Amazon Issues Black Friday Safety Advisory to 300 Million Customers as Online Scams Surge

As global shoppers gear up for the excitement of Black Friday deals, Amazon has taken a significant step to protect its massive customer base by issuing a detailed safety advisory. With more than 300 million active users, the world’s largest online retailer has warned consumers to remain alert and safeguard themselves from the rising number of scams and fraudulent schemes that typically plague the holiday shopping season.

Black Friday is known for record-breaking sales, massive traffic on e-commerce platforms, and a rush of shoppers eager to grab the best deals. However, it is equally notorious for cybercriminals who attempt to exploit the increased shopping activity. Recognizing this threat, Amazon has rolled out extensive guidelines intended to help customers shop safely and avoid falling victim to scam attempts.

Amazon Warns of Rising Scam Activity During Black Friday and Christmas Sales

According to international media reports, Amazon sent out official emails to users, informing them that scammers become highly active around Black Friday and Christmas. The company emphasized that fraudulent activities spike significantly during these periods due to the large number of purchases being made.

Scammers adopt various tactics to trick unsuspecting customers. These include:

• Fake phone calls pretending to be Amazon support

• Phishing emails designed to look like legitimate Amazon messages

• Deceptive text messages (SMS) requesting account verification

• Fake promotional links offering unbelievable discounts

• Counterfeit ads that redirect users to fraudulent websites

These methods are crafted to steal sensitive information such as passwords, account credentials, and payment details.

Amazon explained that scammers often impersonate company representatives and pressure customers into sharing login information under the guise of “account verification,” “order confirmation,” or “security checks.” Once they obtain this data, cybercriminals can gain complete access to users’ accounts, leading to financial loss and unauthorized purchases.

6.4 Million Customers Have Already Experienced Losses Due to Fake Ads

Highlighting the severity of the issue, Mike Andrews of National Trading Standards revealed alarming statistics regarding online fraud. He stated that scammers target buyers most aggressively during holiday sales and promotional periods, making them especially vulnerable to manipulation.

According to a recent report cited by Andrews, approximately 6.4 million customers have suffered financial losses after clicking on fake online advertisements. These ads often appear on social media platforms or through search engines, mimicking real promotions but redirecting users to fraudulent websites that steal payment information or deliver counterfeit goods.

This growing threat underscores why Amazon is pushing strong awareness campaigns to help customers identify scams before it’s too late.

Amazon’s Key Safety Tips: How Customers Can Protect Themselves

To help customers stay secure during Black Friday sales, Amazon issued a set of safety guidelines that shoppers are strongly encouraged to follow. These include:

1. Verify Deals Only on Amazon’s Official Website or App

Amazon urged customers to always check offers directly through the official website or the Amazon mobile app rather than relying on promotional links received via email, text message, or third-party platforms.

2. Ignore Suspicious or Unofficial Messages

Shoppers should avoid responding to messages that appear unusual, contain grammatical errors, or come from unverified numbers or email addresses.

3. Never Share Account Passwords or Payment Details

Amazon stressed that it never asks customers for passwords, one-time verification codes, or bank details through unsolicited calls or messages. Any such request is a clear sign of a scam.

4. Use Secure Payment Methods

Customers are advised to stick to trusted payment methods available on Amazon and avoid transferring funds directly to sellers or unfamiliar accounts.

5. Report Suspicious Contact Immediately

If a user receives a questionable email, message, or phone call claiming to be from Amazon, they should report it directly through Amazon’s customer service channels. Quick reporting can prevent potential losses and help Amazon block the scammer’s activities.

Why Scams Increase During Black Friday

Black Friday is one of the most important shopping events of the year. With millions of customers browsing, purchasing, and searching for deals, scammers see a prime opportunity to exploit high traffic and consumer urgency.

Many customers are in a rush to secure the best discounts, making them more likely to click on links without verifying authenticity. Scammers take advantage of this behavior by creating fake websites, sending limited-time “flash sale” notifications, and constructing phishing messages that mimic Amazon’s branding.

How Consumers Can Stay Smart and Shop Safely Online

To stay protected during this high-risk period, experts recommend that shoppers:

• Double-check email addresses before responding

• Avoid clicking on promotional links from unknown sources

• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on their Amazon accounts

• Monitor account activity for unauthorized logins or orders

• Install security software or browser extensions that warn against phishing sites

Staying vigilant and following Amazon’s safety guidelines can help consumers enjoy deals without compromising their financial security.

Conclusion: Stay Alert and Enjoy a Safe Black Friday Shopping Experience

As the excitement of Black Friday builds, Amazon’s warnings serve as a timely reminder to prioritize safety while shopping online. With scammers using increasingly sophisticated techniques, customers must remain aware, verify every message, and avoid sharing personal information.

By following Amazon’s guidelines and practicing smart online habits, shoppers can enjoy the holiday sales season with confidence, ensuring that their personal data and financial details remain secure.