Scam guides › Amazon impersonation / refund scam
Fake Amazon refund and "suspicious purchase" scam calls and texts
Updated . By the AskBeforeYouSend editorial team (how we fact-check). Fact-checked against the official sources listed at the bottom.
Short answer: Treat it as a scam. The FTC says scammers call or text about a "suspicious purchase" or a refund on your Amazon account, then try to get your payment information, remote access to your computer, or money. Check your orders in the Amazon app or website you already use.
What it looks like
Amazon: A purchase of an iPhone 16 Pro for $1,149.00 was placed on your account. If this was not you, press 1 or call 1-888-555-0136 immediately.
A made-up example in the usual style.
How the scam works
- A call, text or email says there's an expensive order you didn't make, or a refund waiting.
- To "cancel" it, they ask for your card, a code, or to install an app on your computer.
- Some say they "refunded too much" and need you to send the difference back with gift cards.
Red flags
- An order you don't recognize, with a number to call
- "Press 1"
- Requests to install software or share your screen
- "We refunded too much, send the difference"
- Gift cards as the way to fix it
What to do now
- Hang up or delete it. Don't call the number in the message.
- Open the Amazon app or type amazon.com yourself and check Your Orders.
- Report it to Amazon and the FTC.
Never send money, gift cards, crypto or verification codes because of a call, text or message. Hang up and call the real number.
Report it
Questions
How do I report a fake Amazon message?
Use Amazon's "Report something suspicious" help page, linked below, or the Report it button on this page.
Sources
- FTC consumer alert: Did you get a call or text about a suspicious purchase on Amazon? It's a scam (Mar 2024)
- FTC consumer alert: Scammy texts offering "refunds" for Amazon purchases (Jul 2025)
- Amazon: Report something suspicious
Example messages are made up to show the pattern unless we say otherwise. Phone numbers in examples use the fictional 555 range.
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