Have you received an email claiming that someone logged into your Amazon account? Don’t click on any links – it’s a scam designed to steal your personal information. This sophisticated phishing attack aims to trick Amazon customers into handing over their login credentials.
In this article, we’ll break down exactly how the “Amazon Sign-in Attempt Notification Alert” scam works and what you need to do to avoid becoming a victim. With just a few simple precautions, you can keep your data safe and secure.
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Overview of the Amazon Sign-in Attempt Notification Scam
The “Amazon Sign-in Attempt Notification Alert” is a phishing scam where the attackers send an email pretending to be from Amazon. The email states that someone logged into your Amazon account from an unfamiliar device. It then prompts you to “Cancel Here” if it wasn’t you.
This email is carefully designed to look like a legitimate security alert from Amazon. The attackers use email spoofing techniques to make it seem like the email is really from an @amazon.com address. They also include Amazon branding elements and logos to appear more authentic.
The goal of the scam is to trick you into clicking on the “Cancel Here” link. But it does not actually cancel anything. Instead, it takes you to a fake Amazon phishing site that steals your Amazon login credentials.
With your username and password, the attackers can log into your real Amazon account. Once inside, they can view your personal information, shipping addresses, payment methods and order history. The scammers can also make fraudulent purchases using your saved payment info.
This scam is widespread and thousands of Amazon customers worldwide receive this email every day. It can result in stolen identities, unauthorized charges, and compromised personal information. That’s why it’s crucial to be able to recognize this scam and not fall for it.
Key Things to Know About This Scam
Uses email spoofing to appear as an @amazon.com email address
Contains Amazon branding and logos to look authentic
States someone logged into your account from an unknown device
Prompts you to “Cancel Here” if it wasn’t you
The “Cancel Here” link goes to a fake phishing site, not the real Amazon website
How the Amazon Sign-in Attempt Notification Scam Works
The scammers behind this phishing scam use clever social engineering techniques to try to deceive Amazon customers. Here is exactly how this scam works step-by-step:
1. You Receive an Email Pretending to Be From Amazon
The first step is you receive an email with an urgent warning that someone signed into your Amazon account. The subject line usually says something like “Amazon Sign-in attempt Notification Alert.”
The email is spoofed to make it look like it is really from Amazon customer service. The sender address shown is something like account-update@amazon.com.
Of course, this is not really from Amazon. But the attackers use technical tricks to disguise the real sender address.
2. The Email Looks Like a Legitimate Amazon Security Alert
When you open the email, it is designed to look like an official security alert from Amazon. The email contains Amazon branding elements like logos and formatting.
This is to make the scam email appear as authentic as possible. The criminals behind the scam want you to think the email genuinely came from Amazon.
Amazon Someone signed-in to your account. When: March 03, 2025 02:57 PM Central European Summer Time Device: generic web browser macOS (Desktop) Near: Liège Province, Netherland If this was you, you can disregard this message. Otherwise, please Cancel Here. Is it safe to follow this link? The link provided in this email starts with “https://www.amazon.com”. If you prefer, copy the following link and paste it into a browser to view.
3. The Email Says Someone Logged Into Your Account
The body of the email states that someone signed into your Amazon account from an unfamiliar device. It specifies a date, time, device, and location of the “unauthorized” login attempt.
Some examples are:
Someone signed-in to your account.
When: March 03, 2025 02:57 PM Central European Summer Time
Device: generic web browser macOS (Desktop)
Near: Liège Province, Netherland
This is intended to make you worried that a hacker has accessed your account. Of course, the details are completely fake.
4. You Are Instructed to “Cancel Here” If It Wasn’t You
After stating that someone logged into your account, the email says “If this was you, you can disregard this message.”
It then urges you to “Otherwise, please Cancel Here.” This is the key call to action to trick you into clicking.
The scammers never outright ask for your password or sensitive information. Instead, they instruct you to “cancel” the unauthorized login.
5. The “Cancel Here” Link Goes to a Fake Amazon Phishing Site
This is the most crucial step. When you click on the “Cancel Here” link, it does NOT take you to the real Amazon website.
Instead, it goes to a sophisticated fake phishing site that mimics the real Amazon login page. This site was created by the scammers to steal your Amazon credentials.
The site looks just like the real thing, with Amazon branding and web address. But any information you enter is harvested by the criminals running the scam.
6. You Are Tricked Into Entering Your Amazon Login Details
When you arrive at the fake Amazon login page, you will be prompted to enter your email and password to “cancel” the unauthorized activity.
Since the page looks legitimate, you may trust it and enter your actual Amazon credentials. But this sends your username and password directly to the scammers.
