Beware! How the $100 Amazon Gift Card Scam Steals Your Data
Written by: Thomas Orsolya
Published on:
Have you seen ads popping up claiming you can get a $100 Amazon gift card? While these offers seem tempting, they are often a scam designed to steal your personal information and money. This article will explain everything you need to know about the $100 Amazon gift card scam, including how it works, how to protect yourself, and what to do if you have fallen victim.
Overview of the $100 Amazon Gift Card Scam
The $100 Amazon gift card scam typically starts with an online ad stating you can get a free $100 gift card. The ads appear on social media sites, shady websites, and even legitimate websites through malicious ads.
The scam ads often say things like:
Congratulations Amazon User! Get a $100 Amazon Gift Card!
Amazon User You are selected to receive a $100 Amazon Gift Card!
Amazon shoppers get a free $100 Gift Card!
Some of the common claims in the scam ads include:
You have been specially selected to receive a $100 Amazon gift card.
All you need to do is take a short survey to get your gift card.
You can get the $100 gift card by clicking a link or sharing the offer with friends.
The goal is to get you to click on the link in the ad, which sends you to a fake website. The scam sites are designed to look like official Amazon pages with logos and branding.
Once you arrive at the site, you are prompted to take a “short survey” to claim your gift card. The survey starts innocently enough, asking basic questions about age, gender, Amazon shopping preferences, etc.
Then the questions get more detailed and personal—asking for your name, email, home address, phone number, credit card details, and more. Your sensitive information is harvested under the guise of a survey.
In some cases, the survey even asks you to login to your Amazon account to “verify” your identity. If you provide this info, the scammers gain access to your Amazon login credentials.
After the survey, you are told you need to complete one more “offer” to get the $100 gift card. This usually means signing up for a sketchy service, subscription, or downloading malware disguised as an Amazon app.
Of course, after completing all the steps—you never receive a gift card. The whole thing is a scam designed to steal your personal information and money.
How the $100 Amazon Gift Card Scam Works
Here is a step-by-step breakdown of how the $100 Amazon gift card scam operates:
Step 1) Scam Ads Lure Victims
The scam starts with fake ads designed to look like real offers from Amazon. Using images and branding identical to Amazon, the ads tout free $100 gift cards.
Common places you may encounter these scam ads include:
Social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter
The scam ads are often targeted based on your browsing history and Amazon shopping patterns. For example, if you visit Amazon frequently or have recently made purchases, you are more likely to get targeted.
Scammers use “typosquatting” to register domains that are similar to Amazon and lure victims. For example, instead of amazon.com, it might be amason.com or amazun.com.
Step 2) Victims Sent to Fake Websites
When you click on the link in the scam ad, you are sent to a fraudulent website dressed up to look like Amazon. The site has the Amazon logo prominently displayed along with the standard color scheme and web design.
You land on a page stating you have been selected to receive a $100 Amazon gift card. All you need to do is take a short survey to claim the offer.
These fake sites utilize malicious scripts and trackers to harvest data about victims. As you take the survey, it captures information about your device, location, Amazon browsing, and shopping patterns.
Step 3) Personal Info Harvested Through Survey
The survey starts by asking basic questions about age, gender, Amazon shopping preferences and habits. This allows them to refine their targeting for maximum effectiveness.
Next, the survey requires you to enter personal details—name, home address, phone number, email, and more. When you get to the end, it asks for credit card information to “verify” your identity.
If you provide this sensitive information, the scammers immediately harvest it to commit identity fraud and steal your money.
In some cases, they ask you to login to your Amazon account through their fake site. This grants them direct access to your Amazon credentials.
Step 4) Complete an “Offer” to get the Gift Card
After completing the survey, you are told there is just “one more step” before getting your $100 Amazon gift card. This usually involves:
Downloading a fake anti-virus or PC optimization program (malware in disguise)
Signing up for subscription services (like a PDF editor or ebook service)
Taking more surveys that require personal info
Calling scam phone numbers that charge excessive fees
You must complete one of these “offers” before getting your gift card—which of course never arrives. The offers ensure scammers earn more money from each victim.
