Amazon Warns UK Users to Verify Messages as Fraud Attempts Rise

Amazon has issued a warning to UK customers urging them to regularly check the Message Centre in their accounts as scam activity continues to increase. The alert follows a noticeable spike in fake emails, texts and calls pretending to be from the company, many of which attempt to steal personal or financial information by mimicking official Amazon communication.

The rise in scams has been particularly evident during the busy shopping period, when customers expect frequent delivery updates and account notifications. Fraudsters have been exploiting this by sending false alerts claiming that a package cannot be delivered, a payment has failed or an account is at risk. These messages often contain links directing users to imitation websites designed to capture login details.

Amazon has emphasised that any legitimate notification regarding orders, payments or account security will always appear in the Message Centre. Customers are being advised to ignore links in unsolicited messages and instead log directly into their Amazon account through the official website or app to verify any claims. This approach reduces the risk of falling victim to phishing attempts.

Reports from UK consumers show that scammers frequently use urgent language to pressure recipients into reacting quickly. Common tactics include warnings that a Prime membership is about to expire, requests to update payment information or prompts claiming that delivery confirmation is required. Many of these messages look highly convincing at first glance.

The company has also reminded users that it will never request gift-card payments, demand remote access to a device or instruct customers to install software for security purposes. These practices are widely associated with fraud and should be treated as immediate red flags. Amazon encourages anyone who receives such messages to delete them without responding.

The recent surge in impersonation scams has affected shoppers across the country, with some victims reporting financial losses after unknowingly submitting details to fake websites. Others have had their account credentials compromised, prompting follow-up fraud attempts by criminals posing as customer-service representatives.

Security specialists note that the holiday shopping period consistently attracts higher levels of phishing activity. With more purchases being made online, scammers target consumers who are expecting delivery notifications, making fraudulent messages harder to identify. This environment reinforces the need for customers to double-check any communication that seems unexpected or suspicious.

Amazon’s guidance also highlights the importance of enabling two-step verification or passkeys on accounts. These tools add an extra layer of protection, helping prevent unauthorised access even if login information is exposed. The company continues to promote these features as part of its broader safety campaign.

Checking the Message Centre remains the most reliable method for confirming whether a communication is genuine. If a notification does not appear there, it can be safely ignored as a likely scam. UK customers are encouraged to make this a routine habit, especially during periods of increased shopping activity.

The company’s warning reflects a wider push to improve customer awareness. As scam attempts become increasingly sophisticated, Amazon is urging users to stay cautious, verify information through official channels and avoid engaging with messages that seem unusual or overly urgent. This approach is essential for protecting personal data and maintaining account security.