Rising wave of scam texts puts Amazon customers on high alert

UK shoppers are being urged to stay vigilant following a sharp rise in fake Amazon order texts targeting mobile phones. The scam surge, which has intensified in the run-up to major shopping periods, is catching out consumers with convincing messages that appear to come directly from Amazon’s delivery and order systems.

These fraudulent texts typically claim that an order has been placed, a delivery is pending, or a payment needs verification. Many recipients who receive these messages have not made any recent purchases, signalling that the alerts are designed to create panic and provoke immediate action. The scam — known as “smishing” — has become increasingly sophisticated throughout the year.

Links included in the texts often direct victims to imitation Amazon login pages. Once there, users are prompted to enter sensitive information such as passwords, card details or one-time passcodes, which scammers can then use to access accounts or steal funds. Cybersecurity experts have warned that even a single mistaken tap on these links can expose users to serious risks.

What makes the latest wave of scams particularly dangerous is how authentic the messages appear. Criminals now mimic the tone, layout and language of genuine Amazon notifications, making it difficult for many shoppers to distinguish between real and fake communications during busy sales seasons.

Amazon and cybersecurity firms have issued clear guidance urging customers to treat unexpected texts with extreme caution. The company stresses that it will never request sensitive information such as passwords or payment details via SMS. Any legitimate order or delivery update will always be available through the official Amazon app or website.

Security professionals also advise consumers to avoid clicking links in unsolicited messages altogether. Instead, users should manually log in to their Amazon accounts to check for any genuine alerts. Taking a moment to verify can prevent scammers from gaining access to personal or financial data.

The rise in smishing attacks coincides with increased online spending across the UK. With more shoppers relying on digital services for their purchases, criminals have seized the opportunity to exploit busy shopping periods when fraudulent messages are more likely to blend in with legitimate notifications.

As these scams become more prevalent, two-factor authentication and passkeys are being recommended as additional layers of security. Extra verification can make it significantly harder for criminals to take control of accounts, even if they obtain login credentials through phishing attempts.

Authorities highlight that reporting suspicious messages helps disrupt ongoing scam campaigns. Forwarding fake texts to 7726 — the UK’s free spam-reporting service — assists mobile networks in blocking malicious senders and reducing the spread of fraudulent communications.

While the tactics used in smishing schemes continue to evolve, awareness remains the strongest defence. By staying alert and taking time to verify unexpected messages, UK shoppers can protect themselves from the growing threat of fake Amazon order texts and the wider risks associated with digital fraud.

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