Amazon Scam Texts: How to Spot and Stop Them in 2026

You check your phone and see a text from "Amazon" saying there's a problem with your order—one you never placed. Your heart races. The message includes a suspicious link and urges immediate action. You've just encountered one of the most prevalent scams of 2026, and you're far from alone.

Amazon scam texts have exploded in recent years, with the Federal Trade Commission reporting that imposter scams—including fake Amazon messages—accounted for losses exceeding $2.6 billion in 2023, with numbers climbing steadily since. These fraudulent text messages exploit Amazon's trusted brand and our collective reliance on online shopping to steal personal information, financial data, and even identity credentials.

What is the Amazon Text Message Scam and How Does It Work

The amazon scam text operates through a deceptively simple social engineering technique called "smishing"—a portmanteau of SMS and phishing. Scammers send mass text messages impersonating Amazon, typically claiming there's an issue with your account, an unrecognized purchase, or a delivery problem requiring immediate attention.

Here's the typical attack chain:

Step 1: The Initial Contact

You receive a text message that appears to come from Amazon, often using spoofed sender IDs that display as "Amazon" or a legitimate-looking short code. The message creates urgency around a fabricated problem.

Step 2: The Hook

The message includes a malicious link, often disguised through URL shorteners or domains designed to look official (like "amazon-security-verify.com" or "amzn-account-review.net"). Some sophisticated variants even use legitimate-looking tracking numbers to add credibility.

Step 3: The Fake Website

Clicking the link takes you to a convincing replica of Amazon's login page or account management interface. These phishing sites are designed to capture whatever information you enter—usernames, passwords, credit card numbers, Social Security numbers, or answers to security questions.

Step 4: The Exploitation

Once scammers obtain your credentials, they work quickly. They may:

• Make unauthorized purchases on your actual Amazon account
• Access linked payment methods for broader fraud
• Sell your credentials on dark web marketplaces
• Use your personal information for identity theft
• Leverage your data to target you with additional scams

The Data Broker Connection

You might wonder: how did scammers get your phone number in the first place? This is where data brokers enter the picture. These companies collect, aggregate, and sell personal information—including phone numbers, purchase histories, and demographic data—to anyone willing to pay. When your information sits on hundreds of data broker databases, it's accessible not just to legitimate marketers, but also to scammers who purchase or scrape this data to build targeted victim lists.

Real Examples of Amazon Text Scams

Understanding what these scams actually look like helps you recognize them instantly. Here are authentic examples reported by consumers and security researchers in 2025-2026:

Example 1: The Unauthorized Purchase

"Amazon: Your order #305-8847293-2749506 for $899.99 has been confirmed. If you did not authorize this purchase, verify your account immediately: [malicious link]"

This variant exploits purchase anxiety. The high dollar amount creates panic, and the realistic order number format (which follows Amazon's actual pattern) adds legitimacy.

Example 2: The Account Suspension

"AMAZON ALERT: Suspicious activity detected. Your account has been temporarily locked. Confirm your identity within 24 hours to avoid permanent suspension: [malicious link]"

The time pressure here is the key manipulation tactic. Scammers know that fear of losing access to your account—with its stored payment methods, Prime membership, and order history—drives impulsive action.

Example 3: The Delivery Problem

"Amazon: Package delivery failed. Update your address details to reschedule: [malicious link] Ref: AMZ-7483920"

This fake amazon text often arrives when you're actually expecting a package, making it particularly effective. The reference number adds false authenticity.

Example 4: The Prize or Refund

"Congratulations! You've been selected for an Amazon customer reward. Claim your $100 gift card: [malicious link]"

While less common than scare tactics, reward-based scams exploit our desire for free money and the psychological principle of reciprocity.

Example 5: The Two-Factor Authentication Bypass

"Amazon: Your verification code is 847392. If you didn't request this, someone may be accessing your account."

This sophisticated variant doesn't include a link. Instead, it's part of a coordinated attack where scammers have already obtained your password (perhaps from a data breach) and are attempting to log in. They send you this fake "warning" hoping you'll provide the real 2FA code that Amazon sends you, which they're waiting to intercept.

Red Flags: How to Spot an Amazon Scam Text Instantly

Developing a trained eye for amazon text message scam indicators can save you from becoming a victim. Here are the telltale signs security experts look for:

Sender Information Anomalies

Suspicious phone numbers: Legitimate Amazon texts typically come from short codes like 262-966 or toll-free numbers. Be wary of:

• Regular 10-digit numbers, especially with area codes far from Amazon's operational centers
• International numbers
• Numbers that change with each message

Generic or missing branding: Real Amazon messages maintain consistent branding and sender identification.

Message Content Red Flags

Urgent or threatening language: Phrases like "immediate action required," "within 24 hours," or "permanent suspension" are classic pressure tactics. Amazon's actual security notifications are informative but not alarmist.

