Don’t Fall for the “Amazon Pending Prize” Survey Scam – Read This
Written by: Thomas Orsolya
Published on:
The “Amazon Pending Prize” scam is a new form of online fraud that is catching many shoppers off guard. Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their efforts to divert victims to fake websites and steal their personal information and money. This article will provide an in-depth look at how this scam works, what to do if you have fallen victim, and how to stay safe while shopping online.
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Overview of the “Amazon Pending Prize” Scam
The “Amazon Pending Prize” scam starts with malvertising, malicious redirects, pop-ups or spam emails designed to lure victims to fake websites dressed up to resemble Amazon. These sites congratulate shoppers for “winning” an iPhone or other desirable prize. To claim their prize, victims are prompted to complete a short survey and pay a small shipping fee. However, the credit card details entered by victims end up enabling scammers to charge recurring, hard-to-cancel fees for unwanted subscriptions and services.
This is a form of subscription scam that can quickly spiral out of control. An initial $2 charge may climb to $39, $59 or even $99 as scammers bill credit cards repeatedly for products or services the victims never requested. Canceling these fraudulent charges or subscriptions is made purposefully difficult, allowing scammers to rack up substantial ill-gotten gains before victims can put a stop to it.
How the Scam Spreads
Cybercriminals behind this scam rely on malvertising, malicious redirects and spam emails to drive traffic to their fake Amazon domains.
Malvertising refers to online ads infected with malware that redirects victims without consent. These may appear on otherwise trusted websites.
Malicious redirects also hijack browsers unexpectedly to route victims towards dangerous sites without them realizing it. After clicking a compromised link, users may be bounced through various sites before landing on the fake Amazon prize page.
Spam emails promising prizes or special offers may also contain embedded links or attachments with malware enabling redirects to the phishing site.
In other cases, victims may encounter an official-looking pop-up ad while shopping at Amazon offering a special promotion or prize. Clicking anywhere on the pop-up causes an unauthorized redirect to the fraudulent website.
Regardless of how victims arrive, the result is the same. They are duped into entering personal information under the pretense of claiming an attractive prize, enabling scammers to steal their identity and money.
How the “Amazon Pending Prize” Scam Works
The “Amazon Pending Prize” scam is carefully orchestrated at every step to take advantage of unsuspecting shoppers. Here is an inside look at precisely how this scam unfolds.
1. Landing on the Fake Website
Victims redirected to the fraudulent website are met with an exciting announcement declaring them the winner of a free Apple iPhone 14 Pro or other extravagant prize. The page is made to closely resemble a legitimate Amazon promotions page using copied images and branding elements.
A countdown clock ratschets up urgency about “limited prizes” while fake reviews and comments manufacture social proof. In reality, every visitor appears as the lucky “winner” and there is no prize draw occurring.
2. Completing the “Survey”
To claim their “prize,” visitors must first complete a “short survey” disclosed as a precondition for the offer. The questions asked seem innocuous, covering age range, gender and shopping habits on Amazon.
Victims eager to secure their prize provide answers quickly without considering the ramifications of handing personal data directly to criminals. With information like age, name, address and shopping tendencies, scammers can fine-tune social engineering tactics in follow-up attempts.
After finishing all the survey questions, another congratulatory message appears confirming the ruse was successful.
3. Claiming the “Prize”
The next step pressures visitors to “claim their iPhone 14 Pro” by selecting the correct box among three options that supposedly contains the device. Victims are granted three attempts to get it right. Of course, each box results in another congratulatory message and request to proceed towards collecting the prize.
Scammers use psychological manipulation to make victims feel they have earned the reward, hoping they will now comply with the final step and pay the shipping fee. The small $2 charge seems a pittance compared to the promised $1000 iPhone.
Visitors asked to enter a valid shipping address and credit card create a binding financial relationship with scammers operating the fake promotions website. While told the charge is for delivery, simply handing over payment details authorizes recurring billing down the road.
4. Hidden Subscription Sign-Up
After victims enter payment information, many notice a small initial $2 charge from an unfamiliar company for “shipping and processing” fees. However, the true costs quickly escalate unbeknownst to most victims.
Within days, much larger charges appear from the same shady merchant along the lines of:
Fast PDF Converter subscription – $39/month
Mega Ebook Bundle subscription – $59/month
Unlimited Movie Club subscription – $99/month
Canceling these expensive subscriptions or services is difficult by design, allowing scammers to rack up hundreds in fraudulent credit card charges before victims catch on.
The minimal upfront cost is simply to capture the credit card details for ongoing billing, while distracted shoppers remain unaware they have been scammed until the larger recurrent fees hit their accounts.
What to Do If You Are a Victim
If you have fallen victim to the “Amazon Pending Prize” or similar online subscription scam, remain calm and take the following steps right away:
Step 1: Contact Your Credit Card Provider
Call the number on the back of your credit/debit card and speak with someone in the fraud department. Alert them you have been scammed into providing your card information and wish to report fraudulent charges.
