Podcast Summary: Facts Matter – "Top 6 Amazon Scams to Avoid"

Host: Roman, The Epoch Times
Date: September 3, 2025

Overview

In this episode, Roman from "Facts Matter" explores the most prevalent and sophisticated Amazon scams that consumers need to be wary of. Drawing on data and official warnings from Amazon and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the episode lays out the top six Amazon scams, explains how they work, and provides listeners with practical tips for staying safe. Roman also shares personal anecdotes and highlights the sheer scale and adaptability of these scams, making it clear that anyone can be targeted.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Amazon's Official Warning and the Scale of the Problem

• Amazon issued a statement reminding customers it will never ask for payment information or sensitive details outside its official website.
  • [02:00] “Scammers constantly devise new schemes, exploit new technologies and change tactics to avoid detection.” (Amazon statement, paraphrased by Roman)
• The FTC reports from July 2020 to June 2021, 96,000 people were targeted by Amazon scams, with losses exceeding $27 million.
• Older adults are particularly vulnerable, but younger demographics are also increasingly at risk.
  • [05:15] “People age 60 and older were particularly at risk… although I have seen other reports say young people… are just as likely to get scammed by these online scammers.” (Roman)

2. The Top 6 Amazon Scams to Avoid

Scam 1: Off-platform Payments

• Scammers posing as Amazon sellers direct buyers to pay using platforms like Venmo, Zelle, or Western Union, thus eliminating Amazon's buyer protections.
  • [07:10] “If you go ahead with it, you basically forfeit any type of buyer protection… there’s very little chance of getting your money back.”
• Fake Amazon listings and reviews add credibility.
• Prevention: Only make payments through Amazon.

Scam 2: Phone Calls Asking for Personal Information

• Callers impersonate Amazon, claiming they need to verify your identity.
• The scam tricks those legitimately expecting Amazon communication.
  • [09:00] “Neither Amazon nor any legitimate reputable company would call you and then ask you to confirm your identity.”
• Prevention: Never give out personal info over the phone; hang up immediately.

Scam 3: “Mystery Boxes” Lottery

• Listings selling boxes with “unknown contents” and improbable rewards.
• Supported by fake glowing reviews.
  • [10:40] “It’s just a fake lottery… these mystery boxes containing junk that no one would actually buy.”
• Prevention: Don’t fall for too-good-to-be-true offers; avoid “lottery” style products.

Scam 4: Fake Refunds or Account Problems (Phishing Emails & Calls)

• Emails claim fraudulent account activity or offer a “fat refund.”
• Victims are instructed to call back or allow remote computer access.
  • [12:00] “In order to fix the issue, you simply need to grant the Amazon rep on the phone remote access to your computer… they will just hack your personal finance information.”
• Prevention: Never use phone numbers from emails; always check your account directly through Amazon.

Scam 5: Phishing Text Messages (SMS)

• Texts claim account issues or prizes, prompting calls or clicks on malicious links.
  • [14:00] “Never respond to any text messages claiming to be from Amazon... if you need to call Amazon, the phone number is listed on their official website.”
• Clicking links can install malware, especially on Android devices.
• Prevention: Do not respond or click on links from unexpected texts.

Scam 6: Fake Amazon Websites (Spoofed Domains)

• Emails guide users to sites mimicking Amazon (e.g., amazon-billing.com, amaz0n.com).
  • [15:50] “If you ever find yourself on some domain called amazon-services-billing.com, just get out of there ASAP.”
• High growth in fake domains: Over 2,300 new “Amazon” domains in one year (Check Point Software).
• Prevention: Check the URL carefully—always log in from the official Amazon site.

Additional Scams Briefly Mentioned

• Fake invoices prompting verification calls.
• Urgent “account frozen” emails with a 12-hour deadline.
• Fraudulent Amazon job postings on career sites.

Personal Anecdote: Even Experts Almost Get Fooled

• Roman shares he nearly fell for two scam texts right after making Amazon purchases, illustrating that timing is coincidental but effective.
  • [18:10] “I used to think people were too ridiculous for falling for these scams... but I don't think that way anymore because recently I almost fell for these scams twice myself.”
• “Volume is the name of the game”—scammers target many, hoping to hit someone experiencing a real issue.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• [02:00] “We will never ask you to disclose your password or verify sensitive personal information over the phone or on any website other than Amazon.com.” – Amazon statement, read by Roman
• [09:00] “If someone contacts you out of the blue... that's a red flag and you should perhaps just hang up the phone right away.” – Roman
• [15:50] “If you ever find yourself on some domain called amazon-services-billing.com, just get out of there ASAP.” – Roman
• [18:10] “...if you did not reach out to them, but they reached out to you, it's probably a scam.” – Roman

Key Takeaways & Safety Tips

• Only make payments and manage issues directly through Amazon’s website or official app.
• Never provide personal information or remote access to your computer unless you initiated contact with Amazon, using details from the official website.
• Be skeptical of any communication—email, phone, or text—urging immediate action or containing links and phone numbers.
• Trust your instincts: if it feels off, “stay informed, stay safe from these scams, and then, most importantly, stay free.” – Roman [End]

For a comprehensive list of scams and resources, Roman refers listeners to the episode’s description box.