Beware of the Latest Scam Targeting Amazon Prime Members: Fake Invoices and How to Spot Them

A current email scam is circulating in inboxes, featuring convincing emails that mimic Amazon Prime Video notifications. These emails claim to provide details about the recipient’s streaming subscription renewal.

AppleInsider has reported instances of its team members receiving fraudulent Amazon billing notifications in their email. The emails contain a PDF invoice with alarming language, urging the recipient to call a “renewal hotline” that is likely operated by scammers.

Initially, these messages appear authentic, resembling communications from Amazon’s billing system. The attached PDF resembles an official receipt, displaying a fabricated order ID and invoice number for a renewal charge that the recipient did not authorize.

The scam email prompts recipients to call a provided phone number within a short timeframe if they haven’t approved the payment. The number connects them to scammer-operated “support staff.”

Some versions of the email request users to “Review & Sign” a subscription agreement and include a fake Prime Video receipt as a PDF attachment, seemingly from Signaturely, a legitimate electronic signature service.

The fraudulent document uses a non-recipient email address and an unaffiliated domain, not owned by Amazon.

Upon closer inspection, the fake Amazon receipt reveals inconsistencies. The billing notices originate from random domains, not Amazon’s official domain. Amazon would not instruct customers to call a phone number for billing issues or involve external signature services like Signaturely.

Mactrast notes that these scams exploit consumer trust in well-known companies like Amazon and Apple.

Scammers often intensify their activities during the busy holiday season, counting on victims to mistake scam communications for legitimate order updates. By creating a sense of urgency, scammers aim to induce panic and prevent victims from thinking rationally before taking action.

What Does Amazon Advise?

Amazon advises customers to ignore emails or texts demanding immediate action or instructing them to call a listed phone number to verify account or billing details. Customers should only contact Amazon through official support numbers and links on the genuine Amazon website or app.

Authentic order confirmations are only found in the “Your Orders” section on Amazon’s website or in the merchant’s app. This guidance applies to any communication from online merchants or services.

Report any suspicious emails claiming to be from Amazon to: stop-spoofing@amazon.com. Customers are encouraged to enable two-factor authentication for added account security.

For more scam prevention tips and information, visit Amazon’s security help page.

What to Watch Out For

Be wary of emails that create a false sense of urgency to prompt immediate action. Scam emails often include PDF invoices with exaggerated subscription renewal amounts, aiming to instill fear and urgency by providing a fake support number for resolution.

Check the sender’s email address for unfamiliar domains or slight misspellings intended to deceive. Avoid opening attachments or clicking links in suspicious emails or texts. Instead, contact Amazon or any company through their official website, app, or verified phone number.