As online shopping becomes more popular, especially during festive seasons, scammers are increasingly targeting unsuspecting buyers through fake offers, phishing emails, and fraudulent messages.
Amazon India has partnered with the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C), an initiative of the Ministry of Home Affairs to launch 'Scam-Free September,' a consumer-awareness initiative designed to help shoppers recognize, prevent, and report fraud—ensuring every purchase remains safe and joyful.
How Online Scammers Target Shoppers
Cybercriminals often impersonate Amazon with alarming messages about “order issues,” “account problems,” or “suspicious payments.” Their goal is to trick customers into clicking malicious links or sharing personal details outside of official Amazon platforms. Two-thirds of global Amazon scams reported in 2023 involved this kind of impersonation.
Actionable Buyer Safety Checklist
* Always pause and verify before responding to any message or clicking a link.
* Access 'Your Orders' via the Amazon app or official website to independently confirm claims.
* Amazon never demands payment by phone/email, never pressures customers to buy gift cards, nor requires software installation for support.
* Use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication. Always check for the genuine Amazon URL and look for secure “https” connections.
* Avoid shopping or payments on public Wi-Fi; opt for secure networks and payment methods inside the Amazon site or app only.
* Inspect seller profiles and recent product reviews for authenticity—not just star ratings.
* Never share OTPs or authentication codes, and be cautious of pop-ups or browser redirects.
* Report suspicious activity using Amazon’s reporting tools, via email (stop-spoofing@amazon.com), or through the government helpline 1930. Non-customers can email reportascam@amazon.com
Amazon Combating Fraud
Amazon aggressively combats fraud with advanced machine learning, dedicated investigators, public education, and secure email authentication (visible “Amazon smile” logo in trusted inbox providers). In 2024 alone, Amazon removed tens of thousands of phishing sites and thousands of scam phone numbers. The A-to-Z Guarantee ensures buyers are protected—Amazon resolves delivery or quality issues promptly, standing firmly behind every order.
Shop Safely and Confidently Year-Round
The most secure shopping experience is always through the official Amazon app or website. For more information on scam tactics and prevention, visit Amazon’s Protect & Connect microsite and stay informed for a worry-free buying journey—every day, not just during sales periods.
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