The Amazon mystery box scam has been making the rounds on social media and ecommerce sites, luring unsuspecting shoppers with promises of discounted tech and other expensive products. But what exactly is this scam, and how can you avoid falling victim?
This comprehensive guide will provide an in-depth look at how the Amazon mystery box scam works, what to do if you’ve been tricked, and how to stay safe when shopping online.
This Article Contains:
Overview of the Amazon Mystery Box Scam
The Amazon mystery box scam is a viral scheme currently circulating on social media and ecommerce sites like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. Scammers run video ads promoting mystery boxes full of expensive tech products and tools for very low prices, claiming the boxes contain unclaimed Amazon inventory being cleared out. However, these ads actually link to fake websites impersonating Amazon, scamming consumers out of money and personal information.
This insidious scam typically begins when a social media user sees an engaging video ad for an Amazon mystery box promotion. The video displays footage of expensive tech like iPhones, gaming consoles, and laptops supposedly inside the mystery boxes. Prices for the displayed boxes range from just $29 to $99, with the sellers claiming they are excess Amazon stock being cleared out at a huge discount.
The video ad is intentionally created to go viral, showing the expensive looking products and touting unbelievable prices. This sparks intense interest in potential victims who think they have a chance at expensive tech for under $50. Popular products showcased include iPhones, gaming systems like PS5 and Xbox, flat screen TVs, drones, Roomba vacuums, beats headphones and more. Luxury brand names will also be featured to increase legitimacy like Apple, Sony, Bose, Samsung, LG, HP, and Dell.
Once intrigued, the target is directed to click a link bringing them to what appears to be the official Amazon website. However, on closer inspection it is a fake site dressed up to impersonate Amazon. The scam website will use the Amazon logo, web design, and stock product images without permission to trick users into thinking they are on the real Amazon.
The fake website promotes the mystery boxes in a variety of ways to hook victims into making a purchase. Listings will have titles like “Mystery Box Special,” “Amazon Warehouse Clearance,” or “Unclaimed Package Pallet.” Product descriptions boast unbelievable savings, claiming the $29 mystery box is worth over $2000 in electronics, or the $49 box contains over $3000 in goods.
To provide a false sense of exclusivity and urgency, limited quantity countdown timers and warnings that the deal is expiring soon will be displayed. Shipping is touted as free to remove any purchasing barriers. Images depict pallets of packages ready to ship out, when in reality it is a stock photo.
Once the target decides to purchase, they are directed to a checkout page asking for personal and payment information. The victim enters details like name, address, and card info, allowing scammers to steal identities and illegally charge cards.
After submitting payment, victims receive a confirmation email thanking them for their Amazon purchase. But in reality, they will either receive:
- A cheap, low-value item like a dollar store bracelet or pair of knockoff sunglasses.
- A random product that doesn’t match what was advertised at all.
- Nothing shipped to them whatsoever.
This leaves the victim having paid up to $49 for a mystery box that turned out to be a scam. Even worse, their personal information like name, address, and card number is now in the hands of scammers who will use it for identity theft or make additional fraudulent charges.
When trying to get in touch with the seller afterward, victims find there is no way to contact them. The sites provide no working customer service number, physical address, or even a responsive email. Those who paid with untraceable methods like pre-paid cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or gift cards have little recourse to get money back. The fake sites soon vanish without a trace, ready to reappear under a new domain.
The Amazon mystery box scam has been rising in popularity thanks to scammers aggressively pushing video ads via social media. They combine the lure of unbeatable prices with the reputation of Amazon to deceive consumers. Millions have likely seen the enticing mystery box promotions popping up in feeds and stories. Unfortunately, behind the seductive offers lies a ruthless scam designed to defraud anyone looking to score great deals on hot products.
How the Amazon Mystery Box Scam Works
The Amazon mystery box scam is executed through a sophisticated step-by-step process designed to leverage social media ads and fake ecommerce stores. Here is an in-depth look at exactly how scammers carry out this fraudulent scheme to deceive consumers:
Step 1 – Create Viral Social Media Ads
The scammers begin by producing enticing video ads showcasing luxury products like iPhones, game consoles and 4K TVs. The videos claim these expensive items are contained inside mystery boxes and pallet lots being cleared out by Amazon for incredibly low prices.
Popular examples showcase pallets of PlayStation 5’s for $49 each, stacks of iPhone boxes for $39 each, and 50″ Samsung TVs for $29 per mystery box. Prices typically range from $29 to $49 for a full pallet or box.
The videos are crafted to go viral, using urgent messaging about the amazing but limited opportunity. Text overlays will say things like “Unbelievable Amazon Deals!”, “Limited inventory!” and “Going fast!”. This convinces viewers they need to act now before supplies run out.
Step 2 – Promote Ads Across Social Media
Once produced, the scam videos are unleashed across every major social platform. They are seeded on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Twitter, Snapchat and more.