Grammatical errors and awkward phrasing: While some scams are sophisticated, many contain subtle language mistakes that betray non-native speakers or automated translation:

• "Your account has been compromising"
• "Please to verify your information"
• Inconsistent capitalization or spacing

Unexpected order confirmations: If you receive notification of a purchase you didn't make, the legitimate response is to check your account directly—not click a link in the message.

Requests for sensitive information: Amazon will never ask you to provide via text:

• Full credit card numbers
• Social Security numbers
• Passwords or security question answers
• Bank account information

Link and URL Warning Signs

Shortened URLs: Legitimate companies rarely use bit.ly, tinyurl, or other URL shorteners in official communications because they obscure the destination.

Suspicious domains: Examine links carefully before clicking. Scam domains often use variations like:

• amazon-security.com (missing the .amazon.com structure)
• amaz0n.com (zero instead of 'o')
• amazon.account-verify.net (wrong top-level domain)
• secure-amazon-login.com (legitimate-sounding but fake)

HTTP instead of HTTPS: Any login page without the padlock icon and HTTPS is definitely fraudulent.

Contextual Inconsistencies

You don't have an Amazon account: If you've never created an Amazon account, any message claiming to be from them is automatically fraudulent.

Timing doesn't match your activity: You receive an order confirmation but haven't shopped recently, or a delivery notification when you're not expecting anything.

Multiple similar messages: Receiving several variations of the same scam from different numbers indicates a mass campaign.

What to Do If You've Been Targeted by an Amazon Order Scam

If you've received a suspicious text or—worse—already interacted with a scam, take these immediate steps to minimize damage:

If You Only Received the Text (Didn't Click)

• Delete the message immediately to prevent accidental clicks later
• Block the sender through your phone's messaging app
• Report it (see next section for detailed reporting steps)
• Stay vigilant for follow-up attempts, as your number is now confirmed active

If You Clicked the Link But Didn't Enter Information

• Close the browser immediately and don't interact with the site
• Clear your browser cache and cookies to remove any tracking elements
• Run a malware scan on your device using reputable security software like Malwarebytes or your device's built-in security features
• Monitor your device for unusual behavior (battery drain, unexpected pop-ups, unfamiliar apps)

If You Entered Login Credentials

Time is critical. Take these steps immediately:

• Change your Amazon password directly through the official Amazon website or app:

- Go to amazon.com (type it manually, don't click links)

- Navigate to Account & Lists > Account > Login & security

- Select "Edit" next to Password

- Create a strong, unique password (16+ characters, mix of types)

• Enable two-factor authentication if you haven't already:

- In Login & security settings

- Select "Edit" next to Two-Step Verification

- Choose your preferred method (authenticator app is most secure)

• Review your account activity:

- Check Returns & Orders for unauthorized purchases

- Review Your Addresses for changes

- Check Payment options for added cards or accounts

- Look at Login History (under Login & security)

• Contact Amazon Security directly:

- Call 1-888-280-4331 (Amazon's customer service)

- Or use the "Contact Us" feature in your account

- Explain the situation and ask them to flag your account for monitoring

• Change passwords on other accounts if you reused that password anywhere (a common but dangerous practice)

If You Provided Financial Information

This constitutes a financial emergency. Act within minutes, not hours:

• Contact your bank or credit card issuer immediately:

- Call the number on the back of your card

- Report unauthorized access and request a card replacement

- Ask about fraud monitoring services

- Consider placing a temporary freeze on the account

• Place a fraud alert with credit bureaus:

- Contact one bureau (they're required to notify the others):

- Equifax: 1-888-766-0008 or equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services

- Experian: 1-888-397-3742 or experian.com/fraud

- TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289 or transunion.com/fraud

- This alert makes it harder for scammers to open accounts in your name

• Consider a credit freeze for stronger protection:

- Unlike fraud alerts, freezes completely block new credit applications

- Free to place and lift

- Must be done separately with all three bureaus

- Access freeze options through the same URLs above

• Monitor your credit reports closely:

- Get free reports at annualcreditreport.com

- Review for unfamiliar accounts or inquiries

- Set up monitoring through your bank or a service like Credit Karma

• File an identity theft report with the FTC:

- Visit IdentityTheft.gov

- Complete the online report

- Create a recovery plan

- This creates an official record useful for disputing fraudulent charges

If You Provided Your Social Security Number

This represents the highest risk level and requires comprehensive identity protection:

• Complete all steps from the financial information section above

• Request an extended fraud alert (lasts 7 years instead of 1 year):

- Requires filing an identity theft report with the FTC first

- Contact credit bureaus with your FTC report number

• Consider an IRS Identity Protection PIN:

- Visit irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/get-an-identity-protection-pin

- This prevents fraudulent tax returns filed in your name

- Particularly important during tax season

• Monitor your Social Security statement:

