Amazon customers are facing a sharp rise in cyber scams as the holiday shopping surge peaks. Cybercriminals are leveraging the chaos of Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and early Christmas ordering to launch large-scale attacks aimed at stealing credentials, hijacking accounts, and draining payment methods.
The FBI has reported more than $262 million in account-takeover fraud losses in 2025, tied to impersonation scams and deceptive messages. Separately, federal agencies estimate holiday-linked cyber thefts could exceed $300 million, fueled by fake retailer websites, bogus delivery alerts, and phony customer-support outreach designed to trick shoppers into acting quickly without verifying authenticity.
Most Common Attack Tactics
- Fake “delivery issue” emails and SMS messages urging immediate action
- Phony Amazon account security warnings requesting login or payment verification
- Fraudulent refund or order-confirmation notices
- Social media ads impersonating Amazon or major brands
- Spoofed support calls claiming account compromise
Why This Is Happening Now
- Unprecedented volume of online orders creates cover for scams
- Attackers register look-alike retail domains using subtle spelling changes
- Shoppers are distracted, rushed, or overly focused on deals
- Massive platform user base offers criminals scale and quick profit
Amazon and cybersecurity experts stress critical safety steps:
- Use only the official app or website to track orders or update account details
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) or passkeys for stronger login security
- Never share payment or personal data through text, email links, or phone
- Ignore overly urgent or unexpected messages about orders you didn’t place
- Monitor bank and digital wallet activity for suspicious charges
- Use unique, complex passwords and never save them in browsers
Bottom Line
The holidays are prime season for convenience—but also for cyber fraud. A few small preventative steps can block most attacks. If a message creates panic or urgency, pause first. Security over speed always wins. Stay alert, verify everything, and protect your accounts before attackers get close.