The scammers will also purchase cheap bot followers and likes/shares to make the ads appear popular. This improves visibility so the ads are served organically to a massive audience of real users.
Step 3 – Direct Clicks to Fake Ecommerce Stores
The goal of the social videos is directing clicks to fake ecommerce stores impersonating Amazon. These scam websites are made to look like the real Amazon site through stolen branding and web design.
The sites are hosted on recently created domains often containing the words “Amazon” or “Deals”. Site titles seen include “Amazon Mystery Boxes”, “Amazon Prime Outlet,” and “Amazon Warehouse Clearance”.
Step 4 – List Fake Mystery Box Deals
These fake sites contain listings for the same mystery boxes highlighted in the ads. The products are given unbelievable descriptions about the amazing contents being cleared out by Amazon.
Listings are titled things like “iPhone Mystery Box – 10 Units” or “AmazonReturnsPallet – 50 Units”. The descriptions claim each box contains thousands in electronics, tech, and other coveted products. Fake limited-time countdowns create false urgency.
Step 5 – Entice Victims With Low Prices
Scarcity messaging is combined with incredibly low prices on the listings to entice victims. Examples include an “Amazon Warehouse Grab Bag” worth $1500 in electronics priced at just $29. A “Customer Returns Pallet” with a $700 MSRP will be just $39.
These shocking prices drive impulse purchases from users who think they are getting an unbelievable steal on Amazon overstock items. In reality, the listings are completely fabricated.
Step 6 – Gather Victim Payment Details
When a target attempts to purchase a mystery box, they are taken to a checkout page. Here they must enter personal and payment information including:
- Full Name
- Physical Address
- Email Address
- Credit/Debit Card Number
- Card Security Code
- Card Expiration
Entering these details allows scammers to steal identities and make fraudulent purchases.
Step 7 – Complete the Fake Transaction
After submitting payment info, victims receive an order confirmation email thanking them for shopping at Amazon. This adds legitimacy and makes them think the transaction is done.
In reality, their money and information is now in the hands of scammers. No Amazon order has been placed, only a payment made to scammers impersonating Amazon.
Step 8 – Ship Worthless Products or Nothing
For orders that do receive something in the mail, it will be a nearly worthless product like a cheap bracelet or $1 sunglasses. This fulfills the bare minimum promise made during purchase.
However, most orders will never receive any shipment at all. Or at best, victims may get an empty box or package full of paper. Either way, victims get ripped off.
Step 9 – Disable All Contact Methods
When victims inevitably try contacting the scammers about the fraudulent orders, they find no way to reach them. Fake phone numbers don’t work. Email addresses go unanswered. Physical addresses don’t exist.
The fake sites soon disappear entirely or reappear under new domains. This prevents angry scam targets from tracking down the criminals.
By expertly leveraging social media and impersonating Amazon, scammers have crafted an incredibly deceptive process for executing the mystery box scam. Stay far away from this scheme, as even savvy shoppers can be tricked into buying from the realistic looking fake sites.
What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed By an Amazon Mystery Box
If you ordered an Amazon mystery box online and soon realized it was a scam, here are some tips on what to do next:
1. Report the Fraudulent Seller
Gather any details you have about the scam website and seller and report them immediately. Contact Amazon directly and advise them of the unauthorized use of their brand. Also file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
2. Call Your Bank
If you paid by debit or credit card, call your bank immediately and explain it was an unauthorized transaction. Depending on the policies, your bank may be able to reverse the charges by initiating a chargeback. Act quickly, as chargeback time limits typically range from 90-120 days.
3. Monitor Your Accounts
Keep close watch on all your financial accounts used during the transaction for any suspicious activity. Scammers may have accessed account numbers to make additional fraudulent charges. It’s recommended to change all account passwords as a precaution.
4. Beware of Recovery Scams
You may be contacted by someone claiming they can recover your lost money—for an upfront fee. Be wary, as this is nearly always another scam tactic. Government agencies do not charge fees upfront to assist with crime victim recovery efforts.
5. Report Identification Theft
If any personal data was compromised, report it to the FTC and monitor your credit reports for suspicious activity. Place a fraud alert and credit freeze if needed to protect your identity.
6. Dispute the Charges
If you paid with a debit or credit card, dispute the transaction in writing with your bank. Provide evidence it was fraudulent, not as described, or never delivered. This can help secure a chargeback refund.
Avoiding Amazon Mystery Box Scams
While scam mystery boxes continue circulating online, you can avoid getting ripped off by following these tips:
- Verify legitimacy – Only purchase from Amazon.com directly or authorized resellers. Research sellers to confirm legitimacy.
- Ignore social ads – Don’t purchase products solely advertised on social media or ecommerce site ads, which are rife with scams.
- Beware unbelievable deals – Extreme low prices on expensive products are always too good to be true. Avoid jumping on a “limited time” deal without doing further research.
- Check site security – Ensure websites have “https://” URLs, checkout pages are encrypted, and the site has strong security measures.
