Amazon issues attack warning in a major security alert directed at millions of U.S. customers as the holiday shopping rush intensifies. The company confirms a sharp rise in attempts by criminals to impersonate Amazon, steal login information, and pressure shoppers into revealing sensitive data. With more than 300 million active accounts globally and tens of millions in the United States, the warning has become one of the most significant pre–Black Friday alerts Amazon has released in recent years.
The company reports that cyber-criminals are escalating their operations ahead of the biggest retail events of the year, targeting customers through email, phone, text, and fake order notifications. The rise in false account-issue messages, fraudulent delivery alerts, and suspicious verification requests has reached a level that prompted Amazon to notify the public directly. The alert underscores a simple reality: attackers understand how heavily Americans rely on Amazon for holiday deliveries, and they are attempting to take advantage of that dependence.
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Why Amazon Sent the Warning Now
The alert arrives at a critical moment. U.S. online shopping activity increases dramatically during November and December. Attackers know shoppers are multitasking, moving fast, and less likely to question a message that claims something is wrong with an order. Amazon reports that these spikes in consumer behavior closely align with spikes in malicious activity.
Criminal groups focus on timing. When shoppers expect order updates, delivery estimates, and payment confirmations, attackers send messages that mimic these communications. The warning explains that scammers create emails and texts designed to mirror Amazon’s visual style, tone, and layout. They use official-looking logos, similar wording, and fake order numbers to convince shoppers that the messages are real.
Amazon has also observed an increase in spoofed phone calls. Attackers use software that makes it look like the call is coming from an authentic Amazon support line. Once the call is answered, the scammer claims that account information has been compromised or an expensive purchase needs verification. The goal is always the same: gain access to the customer’s account or payment details.
Most Common Attacks Described in the Alert
Amazon’s warning outlines a set of attack methods that U.S. shoppers are seeing most frequently. These are not new scams, but the volume and sophistication have grown significantly in the past few weeks.
1. Fake Account-Status Messages
Criminals send emails that tell customers their accounts are locked, suspended, or at risk. The message invites the customer to click a link to “fix” the issue. The link leads to a page that looks like Amazon but is designed to capture usernames and passwords.
2. Bogus Delivery Notifications
Texts and emails claim that an order cannot be delivered until the customer provides additional details. The messages often imitate tracking alerts, using made-up order numbers and fake timelines. The goal is to lure customers into clicking a malicious link.
3. Fraudulent Refund or Payment Requests
Attackers send messages saying that a refund has been issued or a payment problem has occurred. Victims are redirected to a form asking for credit-card information or personal identification details.
4. Spoofed Support Calls
Scammers call from numbers that appear legitimate. They insist they are from Amazon and pretend they need to confirm a purchase, handle an unauthorized order, or troubleshoot a security concern. During the call, they ask for login codes, one-time passwords, or permission to access the victim’s device.
5. Fake Third-Party Deals
Shoppers encounter online ads or search results claiming huge discounts on electronics, home goods, and holiday items. These ads link to sites pretending to be Amazon storefronts. Customers who attempt to purchase through these channels unknowingly provide their information to criminals.
Why U.S. Shoppers Are at Higher Risk Right Now
Amazon’s alert emphasizes several reasons attackers see U.S. customers as prime targets during the holiday period:
- High shopping volume: Americans make more online purchases in November and December than at any other time of the year.
- Frequent notifications: Shoppers expect constant updates, making them more willing to click without double-checking.
- Stored payment data: Many U.S. accounts contain saved cards, addresses, and subscriptions that attackers want to access.
- Multi-device shopping: People use phones, tablets, and computers interchangeably. This increases the chance of opening unsafe links on less secure devices.
- Increased urgency: Holiday pressure encourages quick decision-making, which scammers exploit.
The warning urges customers to slow down, review every message carefully, and avoid reacting solely out of concern or convenience.
