Amazon Urges UK Prime Users to Stay Alert as Scam Attempts Surge

Amazon has issued a fresh warning to UK Prime members following a sharp rise in scam attempts targeting its customers. The alert comes as criminals increasingly impersonate Amazon through emails, texts and phone calls designed to steal personal and financial information. The company has reminded users that it will never ask for sensitive details through unsolicited messages, urging them to remain vigilant during the busy shopping season.

The warning highlights a surge in phishing emails claiming that Prime memberships are due for renewal at higher prices. These messages often include links directing users to fake login pages engineered to capture account credentials. Security experts say the tactic has become one of the most common scams affecting UK customers, especially as more households rely on Prime for deliveries and streaming.

Amazon also flagged a rise in fake order and delivery notifications. These messages typically claim that a package cannot be delivered or that an unexpected order has been placed. Scammers use these alerts to push victims toward fraudulent websites or to pressure them into revealing financial details. The company advises customers to check the official Amazon app or website directly rather than responding to unexpected messages.

Another growing threat involves phone calls from individuals pretending to be Amazon support agents. These callers often insist that an account has been compromised, urging immediate action and requesting bank or card information. Amazon confirmed that it does not contact customers by phone to request payment details or passwords, and users should hang up immediately if approached in this way.

The rise in scam attempts coincides with major sales events, during which criminals exploit the increased number of order confirmations and delivery updates. With Black Friday and Christmas shopping underway, customers are receiving more genuine messages than usual, making it easier for fraudulent ones to blend in. This seasonal spike has prompted Amazon to reinforce its safety guidance across the UK.

To improve account security, Amazon strongly encourages customers to enable two-factor authentication. This feature adds an extra step during login, helping to prevent unauthorised access even if a password has been compromised. Security specialists say this measure is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of account takeover.

Amazon has also reiterated that its official communications will always appear in the Message Centre within customer accounts. If a user receives a message claiming to be from Amazon but sees no corresponding notification in the Message Centre, it is likely to be fraudulent. The company urges customers to rely on this verification method whenever they receive unexpected alerts.

Customers who believe they may have interacted with a scam are advised to act quickly. Changing account passwords, reviewing recent orders and updating security settings can help limit potential damage. Those who may have provided financial details should immediately contact their bank to check for suspicious activity and request additional protections.

The company is encouraging users to report suspicious messages to help identify new scam patterns. Reports allow Amazon to strengthen its defences, block malicious accounts and improve customer warnings. The rise in scam incidents underscores the increasing sophistication of cybercriminals and the need for customers to remain cautious.

As the festive shopping season progresses, Amazon’s warning serves as an important reminder for UK Prime members to prioritise account safety. With online scams becoming more common and more convincing, staying alert, verifying messages and using enhanced security tools remain essential steps in keeping personal information secure.