Step 5) Scammers Profit Off Stolen Data and Fraud
Once the scammers have your personal information, they leverage it in various ways:
Selling your details on the dark web to identity thieves
Using your credit card for fraudulent purchases
Accessing your Amazon account to make purchases using your saved payment method
Signing up for premium subscriptions in your name
Taking out loans or lines of credit under your identity
The sensitive data harvested through this scam enables a variety of fraud—all while you wait for a $100 Amazon gift card that never arrives.
What to Do If You Fell For the Amazon Gift Card Scam
If you submitted personal information through this scam, here are important steps to take right away:
1. Contact your bank and credit card companies.
Alert them that your financial information may have been compromised. Watch for any suspicious charges and work with them to block fraudulent activity. Request new card numbers if needed.
2. Change your Amazon password immediately.
If you logged into your Amazon through a fake site, change your password right away. Enable two-factor authentication for added security.
3. Scan your devices for malware.
If you downloaded anything, scan your computer for viruses and malware. Wipe your device and reinstall software if infected.
4. Place a fraud alert and monitor your credit reports.
Contact one of the three credit bureaus to place an initial 90-day fraud alert. Also, check your credit reports regularly for any suspicious activity.
5. Report identity theft to the FTC.
File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission if your identity is stolen after falling for this scam. This helps law enforcement track scams.
6. Close any compromised accounts.
If scammers now have access to your Amazon, email, or other accounts, close them immediately. Open new accounts with fresh passwords.
7. Beware of recovery scams.
You may get contacted by scammers posing as Amazon support claiming they can recover your lost money. Never give them remote access or payment.
Is Your Device Infected? Run a Free Malware Scan
Slow performance, constant pop-ups, or strange behavior? These are classic signs of a malware infection. The fastest way to find out is to scan your device with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free — one of the most trusted malware removal tools available.
The free version detects and removes the most common threats, including:
Adware — the cause of those annoying pop-ups
Browser hijackers — unwanted redirects and changed homepages
Trojans and spyware — hidden programs stealing your data
Potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) — software you never asked for
👉 Select your device below — Windows, Mac, or Android — then follow the simple steps to download Malwarebytes, scan your system, and remove any threats it finds. The whole process takes about 5 minutes.
Malwarebytes for WindowsMalwarebytes for MacMalwarebytes for Android
Run a Malware Scan with Malwarebytes for Windows
Malwarebytes is one of the most popular and trusted anti-malware tools for Windows — and it’s completely free for removing infections. It catches threats that many antivirus programs miss, including adware, browser hijackers, and trojans. Follow the steps below to scan and clean your PC in just a few minutes.
Download Malwarebytes
Click the button below to download the latest version of Malwarebytes for Windows from the official source. The free version is all you need — it will scan your computer and remove adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious software at no cost.
(The link opens in a new page where your download will start)
Install Malwarebytes
When the download finishes, open your Downloads folder and double-click the MBSetup file. If Windows shows a User Account Control pop-up, click “Yes” to allow the installation.
Follow the On-Screen Prompts to Install Malwarebytes
The setup wizard will walk you through a few quick screens:
Choose where you’re installing the program — “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer” — then click Next.
Malwarebytes will now install on your device. This usually takes under a minute.
When installation is complete, the “Welcome to Malwarebytes” screen will open automatically.
On the final screen, click Open Malwarebytes to launch the program.
Enable “Scan for Rootkits”
Before scanning, turn on rootkit detection so Malwarebytes can find even the most hidden threats. Click the Settings gear icon on the left side of the screen.
In the settings menu, find “Scan for rootkits” and click the toggle so it turns blue.
Done? Click “Dashboard” in the left pane to return to the main screen.
Start the Scan
Click the blue Scan button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its virus database and start checking your computer for malware.
Wait for the Scan to Finish
The scan checks your entire system for browser hijackers and other malicious programs, so it can take several minutes. Feel free to do something else — just check back occasionally to see the progress.
