If you’re an Amazon Prime member, there’s a new scam making the rounds that you should be aware of—one that looks just legit enough to fool even cautious users.
Amazon is alerting customers to a wave of fraudulent emails falsely warning of Prime subscription auto-renewals at inflated prices. The emails appear to come from Amazon, often including personal details to build trust, and encourage users to cancel their “subscription” via a provided link. The problem is that the link doesn’t go to Amazon. Instead it takes you to a lookalike site designed to steal your login credentials and banking information.
This type of scam isn’t new, but it’s becoming more sophisticated and far more common. According to the Federal Trade Commission, Americans lost over $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024 alone, which is a record-breaking 25% increase over the previous year.
What Makes This Scam So Dangerous?
The scam emails mimic Amazon’s branding and language so well that they could pass as real at first glance. They create a sense of urgency by suggesting that your Prime membership will renew at a much higher cost unless you act quickly. Then comes the bait: a convenient-looking button to cancel your subscription.
Once clicked, victims are directed to a counterfeit login page. Enter your details there, and scammers have everything they need to compromise your Amazon account (and possibly your bank account, too).
How To Stay Safe
The best way to avoid falling into this trap is to ignore email links entirely. If you ever receive a suspicious message about your account, go straight to the Amazon app or visit Amazon.com directly. From there, check your account and Prime subscription details safely under the “Prime” tab.
Amazon also recommends checking your Message Center within your account. If the message doesn’t appear there, it’s not from them.
What To Do If You Clicked
If you’ve already clicked a suspicious link and entered your credentials, act fast:
- Immediately change your Amazon password.
- Check your credit and debit card statements for any unusual charges.
- Notify your bank of potential fraud.
- Contact Amazon’s customer service to report the issue and secure your account.
As scams become more targeted and convincing, staying alert is your best defense. Amazon Prime members are especially vulnerable because of the importance they place on uninterrupted service. So next time you see a surprising email from Amazon, skip the link. Type the site in to your web browser yourself and check things out the old-fashioned (and secure) way.