Amazon has issued a stark warning to its vast customer base about a major impersonation fraud campaign targeting shoppers during the Cyber Monday sales and the wider festive season.
How the Sophisticated Scam Operates
The e-commerce giant sent a mass email alert to its more than 300 million active customers, cautioning that cybercriminals are actively trying to access sensitive personal and financial information. The scheme uses a multi-pronged approach, including fake delivery notifications, fraudulent websites, and malicious links designed to harvest Amazon login credentials and bank details.
According to the notice, scammers are increasingly posing as Amazon employees. Shoppers are facing a surge of bogus account alerts, deceptive social media ads promoting unbelievable deals, and unsolicited messages demanding payment or login information.
Expert Insight on Seasonal Threats
Andrew Witts, a tech expert at Blackpool-based SEO agency Studio 36 Digital, explained the seasonal spike. "Scammers know this is the busiest time of year for retailers, so they double down," he said. His warning coincides with research from FortiGuard Labs, which found more than 700 malicious holiday-themed domains registered in the last three months, using keywords like 'Christmas' and 'Black Friday'.
Amazon urged vigilance against slick social media ads from unknown sellers, which often mimic real deals but link to fake storefronts. Witts advised that genuine Amazon discounts only appear on its official site or app, and any message requesting passwords or payment details outside these channels should be immediately distrusted.
Beyond Phishing: Fake Listings and AI Reviews
The threat isn't limited to emails and texts. Witts warned that unsolicited phone calls, where victims believe they're speaking to Amazon support, are on the rise. Furthermore, dangers exist even on Amazon's own platform, with fake listings and manipulated ratings becoming harder to detect.
"Thanks to advanced AI tools, scammers can now generate large volumes of convincing fake reviews in minutes," Witts noted. He advised shoppers to be skeptical of items that quickly amass hundreds of vague five-star reviews, calling them "meaningless fillers posted by bots."
While some scams aim to sell substandard goods, the most dangerous attempts seek full account access or bank details. Witts described these as "increasingly sophisticated," often involving coordinated layers of communication to legitimise the fraud. He revealed that one in four shoppers has encountered an online ad impersonating a major brand.
Despite the growing threat, Witts praised Amazon's decision to warn every customer directly. "Scammers are getting smarter and much more believable," he concluded. "A bit of extra caution can mean the difference between a gift arriving on time and having your Christmas savings wiped out."
