Amazon issues attack warning in a new nationwide alert urging its more than 300 million active users to stay vigilant as cyber-criminal activity spikes during the holiday shopping period. The alert, released in the final week leading into Black Friday 2025, highlights a measurable surge in impersonation attempts, credential-theft schemes, and fake customer-service contact targeting Amazon users across the United States.
Why Amazon Issued the Alert
Amazon’s notice states that criminal groups are rapidly increasing their attempts to breach customer accounts as online traffic approaches its annual peak. The company has confirmed that attacks are rising fastest in the categories of phishing emails, fake delivery notices, fraudulent refund messages, and spoofed customer-service calls.
The warning comes at a time when U.S. online shopping volume significantly expands and consumers are more likely to click, log in, and shop across multiple devices. With over 300 million active accounts and a major portion of U.S. households using the platform, Amazon remains one of the most frequently impersonated brands by attackers.
Common Tactics Highlighted in the Warning
Amazon emphasized several active attack methods that customers should be cautious about. These tactics have shown noticeable growth heading into Black Friday:
- Fake “Account Problem” Emails: Messages claim that an account is locked, suspended, or requires immediate verification.
- Bogus Shipping or Delivery Alerts: Fraudsters send texts saying a package cannot be delivered until details are confirmed.
- Refund Scams: Attackers pretend to issue a refund, then attempt to gain access to the victim’s device or payment information.
- Spoofed Customer-Service Phone Calls: Scammers pose as Amazon agents and ask for verification codes, remote-access permissions, or gift card purchases.
- Third-Party Seller Scams: Fake offers appear online with steep discounts that redirect buyers to non-Amazon sites designed to harvest credentials.
These tactics share the same goal: tricking customers into giving away passwords, financial details, or multifactor authentication codes.
What Makes This Warning Especially Important Now
Amazon rarely issues a broad attack warning unless there is a confirmed, widespread surge in attempted compromises. This year’s notice reflects:
- Higher-than-normal phishing volume connected to Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
- Large-scale impersonation attempts targeting Amazon branding, logos, and communication styles.
- Increased fraudulent transaction attempts linked to peak retail events.
- More advanced scam techniques that use AI-generated emails, cloned websites, and spoofed phone numbers.
Because U.S. consumers rely heavily on Amazon for holiday shopping, attackers use timing and urgency to push shoppers into clicking without verifying authenticity.
How Amazon Advises Users to Protect Their Accounts
Amazon’s alert includes specific steps every U.S. shopper should take immediately. These recommendations are essential for maintaining account security:
1. Use Only Official Channels
Do not click links in emails or texts that claim to be from Amazon. Access your account directly through the mobile app or by typing “amazon.com” into your browser. This avoids fake login pages designed to steal credentials.
2. Enable Two-Step Verification or Passkeys
Two-step verification helps prevent unauthorized access even if a password is compromised. Passkeys provide an additional layer of streamlined, secure authentication.
3. Ignore Unsolicited Calls or Messages
Amazon does not contact customers unexpectedly asking for payment, verification codes, or device access. Any such communication should be treated as fraudulent.
4. Review Login Activity and Saved Information
Shoppers are encouraged to check their account for unfamiliar login attempts, unknown devices, or changes to saved payment methods.
5. Inspect All Links and Sender Details
If you receive an email referencing an order, refund, or urgent problem, inspect the sender address carefully. Fake emails often include slight misspellings or strange domains.
6. Maintain Strong, Unique Passwords
Avoid reusing passwords across multiple sites. A unique login helps prevent attackers from accessing your Amazon account through breaches elsewhere.
Impact on U.S. Consumers
The attack warning has direct implications for shoppers nationwide:
- Holiday shopping increases risk. High-volume purchasing makes shoppers more vulnerable to rushed decisions.
- Financial exposure may rise. Saved payment information, subscription services, and stored gift card balances can all be targeted.
- Reloaded scams are more sophisticated. Attackers use better graphics, polished scripts, and AI-generated content, making scams look more legitimate than in past years.
- Consumers must self-verify communications. Even realistic-looking messages may be fraudulent.
- Account protection is critical. A single compromised login can lead to changes in delivery addresses, unauthorized purchases, and access to personal data.
For millions of U.S. households that depend on Amazon for holiday deliveries, taking extra steps now can prevent significant losses.
Actions You Should Take Today
If you shop on Amazon, the company recommends taking these immediate steps to strengthen your security:
- Log into your account through the official app or website and verify your recent activity.
- Turn on two-factor authentication or passkeys.
- Delete stored cards or addresses you no longer use.
- Treat urgent messages with skepticism—real account problems appear within your Amazon dashboard.
- Never share verification codes with anyone.
- Avoid accessing your account using public Wi-Fi.
These steps dramatically reduce your risk during high-traffic shopping weeks.
Why This Warning Matters
Amazon’s alert acknowledges a real and rising threat that U.S. consumers face every holiday season. With attackers growing more aggressive and sophisticated, the company’s guidance encourages shoppers to slow down, verify each message, and secure their accounts. Awareness and proactive steps can stop most attacks before they happen.
Have you spotted any suspicious Amazon messages recently? Share your experience below so others can stay alert and informed.