How Amazon Advises Customers to Protect Their Accounts
The company laid out a series of steps that all customers should take immediately. These are not advanced cybersecurity measures. Instead, they are simple controls that significantly reduce the risk of a successful attack.
Use Only the Official Amazon App or Website
Amazon stresses that customers should never click links in unsolicited email or text messages. Instead, they should open the app or type “amazon.com” manually in the browser. Any legitimate account issue will appear within the official interface.
Enable Two-Step Verification or Passkeys
Turning on extra authentication ensures that even if a password is stolen, attackers cannot sign into the account. Passkeys, which connect login access to a trusted device, offer stronger protection and are simple to set up.
Do Not Share Verification Codes
Amazon does not ask for one-time passwords over the phone, text, or email. Verification codes should only be used by the account holder during sign-in.
Avoid Giving Remote Access
Criminals often try to convince victims to download remote-access apps so they can “fix” a technical issue. Amazon does not request remote access under any circumstances.
Review Account Settings
Customers should regularly check their login history, saved cards, subscriptions, and shipping addresses. Any unfamiliar activity should prompt an immediate password reset.
Use Strong, Unique Passwords
Using the same password on multiple sites increases risk. Attackers often test passwords stolen from other platforms to gain entry to Amazon accounts.
How These Attacks Impact U.S. Consumers
The consequences of a compromised Amazon account can be severe. Many U.S. customers have multiple credit cards stored in their profiles, along with Prime memberships, gift card balances, and digital content. If attackers gain access, they can:
- Place unauthorized orders
- Redirect shipments to different addresses
- Access linked payment information
- Tamper with subscriptions
- View personal details including name, home address, and phone number
Attackers often change the email and phone number linked to the account immediately after gaining control, making recovery more difficult.
For families dependent on holiday deliveries, a compromised account can cause missed gifts, package rerouting, and delays. In extreme cases, victims may need to replace credit cards, dispute unauthorized charges, and contact financial institutions.
What Shoppers Should Do Today
U.S. shoppers can take several fast actions to reduce risk:
- Log into Amazon through the official app and review recent activity
- Remove expired or unused payment methods
- Delete any saved addresses that are no longer needed
- Enable two-step verification or passkeys if not already active
- Update passwords on all accounts
- Ignore any message demanding urgent action
- Report suspicious emails by marking them as spam
- Block phone numbers used for fraudulent calls
These steps, while simple, are effective in stopping most attacks.
Why the Warning Matters for the U.S. Retail Landscape
Amazon’s alert reflects a broader challenge facing American consumers. During large shopping events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday, attackers know shoppers are overwhelmed with deals and notifications. They also know that many people rely on Amazon for essential purchases, gift-buying, and household supplies.
This year’s attack surge is not a random spike. It corresponds to the increasing sophistication of cyber-criminal networks. Scammers now use AI-generated designs, voice tools, and automated systems that let them target thousands of people at once. Messages look cleaner and more polished than in previous years, making them harder to detect.
Amazon’s warning is meant to shift attention back to consumer behavior. The company encourages shoppers to take ownership of their online safety, especially when account access, payment information, and personal details are at stake.
The Bigger Picture: Digital Habits That Keep You Safe All Year
While this alert focuses on the immediate holiday period, Amazon is also pushing customers to adopt long-term digital habits that strengthen security:
- Always verify before clicking
- Use secure networks when shopping
- Update devices regularly
- Minimize the number of saved cards online
- Keep track of active subscriptions
- Log out on shared computers
These habits help protect customers long after the holiday rush ends.
Final Thoughts
This alert from Amazon is more than a seasonal reminder. It reflects a serious, ongoing effort by criminal groups to exploit the trust U.S. shoppers place in online platforms. With more attacks circulating during the busiest shopping months of the year, staying cautious is essential. A few extra seconds spent verifying a message or checking the official app can prevent major losses.
If you’ve seen unusual Amazon messages or calls lately, share your experience in the comments so others can stay aware and protected.
