Joint Warning Issued as Account Hijacking Attempts Surge

UK police and Amazon have released a combined statement warning consumers about a sharp increase in account takeover scams targeting Amazon users. The coordinated alert follows months of rising reports from across the UK, with criminals using more sophisticated techniques to access personal accounts and payment information. The warning comes at a time when online shopping activity is high, making users more vulnerable to fraudulent messages.

The joint statement highlights that attackers are using email, text and phone-based impersonation tactics to trick victims into revealing login details. These messages often mimic official Amazon alerts, claiming issues with orders, payments or refunds. Once a user interacts with the fraudulent communication, scammers attempt to capture credentials or direct them to malicious pages designed to look legitimate.

Amazon has confirmed a noticeable increase in attempted account takeovers in the past few months. The company noted that many scams involve fake delivery updates or refund claims, which create urgency and pressure victims to respond quickly. UK police have echoed these concerns, saying that scammers are targeting a wide range of users, from occasional shoppers to long-time Prime members.

As part of the warning, authorities stressed that Amazon will never ask customers to provide sensitive information via unsolicited messages. The company reiterated that all account actions should be carried out through the official website or app. Users are reminded not to click links sent through unexpected communications, even if the messages appear to be authentic.

The joint advisory also points to additional tactics used by attackers once they gain access to an account. These include changing security settings, locking the rightful owner out and attempting to make unauthorised purchases. Victims often become aware only after receiving confirmation emails or noticing unusual activity in their order history.

To combat the rising threat, UK police have encouraged consumers to enable two-step verification on their Amazon accounts. This additional layer of security helps prevent unauthorised access even if a password is compromised. Amazon has supported this recommendation and is urging customers to review recent account activity regularly.

The warning comes amid broader concerns around online fraud, which tends to spike during holiday retail periods. Criminals exploit increased online transactions and customer expectations around deliveries, making scams harder to detect. Both Amazon and police officials emphasise that awareness is one of the strongest defences against these techniques.

Authorities also advised people to be cautious when receiving calls claiming to be from Amazon support teams. Legitimate representatives will not demand payment, request banking details or ask users to install unfamiliar software. Any such requests are considered clear signs of fraudulent activity and should be reported immediately.

The joint message encourages UK consumers to report suspicious communication directly through Amazon’s official channels. Police are also urging victims to come forward, as reporting helps identify trends and assists in ongoing investigations. Both parties stated that they remain committed to improving protections and informing the public about emerging threats.

The rise in account takeover attempts reflects the broader evolution of digital scams. With attackers continually adapting their methods, Amazon and UK authorities believe that transparent communication is essential. Their latest warning aims to equip users with the knowledge needed to stay secure while shopping and managing accounts online.