Amazon scam emails

Amazon order or charge email: how to tell if it is fake

An email, text or call says there is a big charge or a suspicious order on your Amazon account, and gives you a number to call if it was not you. The FTC warns about exactly this. The number goes to the scammer, who then asks for passwords, card numbers or access to your computer.

Not sure about yours? Forward it to Penpal with "Is this real?" on top, and an answer comes back by email.

Forward it to hi+amzn@askpenpal.com

or open in Gmail · Outlook. In your mail app, open the email, choose Forward, and send it to hi+amzn@askpenpal.com.

Signs it is fake

• An order or charge you do not recognise, with a phone number to call about it.
• A warning that your account is locked or will be closed unless you act now.
• A refund you did not ask for, or a request to pay with gift cards or outside Amazon.
• On the phone, they want to connect to your computer. Amazon says it never asks for that.

Check it yourself

• Type amazon.com yourself, or open the Amazon app, and look at Your Orders. A real order shows there.
• Look in Message Center (Your Account, then Your Messages). Amazon says every email it sends you is there. If this one is not, Amazon did not send it.

If you already called, paid or let them in

Call your bank or card company on the number printed on your card, and tell them. If they connected to your computer, stop using it for banking until it has been checked, and change your passwords from another device. If they ask you to send money back for a refund that was "too much", that is the scam continuing. Report it at reportfraud.ftc.gov (US).

You can also forward the email to Penpal and say what already happened. It answers the question you ask, so "I already called them, what now?" works.

Other emails you are not sure about

About Penpal

Penpal is an AI assistant you use by email. 3 free replies a day, no account. It is an AI and it can be wrong, so treat its answer as a second opinion, not a guarantee. Penpal never asks for a password, a code or card details in a reply. See the privacy and terms pages, or write to support@askpenpal.com to reach a person.