The holiday shopping frenzy makes online shoppers vulnerable to various scams, especially on platforms like Amazon. Bad actors are increasingly employing impersonation tactics to steal sensitive data such as Social Security numbers, banking information, and Amazon login credentials.

A woman shopping on the Amazon app (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)

Common Amazon Impersonation Scams

Scammers capitalize on the increased online shopping activity during the holidays. Two prevalent scams involve fake order confirmations requesting payment and fraudulent purchase alerts for high-demand tech items. These scams saw a significant increase in reports during the 2023 holiday season.

A woman shopping on Amazon on her laptop (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)

Amazon's Security Measures

Amazon is actively combating these threats through various initiatives. They work to remove phishing websites and phone numbers, employ email verification technology to identify phishing emails, and offer the A-to-z Guarantee to protect buyers from fraudulent sellers and delivery issues.

Image of Amazon website (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)

Staying Safe While Shopping on Amazon

1. Identify Red Flags: Be wary of unsolicited requests for personal or financial information. Amazon never asks for passwords or payments outside of its official platform.
2. Verify Emails: Confirm order details through your Amazon account, not email links. Check sender addresses carefully for the official "@amazon.com" domain.
3. Avoid Phishing Links: Refrain from clicking on suspicious links. Utilize antivirus software to detect and block malicious websites.
4. Scrutinize Deals: Be skeptical of unbelievably good offers. Verify deals on the official Amazon website or app.
5. Consider Data Removal Services: Minimize your online presence by using data removal services to reduce the risk of your information falling into the wrong hands.
6. Report Suspicious Activity: Report any suspected scams to Amazon immediately through their official channels.

An Amazon email (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)

Key Takeaway

Vigilance and common sense are crucial during the holiday shopping season. Exercise caution with unsolicited communications, track orders through official channels, and report any suspicious activity to protect yourself from online scams.