Sneaky Amazon scams targeting seniors and how to outsmart them.
Online shopping has revolutionized convenience, but it has also made seniors prime targets for scammers. Fraudsters are constantly devising new ways to trick unsuspecting shoppers into giving up their money or personal information. From fake emails to counterfeit products, these scams can be hard to spot. If you or a loved one frequently shop on Amazon, it’s crucial to stay informed.
Here are the most common scams aimed at seniors and how to protect yourself.
1. Fake order confirmation emails.
Scammers send emails that appear to be from Amazon, claiming you made a purchase you don’t recognize. The email usually includes a link urging you to verify your order, update payment details, or cancel the transaction.
Never click on links in suspicious emails. Instead, log in to your Amazon account directly and check your order history. Amazon will never ask you to confirm orders via email links. If you receive a questionable message, report it to Amazon’s fraud department.
2. Phony Amazon customer service calls.
Fraudsters impersonate Amazon representatives and call seniors, claiming there’s a problem with their account—such as a suspicious order, a billing issue, or a security breach. They use scare tactics to get you to share personal or financial details.
Amazon does not make unsolicited calls about account issues. If you receive one, hang up immediately. Contact Amazon directly through their official website or app to verify any concerns.
3. Gift card payment scams.
Scammers pretend to be Amazon employees or tech support agents and claim you need to pay for a service, refund, or security fix using Amazon gift cards. They direct victims to buy gift cards and read them the codes over the phone.
Amazon will never ask for payment via gift cards. If anyone demands gift card payment, it’s a scam. Report the incident to Amazon and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) immediately.
4. Fake product reviews.
Some sellers manipulate product ratings by flooding Amazon with fake positive reviews. They either pay for reviews or use bots to artificially boost their ratings, making their products seem more trustworthy than they are.
Before purchasing, analyze reviews using tools like Fakespot or ReviewMeta. Look for verified purchases and a mix of positive and negative feedback. If all reviews sound suspiciously similar or overly positive, it could be a red flag.
5. Counterfeit or low-quality products.
Scammers list counterfeit or substandard products under legitimate brand names. Buyers expecting high-quality goods often receive defective knockoffs instead. Seniors looking for trusted brands can easily fall for these deceptive listings.
Always check the seller’s rating, customer reviews, and whether the product is marked as “Sold and Shipped by Amazon.” If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
6. Account verification scams.
Seniors often receive emails or text messages claiming their Amazon account is locked or compromised. These messages include links directing them to a fake Amazon login page designed to steal passwords and personal information.
Amazon will never send unsolicited messages asking you to verify your account. Always log in through Amazon’s official website to check for security alerts. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for added protection.
7. Fake refund or overpayment scams.
Scammers claim they accidentally overpaid you for an item or that you’re due a refund. They request your bank details or instruct you to send money back, tricking you into handing over your personal information.
Amazon processes all refunds through your account. Never provide banking details to anyone claiming to offer a refund. Check your official Amazon payment history before responding to any refund-related messages.
8. Third-party seller fraud.
Some fraudulent third-party sellers list heavily discounted products but never ship them or send low-quality substitutes. They often delete their accounts after collecting payments, making it difficult to get a refund.
Stick to reputable sellers with a strong transaction history. Read reviews, check ratings, and be cautious of sellers with few or no reviews. Amazon’s “Fulfilled by Amazon” option adds an extra layer of security.
9. Fake tech support scams.
Scammers posing as Amazon tech support claim your account has been hacked or your device has a virus. They request remote access to your computer or ask for sensitive information to “fix” the issue.
Amazon does not offer tech support for personal devices. Never grant remote access to anyone claiming to be from Amazon. If you suspect fraud, contact Amazon’s official customer service directly.
10. Brushing scams.
A scammer sends you an Amazon package you never ordered. This is a trick used by shady sellers to generate fake verified reviews under your name, making their products appear more popular.
If you receive an unsolicited package, it means your address has been compromised. Report the issue to Amazon and monitor your account for suspicious activity. Do not feel obligated to return or pay for the package.
11. Subscription scams.
Some fraudulent sellers trick seniors into signing up for expensive monthly subscriptions when making a one-time purchase. They hide recurring charges in the fine print, making it difficult to cancel.
Before checking out, carefully review the product details. If you accidentally sign up for a subscription, cancel it immediately through your Amazon account settings. Contact Amazon customer service if you’re charged unexpectedly.