Provide details like the initial charge amount, name of the merchant and any subsequent charges from the same vendor. This will allow the fraud team to identify charges stemming from the scam purchase and begin investigating.
Step 2: Request a Chargeback
Clearly state you wish to contest all charges related to the scam website as unauthorized and fraudulent. This officially launches a chargeback dispute which requires the merchant prove charges are legitimate – something scammers cannot do.
If charges are still hitting your account, requesting a chargeback also authorizes your credit card company to block the vendor entirely from future billing.
Step 3: Cancel Compromised Cards
Even if you request a new card number, scammers may still have access to the CSV code and expiration date enabling them to generate additional charges.
To prevent repeated fraudulent billing, request entirely new card details from your bank or credit provider. This severs all payment authorization granted previously to the scammers.
Monitor account activity closely for the next 1-2 billing cycles to ensure no residual fake charges slip through. Report any suspicious or unrecognized activity immediately to reinstate a block.
Step 4: Secure Other Accounts
If you used the compromised card details to pay for any subscriptions, memberships or services online, scammers may have accessed this information as well.
Log in and change your payment details on all other sites that may have stored the card data to avoid potential fallout from the initial scam.
Use unique passwords and turn on enhanced security settings where available as an extra precaution going forward.
Step 5: Watch for Identity Theft
Unfortunately, the personal details handed to scammers may empower additional fraud down the road. With information like your name, address, age and shopping habits, criminals can impersonate you more convincingly online and via phone.
Sign up for free credit monitoring to keep an eye out for loans or accounts opened fraudulently in your name. Security freezes restricting new lines of credit may also help protect against follow-up identity theft.
Remain vigilant and review all account statements routinely to catch unauthorized activity right away. Report anything suspicious to the appropriate financial institutions.
How to Avoid “Amazon Pending Prize” Scams
While cleverly designed, awareness of common red flags can help consumers steer clear of “Amazon Pending Prize” scams entirely. Here are some top warning signs:
You Didn’t Enter Any Contest or Drawing
Real prizes and giveaways always publicize official rules for entry and selection of winners. If you don’t recall opting in or submitting your details intentionally somewhere, claims of you winning a random drawing are scams.
Links and pop-ups Lead to Odd URLs
Inspect all links closely before clicking. Hover to preview destinations if able. Secure Amazon domains should route to URLs starting with “Amazon.com” or variations like “Amazon.co.uk” for regional sites.
Any redirection to an unfamiliar site should elicit caution about sharing data or making purchases.
Suspicious Requests for Personal Details
Amazon and most legitimate brands avoid asking for private information like age, gender or shopping habits without consent. Be wary of any site that demands this data paired with credit card details – it is likely a scam phishing for data.
Upfront Costs to Claim Prizes
You should never pay money as a condition for receiving sweepstakes prizes, giveaways or contest winnings. Requests for shipping fees, processing charges or taxes are universally scam red flags.
Aggressive Sales Tactics
High pressure ploys insisting offers are extremely limited or expiring imminently should make consumers skeptical. Strip away urgency tactics and scams often reveal inconsistent logic why total strangers are entitled to lavish gifts requiring payment.
Is Your Device Infected? Check for Malware
If your device is running slowly or acting suspicious, it may be infected with malware. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free is a great option for scanning your device and detecting potential malware or viruses. The free version can efficiently check for and remove many common infections.
Malwarebytes can run on Windows, Mac, and Android devices. Depending on which operating system is installed on the device you’re trying to run a Malwarebytes scan, please click on the tab below and follow the displayed steps.
Malwarebytes For WindowsMalwarebytes For MacMalwarebytes For Android
Scan your computer with Malwarebytes for Windows to remove malware
Malwarebytes stands out as one of the leading and widely-used anti-malware solutions for Windows, and for good reason. It effectively eradicates various types of malware that other programs often overlook, all at no cost to you. When it comes to disinfecting an infected device, Malwarebytes has consistently been a free and indispensable tool in the battle against malware. We highly recommend it for maintaining a clean and secure system.
Download Malwarebytes for Windows
You can download Malwarebytes by clicking the link below.
After the download is complete, locate the MBSetup file, typically found in your Downloads folder. Double-click on the MBSetup file to begin the installation of Malwarebytes on your computer. If a User Account Control pop-up appears, click “Yes” to continue the Malwarebytes installation.
Follow the On-Screen Prompts to Install Malwarebytes
When the Malwarebytes installation begins, the setup wizard will guide you through the process.
You’ll first be prompted to choose the type of computer you’re installing the program on—select either “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer” as appropriate, then click on Next.
Malwarebytes will now begin the installation process on your device.
When the Malwarebytes installation is complete, the program will automatically open to the “Welcome to Malwarebytes” screen.
