Scam library · Phone calls · Shopping · Seniors
Amazon impostor call: 'suspicious charge on your account'
A robocall or text says: 'This is Amazon. We've detected a suspicious purchase of an iPhone for $999.99 on your account. Press 1 to speak with a representative.' You press 1, worried.
The representative is a scammer. They'll offer to cancel the order, then ask for remote access, your card number, or payment with gift cards to 'secure the account'.
What the message looks like
From: Robocall, 'Amazon Security'
"Hello, this is Amazon Customer Service. An order of an Apple iPhone 15 Pro for $999.99 has been placed on your account. If you did not authorize this purchase, press 1 to speak with our fraud department."
How this scam works
Business impersonation is one of the most common scam types the FTC hears about, and Amazon is one of the most impersonated brands. Some callers say your account was hacked and transfer you to a fake 'bank' or 'FTC agent', who tells you to move money to protect it.
Amazon says it won't ask you to pay over the phone or with gift cards for anything other than Amazon purchases, and it won't ask for remote access to your device. Your real orders are always visible in your Amazon account.
Red flags
- An unexpected call about a large order you didn't make.
- 'Press 1' to speak to someone.
- Requests to install an app or give remote access.
- Payment with gift cards, or moving money to a 'safe' account.
- Being transferred to a 'bank' or 'government' agent.
How to tell it’s fake
- Hang up and open the Amazon app or type amazon.com yourself. Check Your Orders.
- Use the Amazon app's message center to see real messages from Amazon.
- If you need support, use the Help section in the app, not a number from a call or text.
What to do if you clicked, paid or shared info
Don’t panic, and don’t blame yourself. These scams are built by professionals. Act quickly, one step at a time.
If you clicked a link or called back
- Hang up and block the number. Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
If you paid
- If you paid with gift cards, contact the card issuer right away with the card numbers. Call your bank for any card or transfer payments.
If you shared personal info, a password or a code
- If they had remote access, disconnect your computer, remove the software and change passwords from another device.
Where to report and get help (U.S.)
If a message seems legit and you’re still not sure, get a second opinion before you act. Reporting helps stop scammers, even if money can’t be recovered. If you are in danger, call 911.
- Your bank or card issuer
Call the number on the back of your card or on your statement, not one from the message. Ask them to stop or reverse the payment and to watch the account. - Federal Trade Commission (FTC) · ReportFraud.ftc.gov
Report the scam and get a step-by-step recovery plan. - FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) · ic3.gov
Report scams that happened online, especially if money was lost. Include phone numbers, websites and payment details. - AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline · aarp.org helpline
Free, for anyone of any age: trained volunteers help you sort out next steps. 877-908-3360, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern. - IdentityTheft.gov · IdentityTheft.gov
If you shared your Social Security number or someone opened accounts in your name.
How Gmork Scam Guard would warn you
Scam Guard runs in Chrome and Edge on your computer. If an 'Amazon' email you open in Gmail or Outlook on the web, or a page you visit, isn't from Amazon's real domains, it warns you, and it recognizes the gift card and remote access steps these scams depend on. It's a good safety net for parents who shop online.
Scam Guard can miss things, so the checks above still matter. See what it warns about and what it keeps private.
Questions people ask
- Does Amazon call about suspicious orders?
- Amazon may contact you in some cases, but you can always hang up and check Your Orders in the app. Amazon won't ask for gift card payments or remote access.
- The caller knew my name and address. Is it real?
- No. That information is easy to buy. It doesn't prove anything.
- I pressed 1 but hung up. Am I okay?
- Yes. Pressing 1 may mean more calls, so block the number and don't engage.