- Read reviews – Search for reviews on both products and sellers. Scam products and sellers typically have no history.
- Use credit cards – Paying with a credit card gives you much stronger fraud protection and ability to dispute charges. Never pay by cryptocurrency, wire transfer, or gift card—common scammer demands.
- Trust instinct – If something seems questionable about a seller, product, or deal, walk away. It’s best not to take the risk.
Legitimate Mystery Box Auctions vs. Scam Ads
While the mystery box scam is circulating rampantly online, it’s important to note there are some legitimate companies hosting actual blind box and pallet auctions. These involve bidding on real unclaimed freight and liquidated inventory lots from major retailers and warehouses.
Companies like Liquidation.com have built legitimate businesses around these blind auction events, selling authentic overstock items in bulk. However, consumers must do research to ensure auction houses are credible operations before bidding.
The difference lies in advertising and fulfillment practices. Reputable auctioneers won’t utilize false scarcity or pressure tactics in advertising. And if you place a winning bid, you’ll receive an actual pallet of legitimate merchandise.
In contrast, the viral social media ads for Amazon mystery boxes are pure scams. The ads promote fabricated listings with untruthful marketing. And any items fulfilled will be worthless junk – if you receive anything at all.
While scoring discounted bulk inventory can be an exciting proposition, extreme caution is required. Social media ads containing unbelievable prices, urgent countdowns, and pressure tactics should be assumed fraudulent. Only do business with established auction houses boasting solid reputations and transparent practices.
Scrutinize seller details, read reviews, and understand your consumer protections before bidding. As the saying goes “if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.” Trust your instincts and don’t take unnecessary risks just for the chance to win coveted products on the cheap.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Amazon Mystery Box Scam
Many consumers have questions about this pervasive scam making the rounds on social media. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.
1. What Exactly is the Amazon Mystery Box Scam?
This viral scam involves false social media ads for Amazon mystery boxes containing expensive products like iPhones and game consoles for very low prices (typically $29 to $49 per box). The ads link to fake websites pretending to be Amazon, scamming victims out of money and personal information. Victims receive nothing or a worthless item.
2. How Does the Amazon Mystery Box Scam Work?
The scam begins with engaging social media ads showcasing luxury tech products supposedly inside dirt cheap mystery boxes. The ads direct victims to fake sites impersonating Amazon to purchase the deals. Victims enter personal and payment data which scammers steal. At best victims receive an empty box, at worst nothing ships at all.
3. What are Some Common Examples of This Scam?
Some common examples are ads promoting pallets of PS5’s for $49 each, iPhones for $39 each, or 50″ 4K TVs for $29 per box. Anything unbelievably discounted on social media should be assumed fraudulent.
5. What Products are Typically Advertised In the Scam Ads?
Luxury electronics like iPhones, gaming consoles, drones, Roomba vacuums, laptops and TVs are commonly advertised. Brand names like Apple, Sony, Bose, Samsung, Microsoft, LG and others are also used.
5. Where are These Scam Ads Being Promoted?
The ads appear on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Twitter, Snapchat and other major social platforms. Scammers use bots and fake engagement to boost visibility so ads are served to real users.
6. What Should I Do if I Suspect an Ad is a Scam?
If an ad seems fraudulent, do NOT click the link. Report the ad and account to the social platform. Search online for reports of the site/seller being a scam. Check site reviews and research the domain age before making any purchases.
7. What are the Warning Signs of a Scam Website?
Warning signs include newly created domains, low prices (up to 90% off), fake contact info, stolen logos and images, bad grammar/typos, scammy slogans like “limited time,” and only accepting crypto or wire transfers.
8. What Should I Do if I Was Scammed?
If you are a victim, act quickly! Report the fraud to Amazon, file complaints with the FTC and IC3, call your bank to potentially reverse the charges, monitor your accounts for further fraud, beware of recovery scams asking for money, and dispute the charges with your payment provider.
9. How Can I Avoid Falling Victim to These Scams?
Only purchase directly from Amazon or authorized sellers, ignore unbelievable social media deals, check site security and reviews, pay with credit cards, and always trust your instincts. If an offer seems questionable, it’s best to assume it’s a scam and walk away.
The Bottom Line
The Amazon mystery box scam has exploded in popularity thanks to scammers expertly impersonating Amazon and leveraging the power of social media ads. They lure bargain seekers with viral videos and fake websites promising heavily discounted mystery boxes of expensive tech and other coveted products. However, those who purchase via the fraudulent sites either get a cheap trinket or nothing at all.
If you made the mistake of falling for this scam, act quickly to report the fraud, monitor your accounts, and dispute the charges. Be extremely wary of anyone asking for more money to supposedly assist you in recovering lost funds. Avoiding these scams in the first place is ideal by always purchasing directly from Amazon or authorized sellers and not jumping on deals that appear too good to be true. With fraudsters constantly cooking up new variations of the mystery box scam, maintaining high vigilance is essential when shopping online.