On the final screen, simply click on the Open Malwarebytes option to start the program.
Enable “Rootkit scanning”.
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware will now start, and you will see the main screen as shown below. To maximize Malwarebytes’ ability to detect malware and unwanted programs, we need to enable rootkit scanning. Click on the “Settings” gear icon located on the left of the screen to access the general settings section.
In the settings menu, enable the “Scan for rootkits” option by clicking the toggle switch until it turns blue.
Now that you have enabled rootkit scanning, click on the “Dashboard” button in the left pane to get back to the main screen.
Perform a Scan with Malwarebytes.
To start a scan, click the Scan button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its antivirus database and begin scanning your computer for malicious programs.
Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will now scan your computer for browser hijackers and other malicious programs. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
Quarantine detected malware
Once the Malwarebytes scan is complete, it will display a list of detected malware, adware, and potentially unwanted programs. To effectively remove these threats, click the “Quarantine” button.
Malwarebytes will now delete all of the files and registry keys and add them to the program’s quarantine.
Restart your computer.
When removing files, Malwarebytes may require a reboot to fully eliminate some threats. If you see a message indicating that a reboot is needed, please allow it. Once your computer has restarted and you are logged back in, you can continue with the remaining steps.
Your computer should now be free of trojans, adware, browser hijackers, and other malware.
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:
Scan your computer with Malwarebytes for Mac to remove malware
Malwarebytes for Mac is an on-demand scanner that can destroy many types of malware that other software tends to miss without costing you absolutely anything. When it comes to cleaning up an infected device, Malwarebytes has always been free, and we recommend it as an essential tool in the fight against malware.
Download Malwarebytes for Mac.
You can download Malwarebytes for Mac by clicking the link below.
When Malwarebytes has finished downloading, double-click on the setup file to install Malwarebytes on your computer. In most cases, downloaded files are saved to the Downloads folder.
Follow the on-screen prompts to install Malwarebytes.
When the Malwarebytes installation begins, you will see the Malwarebytes for Mac Installer which will guide you through the installation process. Click “Continue“, then keep following the prompts to continue with the installation process.
When your Malwarebytes installation completes, the program opens to the Welcome to Malwarebytes screen. Click the “Get started” button.
Select “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer”.
The Malwarebytes Welcome screen will first ask you what type of computer are you installing this program, click either Personal Computer or Work Computer.
Click on “Scan”.
To scan your computer with Malwarebytes, click on the “Scan” button. Malwarebytes for Mac will automatically update the antivirus database and start scanning your computer for malware.
Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will scan your computer for adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious programs. 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 “Quarantine”.
When the scan has been completed, you will be presented with a screen showing the malware infections that Malwarebytes has detected. To remove the malware that Malwarebytes has found, click on the “Quarantine” button.
Restart computer.
Malwarebytes will now remove all the malicious files that it has found. To complete the malware removal process, Malwarebytes may ask you to restart your computer.
Your Mac should now be free of adware, browser hijackers, and other malware.
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.
Scan your phone with Malwarebytes for Android to remove malware
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.
Your phone should now be free of adware, browser hijackers, and other malware.
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.
Beyond the specific context of prize scams, consumers can adopt certain safeguards to reduce the risk of tricks like malicious redirects and bogus websites stealing financial information:
Install reputable malware and phishing browser extensions that block known fraudulent sites automatically behind the scenes.
Be wary of online ads in general and never click pop-up advertisements which commonly spread redirects. Use an ad-blocker if available.
Hovers over links to verify destinations before clicking. Known brands should have easily identifiable URLs.
Use unique complex passwords on all accounts and enable two-factor authentication where available.
Monitor financial accounts routinely for unfamiliar charges from merchants you don’t recognize.
Ultimately, skepticism is the consumer’s best defense against increasingly clever fraud tactics like the “Amazon Pending Prize” scam. If an offer seems too good to be true, it almost universally is. Report suspicious activities to appropriate institutions to get fraudulent charges reversed quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions about the “Amazon Pending Prize” Scam
The “Amazon Pending Prize” scam tricks users into signing up for unwanted subscriptions and services. This FAQ covers key questions to help consumers identify and respond to this fraud.
What is the “Amazon Pending Prize” scam?
The “Amazon Pending Prize” scam uses false advertisements and prize claims to redirect users to fake websites impersonating Amazon. These scam pages congratulate victims on winning a free gift and request personal details to ship the prize. However, the true motive is to capture credit card information for fraudulent recurring charges.
How does the Amazon prize scam work?
Scammers rely on malicious ads or email links to send users to sham Amazon domains.
The fake site declares visitors as prize winners to build trust and excitement.
Victims asked to complete a “prize claim” survey give away personal data.
After entering a credit card for a small $2 “shipping fee”, larger unauthorized subscription charges begin hitting victims’ accounts.
