As the Black Friday shopping frenzy kicks off, Amazon has warned over 300 million customers to stay vigilant against online scams, phishing attacks, and fake deals that flood the holiday season.
The e-commerce giant’s alert comes amid a surge in fraudulent messages, misleading ads, and counterfeit websites, designed to exploit shoppers eager for festive bargains.
Mike Andrews from National Trading Standards (NTS) explained that fraudsters use a “numbers game” during the festive season. “They know a large proportion of consumers shop on Amazon,” he said, noting that scammers frequently rely on fake delivery notifications to trick unsuspecting users.
According to NTS, 6.4 million people have already fallen victim to fake ads, while 100 million purchases have been influenced by misleading product reviews, highlighting the increasing risks to consumers this holiday season.
Amazon’s advisory specifically warns shoppers about:
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Fake emails or messages claiming issues with accounts or deliveries.
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Misleading social media posts and third-party ads promoting deals that seem too good to be true, urging customers to shop only through Amazon’s official website or app.
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Requests for passwords or payment information via unofficial channels.
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Phishing links prompting users to verify account credentials Amazon emphasized it never asks for login details via email.
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Unsolicited calls claiming to be from tech support or other agencies.
Fake product reviews remain another major threat. Using AI-powered bots, scammers can post hundreds of false glowing reviews in just a few days.
Andrews urged shoppers to exercise caution, especially with products that have vague or generic reviews, such as “Wow, amazing product!”
Scammers have also created convincing fake websites for non-existent boutiques or holiday markets, often delivering low-quality substitutes instead of advertised premium products.
Lynette Owens of Trend Micro praised Amazon’s proactive approach, noting:
“Holiday fraud comes in layers emails, texts, fake websites, even phone calls. One in four shoppers has already encountered ads impersonating trusted brands. Caution is crucial this season to protect your money.”