- Create an account at ssa.gov/myaccount

- Review for unauthorized earnings reports

- This can reveal if someone is using your SSN for employment

• Document everything:

- Keep records of all reports filed

- Save correspondence with banks and agencies

- Note dates, times, and names of people you speak with

- This documentation is crucial if fraud occurs later

How to Report Amazon Text Message Scams

Reporting scams serves two purposes: it helps authorities track criminal operations and prevents others from becoming victims. Here's exactly where and how to report:

Report to Amazon

Method 1: Forward the Text

• Send the entire message to 7726 (SPAM) on most U.S. carriers
• This reports it to your carrier's spam filter
• Then forward the same message to stop-spoofing@amazon.com
• Include the sender's phone number in your email

Method 2: Report Through Your Account

• Log into your Amazon account (directly, not through any link)
• Navigate to Customer Service > Something else > Report suspicious correspondence
• Provide details about the text message

Report to the Federal Trade Commission

The FTC maintains the most comprehensive fraud database in the United States:

• Visit ReportFraud.ftc.gov
• Select "Imposter Scams" as the category
• Choose "Online Shopping" as the subcategory
• Provide as much detail as possible:

- The phone number it came from

- The exact message text

- The URL if you clicked it

- Any financial losses

• Complete the report (takes 10-15 minutes)

Your report contributes to FTC enforcement actions and helps identify patterns in scam operations.

Report to Your Mobile Carrier

All major U.S. carriers have spam reporting mechanisms:

AT&T: Forward the message to 7726 (SPAM), then reply with the sender's number when prompted

Verizon: Forward to 7726, then respond with the sender's phone number

T-Mobile: Forward to 7726, which automatically reports both the content and sender

Google Fi: Forward to 7726 or report through the Messages app by long-pressing the message and selecting "Report spam"

Report to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)

For scams involving significant financial loss:

• Visit ic3.gov
• Click "File a Complaint"
• Complete the detailed form
• Include all documentation (screenshots, transaction records, correspondence)

The IC3 is run by the FBI and coordinates with law enforcement agencies worldwide.

Report to Your State Attorney General

Many states have dedicated consumer protection divisions:

• Find your state AG's office at naag.org/find-my-ag
• Look for "Consumer Protection" or "Consumer Complaints" sections
• File a report through their online system
• Some states are particularly aggressive in prosecuting scammers and may follow up

How to Protect Yourself from Future Amazon Scams

Prevention is far more effective than damage control. Here's a comprehensive protection strategy:

Secure Your Amazon Account

Enable Two-Factor Authentication: This is your single most effective defense. Even if scammers obtain your password, they can't access your account without the second factor.

Use a Password Manager: Tools like 1Password, Bitwarden, or Dashlane generate and store unique, complex passwords for each account. This means a breach at one service doesn't compromise others.

Review Login History Regularly: Amazon shows you where and when your account was accessed. Check this monthly:

• Account & Lists > Login & security > Secure your account
• Look for unfamiliar locations or devices

Set Up Purchase Notifications: Configure Amazon to alert you immediately for any order:

• Account & Lists > Communication preferences > Shipment updates via text
• This way you'll know instantly if someone makes an unauthorized purchase

Protect Your Phone Number

Register with the National Do Not Call Registry:

• Visit donotcall.gov or call 1-888-382-1222
• While this doesn't stop scammers (they ignore the law), it reduces legitimate marketing calls, making scam calls more obvious

Use Carrier-Level Spam Blocking:

• AT&T: Call Protect app (free basic version)
• Verizon: Call Filter app (free basic version)
• T-Mobile: Scam Shield (free)
• These use AI to identify and block known scam numbers

Consider a Secondary Number: Use services like Google Voice for online shopping accounts. This creates a buffer between your primary number and potential data breaches.

Develop Security Habits

Never Click Links in Unexpected Messages: This single rule prevents most smishing attacks. If you receive any message about your account:

• Open your browser
• Manually type the company's URL
• Log in directly
• Check for notifications or issues there

Verify Before You Trust: When in doubt, contact the company directly using a number you find independently (not one provided in the suspicious message).

Think Before You Click: Scammers exploit urgency. If a message creates panic, that's your signal to slow down and verify.

Keep Software Updated: Enable automatic updates on your phone and apps. Security patches often address vulnerabilities that scammers exploit.

Reduce Your Data Exposure

Here's the uncomfortable truth: the reason scammers can target you so effectively is because your personal information—phone number, address, purchase history, email—is readily available through data brokers. These companies collect information from public records, online activity, purchase histories, and other sources, then sell it to anyone.

Understanding the Data Broker Problem

Data brokers operate largely in the shadows, with most people unaware their information is being sold. Your data might be listed on hundreds of sites you've never heard of:

• **People search