is no coincidence. Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and the weeks leading up to Christmas see millions of online transactions, creating both opportunity and chaos. Fraudsters exploit the frenzy, targeting individuals who may be less cautious amid the rush for discounted deals or last-minute gifts. This environment allows scammers to deploy highly realistic messages that mimic familiar communication from Amazon, increasing the likelihood of tricking recipients.
Experts warn that phishing emails—those crafted to look like official communications—are often difficult to distinguish from legitimate messages. Cybercriminals go to great lengths to replicate company logos, formatting, and even email addresses. One common tactic involves sending a notification of a supposedly unauthorized purchase, prompting the recipient to click a link to verify the transaction. In reality, these links direct users to fraudulent websites designed to capture login credentials.
In addition to emails, Amazon customers are being targeted through phone scams. Criminals pose as customer service representatives, claiming there is a problem with an order or account. The goal is to coax account holders into revealing personal information over the phone. Some even instruct users to install software that provides remote access to their devices, effectively handing over control to the fraudster.
Another particularly insidious tactic involves impersonation and account takeover. According to the FBI, cybercriminals are increasingly gaining access to bank, payroll, or online payment accounts using social engineering techniques. These include text messages, phone calls, emails, and fraudulent websites designed to trick users into providing passwords or verification codes. Once inside an account, the perpetrators can rapidly transfer funds to other accounts under their control, including cryptocurrency wallets, making it extremely difficult to trace or recover stolen money.
“In [account takeover] fraud, cyber criminals gain unauthorized access to the targeted online financial institution, payroll, or health savings account, with the goal of stealing money or information for personal gain,” the FBI noted in a November 25 advisory. They also warned that the stolen funds are often difficult to recover, as perpetrators can change account passwords and lock the rightful owner out of their own accounts.
The FBI has been tracking a significant surge in online fraud. Since January 2025, the agency received more than 5,100 complaints from victims reporting losses totaling $262 million. Many of these complaints involve holiday shopping scams, reinforcing the need for heightened vigilance during the busiest retail period of the year.
Amazon has implemented multiple security measures to help protect its users. These include two-factor authentication, automated fraud detection, and continuous monitoring for suspicious activity. In addition, the company has partnered with law enforcement agencies and cybersecurity firms to identify, track, and prosecute scammers who attempt to exploit its customers.
Despite these efforts, experts emphasize that consumers remain the first line of defense. Shoppers are urged to be skeptical of any unexpected communication, even if it appears to come from Amazon. Users should carefully examine email addresses, hover over links to verify URLs, and avoid clicking any suspicious attachments. Phone calls claiming to be from Amazon customer service should also be treated with caution, particularly if the caller asks for passwords, one-time verification codes, or payment information.
For those who suspect they may have been targeted, Amazon encourages immediate reporting. Users can forward suspicious emails to stop-spoofing@amazon.com, a dedicated address for identifying phishing attempts. Reporting early allows Amazon to take action, warn other customers, and, in some cases, coordinate with law enforcement to stop fraudsters in their tracks.
Cybersecurity professionals also advise shoppers to monitor their accounts closely, particularly after receiving any unusual communication. Unexplained changes in account details, unexpected purchases, or unfamiliar login activity should prompt immediate attention. Changing passwords, enabling multifactor authentication, and alerting financial institutions are critical steps in preventing further loss.
Beyond technical safeguards, awareness and education remain key. Amazon’s holiday scam warnings are part of a broader initiative to educate customers on common phishing tactics and provide guidance on how to avoid becoming a victim. By raising public awareness, the company hopes to reduce the financial and emotional toll these scams take on unsuspecting users.
The scale and sophistication of online shopping scams continue to evolve. Cybercriminals often tailor their attacks to capitalize on major events, like holiday sales or high-profile product launches, ensuring that victims are distracted, hurried, and less likely to scrutinize suspicious messages. As such, vigilance must be heightened during the weeks surrounding Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and the holiday season as a whole.
Ultimately, the message from Amazon and security experts is clear: consumers must treat every unexpected communication with caution. The convenience of online shopping comes with inherent risk, and scammers are prepared to exploit even a momentary lapse in judgment. Shoppers are advised to rely on verified communication channels, maintain strong account security practices, and report any incidents promptly.
As holiday shopping ramps up, millions of people will log in to purchase gifts, hunt for deals, and manage deliveries. Amazon’s warnings underscore the importance of vigilance in the digital age. By combining technical safeguards, informed awareness, and quick reporting, users can help protect themselves from financial loss and avoid becoming the next victim of a cyber scam.
Even in the midst of the excitement and joy of the season, security experts urge shoppers to remain mindful. Every alert ignored, every suspicious email clicked, or every verification code shared with an unverified source increases the risk of fraud. The holiday season, while festive, also provides an ideal opportunity for scammers to exploit unsuspecting consumers.
With the stakes high and cybercriminal activity on the rise, Amazon’s advice serves as a crucial reminder that safety and awareness are as important as the discounts shoppers are seeking. Those who take precautions now can avoid the frustration, financial loss, and stress that too often accompany holiday shopping scams.
Emily Johnson is a critically acclaimed essayist and novelist known for her thought-provoking works centered on feminism, women’s rights, and modern relationships. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Emily grew up with a deep love of books, often spending her afternoons at her local library. She went on to study literature and gender studies at UCLA, where she became deeply involved in activism and began publishing essays in campus journals. Her debut essay collection, Voices Unbound, struck a chord with readers nationwide for its fearless exploration of gender dynamics, identity, and the challenges faced by women in contemporary society. Emily later transitioned into fiction, writing novels that balance compelling storytelling with social commentary. Her protagonists are often strong, multidimensional women navigating love, ambition, and the struggles of everyday life, making her a favorite among readers who crave authentic, relatable narratives. Critics praise her ability to merge personal intimacy with universal themes. Off the page, Emily is an advocate for women in publishing, leading workshops that encourage young female writers to embrace their voices. She lives in Seattle with her partner and two rescue cats, where she continues to write, teach, and inspire a new generation of storytellers.