Quarantine the Detected Threats
When the scan is done, you’ll see a list of everything Malwarebytes found — malware, adware, and potentially unwanted programs. Click the “Quarantine” button to remove all of them at once.
Malwarebytes will now remove the malicious files and registry entries and move them safely into quarantine.
Restart Your Computer
Some threats can only be fully removed after a reboot. If Malwarebytes asks you to restart, click Yes. Once you’re logged back in, your PC is clean and you can continue with the next steps in this guide.
When the scan finishes, click Quarantine to remove everything Malwarebytes found. That’s it — your Windows PC is now clean of trojans, adware, and other malware, and should be back to running smoothly.
If your current antivirus allowed this malicious program on your computer, you may want to consider purchasing Malwarebytes Premium to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still having problems with your computer after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
Malwarebytes for Mac is a free on-demand scanner that removes the malware other security software tends to miss — adware, browser hijackers, and unwanted programs included. Cleaning an infected Mac with Malwarebytes has always been completely free, and it’s our go-to recommendation. Follow the steps below to scan and clean your Mac in just a few minutes.
Download Malwarebytes for Mac
Click the button below to download the latest version of Malwarebytes for Mac.
When the download finishes, open your Downloads folder and double-click the setup file to begin the installation.
Follow the On-Screen Prompts to Install Malwarebytes
The Malwarebytes for Mac Installer will guide you through a few quick screens. Click “Continue” and keep following the prompts until the installation completes.
When the installation is complete, Malwarebytes opens to the Welcome to Malwarebytes screen. Click “Get started“.
Select “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer”
Malwarebytes will ask what type of computer you’re installing it on. Click either Personal Computer or Work Computer, whichever applies.
Start the Scan
Click the “Scan” button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its detection database and begin checking your Mac for malware.
Wait for the Scan to Finish
Malwarebytes will scan your Mac for adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious programs. This can take a few minutes, so feel free to do something else — just check back occasionally to see the progress.
Quarantine the Detected Threats
When the scan is done, you’ll see a list of everything Malwarebytes found. Click the “Quarantine” button to remove all the threats at once.
Restart Your Mac
Malwarebytes will now remove all the malicious files it found. Some threats can only be fully removed after a reboot — if Malwarebytes asks you to restart, allow it. Once you’re logged back in, your Mac is clean.
Once the scan is done, remove every threat it detected. Your Mac is now free of adware, rogue browser extensions, and other potentially harmful software.
If your current antivirus allowed a malicious program on your computer, you might want to consider purchasing the full-featured version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still experiencing problems while trying to remove a malicious program from your computer, please ask for help in our Mac Malware Removal Help & Support forum.
Run a Malware Scan with Malwarebytes for Android
Malwarebytes for Android automatically detects and removes dangerous threats like malware and ransomware so you don’t have to worry about your most-used device being compromised. Aggressive detection of adware and potentially unwanted programs keeps your Android phone or tablet running smooth.
Download Malwarebytes for Android.
You can download Malwarebytes for Android by clicking the link below.
In the Google Play Store, tap “Install” to install Malwarebytes for Android on your device.
When the installation process has finished, tap “Open” to begin using Malwarebytes for Android. You can also open Malwarebytes by tapping on its icon in your phone menu or home screen.
Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the setup process
When Malwarebytes will open, you will see the Malwarebytes Setup Wizard which will guide you through a series of permissions and other setup options. This is the first of two screens that explain the difference between the Premium and Free versions. Swipe this screen to continue. Tap on “Got it” to proceed to the next step. Malwarebytes for Android will now ask for a set of permissions that are required to scan your device and protect it from malware. Tap on “Give permission” to continue. Tap on “Allow” to permit Malwarebytes to access the files on your phone.
Update database and run a scan with Malwarebytes for Android
You will now be prompted to update the Malwarebytes database and run a full system scan.
Click on “Update database” to update the Malwarebytes for Android definitions to the latest version, then click on “Run full scan” to perform a system scan.
Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will now start scanning your phone for adware and other malicious apps. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check on the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
Click on “Remove Selected”.
When the scan has been completed, you will be presented with a screen showing the malware infections that Malwarebytes for Android has detected. To remove the malicious apps that Malwarebytes has found, tap on the “Remove Selected” button.
Restart your phone.
Malwarebytes for Android will now remove all the malicious apps that it has found. To complete the malware removal process, Malwarebytes may ask you to restart your device.
After the scan, tap Remove Selected to delete all detected threats. Your Android phone is now clean — no more malicious apps, adware, or browser redirects.
If your current antivirus allowed a malicious app on your phone, you may want to consider purchasing the full-featured version of Malwarebytes to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still having problems with your phone after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
Restore your phone to factory settings by going to Settings > General management > Reset > Factory data reset.
Now that your device is clean, keep it that way. Most infections start with a malicious ad or a fake download button — so blocking them at the source is your best defense.
We recommend AdGuard, which blocks malicious ads, phishing pages, and dangerous redirects before they can reach you.
Frequently Asked Questions About the $100 Amazon Gift Card Scam
1. How does the $100 Amazon gift card scam work?
The scam begins with an ad offering a free $100 Amazon gift card. If you click through, you are taken to a fake website dressed up to look like Amazon. You are prompted to take a survey and enter personal details to claim your “prize.” After completing the survey, you are told to finish an “offer” like downloading malware or signing up for a sketchy subscription. The scammers use your data for identity theft and profit from the ads and offers. Victims never receive a gift card.
2. What are some common claims in the $100 Amazon gift card scam ads?
Some typical claims are that you’ve been “specially selected” to receive a $100 gift card, you just need to take a short survey, or you can get the card by clicking a link or sharing with friends. The goal is to get you to a fake website to harvest your personal information.
3. What types of info do the scammers gather in the survey?
The survey starts by asking basic questions about age, gender, Amazon shopping habits. Then they ask for sensitive details like your name, home address, email, phone number, credit card number. In some cases, you are prompted to login to your Amazon account through their fake site.
4. What happens after completing the survey?
After the survey, you are told you must complete “one more offer” to get your gift card. This usually involves downloading malware, signing up for shady subscriptions, taking more surveys, or calling scam phone numbers. Of course, you never get a gift card.
5. What do scammers do with your personal info?
Scammers sell your details online to identity thieves. They use your credit card for fraudulent purchases. They access your Amazon account to make purchases. They open loans or credit cards under your name. Your data enables a variety of fraud.
6. How can you identify the $100 Amazon gift card scam?
Look for too-good-to-be-true offers. Fake sites use Amazon logos and branding but slightly altered URLs. Surveys that ask for financial details are a red flag. Claims that you must complete another “offer” before getting a prize indicate a scam.
7. What should you do if you shared your information through this scam?
Contact your bank and credit card companies to block fraudulent charges. Change your Amazon password immediately and enable two-factor authentication. Scan devices for malware. Place a fraud alert and monitor your credit reports. Report identity theft to the FTC.
8. Are there any legitimate reasons Amazon would ask for your personal information?
No, Amazon will never ask for your sensitive details like credit card information or login credentials through an online ad, survey or questionable website. Legitimate Amazon giveaways don’t require you to complete multiple steps to get a gift card.
9. How can you protect yourself from the $100 Amazon gift card scam?
Avoid clicking on random links and ads. Don’t provide info to unfamiliar sites. Use two-factor authentication on your accounts. Monitor your credit and bank statements regularly. Learn to recognize the common signs of a scam involving Amazon. Only enter info at amazon.com.
10. What should you do if you receive a recovery scam call after falling victim?
You may get calls claiming to be Amazon and offering to recover lost money. These are scammers trying to take more money from you. Never give remote access to your devices or make any payments to someone claiming to help. Contact Amazon customer service directly through their official website.
The Bottom Line
The $100 Amazon gift card scam is designed to steal your personal information and money through tempting, but fraudulent, offers. Protect yourself by learning to spot the scam ads, websites, and surveys. Never give your sensitive info to unfamiliar sites.