What happens once credit card information is entered?
While a legitimate shipping charge may initially appear for a small amount, entering payment details enables scammers to make recurring monthly charges. Additional subscriptions for things like PDF services, ebooks, or movie clubs are repeatedly billed to victims. These charges can escalate to $39, $59 or even $99 without consent.
What types of monthly fees may I see?
Typical fraudulent monthly charges from the same vendor include:
Fast PDF Converter – $39
Mega Ebook Bundle – $59
Unlimited Movie Club – $99
However, scam merchants can bill for any sort of fictional digital service to profit from stolen payment details.
Why are these monthly fees so difficult to cancel?
By design, scammers make it extremely difficult for victims to halt recurring credit card charges once established. Fake customer service numbers may simply disconnect calls rather than assist with cancellation. This enables criminals to rack up substantial ill-gotten gains through unauthorized billing.
How can I tell if an Amazon prize offer is a scam?
Warning signs of the Amazon pending prize scam include:
Redirects to odd URLs not starting with “Amazon.com”.
Requests for personal data like age and shopping preferences.
Upfront costs to claim prizes you never entered to win originally.
High-pressure tactics insisting offers are expiring immediately.
What should I do if I already provided my information?
If you entered any personal or financial data, take these steps quickly:
Contact your credit card company to report fraudulent charges
Block future charges by requesting new card numbers
Ask about reversing charges through a chargeback dispute
Monitor accounts closely for 1-2 billing cycles for further suspicious charges
How can I avoid Amazon prize scams in the future?
To steer clear of prize scams:
Avoid clicking pop-up ads and verify redirect URLs before entering information
Reject prizes requiring upfront costs that you didn’t proactively sign up to win
Use unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication on all accounts
Review financial statements routinely for any unfamiliar subscription billings
With proper precautions, consumers can take full advantage of mobile and online shopping without risk of predatory prize scams.
The Bottom Line
The “Amazon Pending Prize” scam preys on excited shoppers distracted by the prospect of free gifts. By failing to scrutinize improbable rewards, visitors hand over personal financial data and open themselves to recurring subscription fees exceeding $100 in some cases.
If you have fallen victim, act swiftly to halt payments by requesting chargebacks from your credit card company. Change account details stored by any vendors recently and monitor closely for identity theft. Avoid prizes or special offers requiring upfront costs to claim and watch for pressure tactics insisting you act now.
How to Stay Safe Online
Here are 10 basic security tips to help you avoid malware and protect your device:
Use a good antivirus and keep it up-to-date.
It's essential to use a good quality antivirus and keep it up-to-date to stay ahead of the latest cyber threats. We are huge fans of Malwarebytes Premium and use it on all of our devices, including Windows and Mac computers as well as our mobile devices. Malwarebytes sits beside your traditional antivirus, filling in any gaps in its defenses, and providing extra protection against sneakier security threats.
Keep software and operating systems up-to-date.
Keep your operating system and apps up to date. Whenever an update is released for your device, download and install it right away. These updates often include security fixes, vulnerability patches, and other necessary maintenance.
Be careful when installing programs and apps.
Pay close attention to installation screens and license agreements when installing software. Custom or advanced installation options will often disclose any third-party software that is also being installed. Take great care in every stage of the process and make sure you know what it is you're agreeing to before you click "Next."
Install an ad blocker.
Use a browser-based content blocker, like AdGuard. Content blockers help stop malicious ads, Trojans, phishing, and other undesirable content that an antivirus product alone may not stop.
Be careful what you download.
A top goal of cybercriminals is to trick you into downloading malware—programs or apps that carry malware or try to steal information. This malware can be disguised as an app: anything from a popular game to something that checks traffic or the weather.
Be alert for people trying to trick you.
Whether it's your email, phone, messenger, or other applications, always be alert and on guard for someone trying to trick you into clicking on links or replying to messages. Remember that it's easy to spoof phone numbers, so a familiar name or number doesn't make messages more trustworthy.
Back up your data.
Back up your data frequently and check that your backup data can be restored. You can do this manually on an external HDD/USB stick, or automatically using backup software. This is also the best way to counter ransomware. Never connect the backup drive to a computer if you suspect that the computer is infected with malware.
Choose strong passwords.
Use strong and unique passwords for each of your accounts. Avoid using personal information or easily guessable words in your passwords. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts whenever possible.
Be careful where you click.
Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. These could potentially contain malware or phishing scams.
Don't use pirated software.
Avoid using Peer-to-Peer (P2P) file-sharing programs, keygens, cracks, and other pirated software that can often compromise your data, privacy, or both.
To avoid potential dangers on the internet, it's important to follow these 10 basic safety rules. By doing so, you can protect yourself from many of the unpleasant surprises that can arise when using the web.
Meet Thomas Orsolya
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.