If you did fall victim, take action right away to minimize the damage. Alert financial institutions, place fraud alerts, monitor your credit, and change compromised credentials. Don’t trust any unsolicited contacts claiming to help recover lost money.
Stay vigilant about scams mentioning Amazon to avoid falling for this prevalent fraud. Remember, if it seems too good to be true, it usually is. Legitimate giveaways from Amazon will never ask for financial details or account logins. When in doubt, contact Amazon customer service directly through their official website.
10 Rules to Avoid Online Scams
Here are 10 practical safety rules to help you avoid malware, online shopping scams, crypto scams, and other online fraud. Each tip includes a quick “if you already got hit” action.
Stop and verify before you click, log in, download, or pay.
Most scams win by creating urgency. Verify using a trusted method: type the website address yourself, use the official app, or call a known number (not the one in the message).
If you already clicked: close the page, do not enter passwords, and run a malware scan.
Keep your operating system, browser, and apps updated.
Updates patch security holes used by malware and malicious ads. Turn on automatic updates where possible.
If you saw a scary “update now” pop-up: close it and update only through your device settings or the official app store.
Use layered protection: antivirus plus an ad blocker.
Antivirus helps block malware. An ad blocker reduces scam redirects, phishing pages, and malvertising.
If your browser is acting weird: remove unknown extensions, reset the browser, then run a full scan.
Install apps, software, and extensions only from official sources.
Avoid cracked software, “keygens,” and random downloads. During installs, choose Custom/Advanced and decline bundled offers you do not recognize.
If you already installed something suspicious: uninstall it, restart, and scan again.
Treat links and attachments as untrusted by default.
Phishing often impersonates delivery services, banks, and popular brands. If it is unexpected, do not open attachments or log in through the message.
If you entered credentials: change the password immediately and enable 2FA.
Shop safely: research the store, then pay with protection.
Be cautious with brand-new stores, “closing sale” stories, and prices that make no sense. Prefer credit cards or PayPal for dispute options. Avoid wire transfers, gift cards, and crypto payments.
If you already paid: contact your card issuer or PayPal quickly to dispute the transaction.
Crypto rule: never pay a “fee” to withdraw or recover money.
Common patterns include fake profits, then “tax,” “gas,” or “verification” fees. Another is a “recovery agent” who demands upfront crypto.
If you already sent crypto: stop paying, save evidence (wallet addresses, TXIDs, chats), and report the scam to the platform used.
Secure your accounts with unique passwords and 2FA (start with email).
Use a password manager and unique passwords for every account. Enable 2FA using an authenticator app when possible.
If you suspect an account takeover: change passwords, sign out of all devices, and review recent logins and recovery settings.
Back up important files and keep one backup offline.
Backups protect you from ransomware and device failure. Keep at least one backup on an external drive that is not always connected.
If you suspect infection: do not connect backup drives until the system is clean.
If you think you are a victim: stop losses, document evidence, and escalate fast.
Move quickly. Speed matters for disputes, account recovery, and limiting damage.
Stop payments and contact: do not send more money or respond to the scammer.
Call your bank or card issuer: block transactions, replace the card if needed, and start a dispute or chargeback.
Secure your email first: change the email password, enable 2FA, and remove unfamiliar recovery options.
Secure other accounts: change passwords, enable 2FA, and log out of all sessions.
Scan your device: remove suspicious apps or extensions, then run a full malware scan.
Save evidence: screenshots, emails, order pages, tracking pages, wallet addresses, TXIDs, and chat logs.
Report it: to the payment provider, marketplace, social platform, exchange, or wallet service involved.
These rules are intentionally simple. Most online losses happen when decisions are rushed. Slow down, verify independently, and use payment methods and account controls that give you recourse.
Thomas is an expert at uncovering scams and providing in-depth reporting on cyber threats and online fraud. As an editor, he is dedicated to keeping readers informed on the latest developments in cybersecurity and tech.