7. The Attackers Gain Access and Steal Your Personal Info
With your real login details, the criminals can now access your legitimate Amazon account. Inside your account, they can view your personal information, order history, shipping addresses and payment methods.
The attackers may change settings, steal identities, make unauthorized purchases and generally wreak havoc. They can also install malware, access saved websites and passwords, and compromise other linked accounts.
This is why it’s so important not to fall for the “Amazon Sign-in Attempt Notification” phishing scam and enter your details on any untrusted sites.
What to Do If You Have Fallen Victim to This Scam
If you unfortunately did fall for this scam and entered your Amazon credentials into the phishing site, you are at risk of identity theft and account takeover. Here are the steps you should immediately take:
1. Change Your Amazon Password
First and foremost, login to your real Amazon account and change your password immediately. Pick a strong, unique password to prevent any further unauthorized access.
Enable two-factor authentication as an extra layer of security on your account. This requires you to input a code from your mobile device whenever logging in from a new device.
2. Review Recent Account Activity for Anything Suspicious
Closely review all recent activity on your Amazon account. Check your order history for any fraudulent purchases you did not make.
Look for any shipping address changes, added payment methods, or new account usernames that may indicate compromise.
3. Contact Amazon Customer Service
Notify Amazon customer service that your account was compromised. They can take additional steps to secure your account and reverse any unauthorized transactions.
You can contact Amazon by live chat through your account or by phone at 1-888-280-4331. Explain that you entered your login details into a phishing site and your account may be compromised.
4. Monitor Your Credit Card Statements
Keep a close eye on the credit card statements for any cards saved on your Amazon account. Look for small charges from Amazon that you don’t recognize, as scammers will often test stolen cards with small amounts first.
Contact your credit card company immediately if you see any suspicious transactions. You can request to put a hold on payments from Amazon or have a new card reissued.
5. Scan Your Computer for Malware
The phishing site you visited could have secretly downloaded malware onto your computer. Run a full antivirus scan to check for anything malicious.
Also change passwords for any other sensitive accounts, like email or banking, if you accessed them from the infected device. Keep an eye out for other signs of compromised accounts.
6. Report the Phishing Email
Forward the phishing email you received to Amazon directly at stop-spoofing@amazon.com. You can also report phishing emails to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
The more these scams are reported, the more likely action will be taken to shut them down. But thousands of innocent users still fall victim every day.
7. Increase Your Online Security Awareness
Make sure all members of your household are aware of the sneaky techniques used in phishing scams. Never enter your login information on any site you were sent to via email.
Be extra cautious when contacted about account security issues unexpectedly. Use unique passwords across different accounts and enable two-factor authentication wherever possible.
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.
This is a phishing scam where criminals send fake emails pretending to be from Amazon. The emails state someone logged into your Amazon account and urge you to “Cancel” the login or reset your password. It directs you to a fake website designed to steal your Amazon login credentials.
How does the scam email reach me?
The scammers use email spoofing techniques to make it look like the email is from Amazon customer service. The fake sender address is usually something like account-update@amazon.com.
Why do they want my Amazon password?
With your real login info, scammers can access your Amazon account. They can then view your personal info, shipping addresses, payment methods, and order history. They may make unauthorized purchases or access other linked accounts.
How can I tell if an email is really from Amazon?
Real Amazon emails will only come from an @amazon.com or @email.amazon.com address. Amazon will never ask you to verify personal information or reset your password via an unsolicited email.
What happens if I click the “Cancel” link?
The link sends you to a fake but realistic-looking Amazon login page to steal your credentials. Any info you enter is captured by the scammers running the phishing site.
I entered my password – what should I do now?
Immediately change your Amazon password and enable two-factor authentication. Check for unauthorized account activity. Contact Amazon customer service to secure your account. Monitor your credit cards for suspicious charges.
How can I avoid falling for this scam?
Never click links in unexpected security emails. Manually navigate to amazon.com to verify any alerts. Use unique passwords for all accounts. Enable two-factor authentication when possible. And be cautious of urgent requests for personal information.
How can I report this phishing email?
Forward any scam emails to Amazon directly at stop-spoofing@amazon.com. You can also report them to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Reporting these scams helps protect other customers.
The Bottom Line
The “Amazon Sign-in Attempt Notification Alert” is a devious phishing scam targeting Amazon customers worldwide. The scammers use sophisticated tricks to mimic Amazon and steal user login credentials.
If you receive an email like this, do NOT click on any links or provide your Amazon username or password. Report the email as phishing instead. Only enter your sensitive information on amazon.com or in the official mobile app.
Be wary of any unexpected security alerts. Verify the source by contacting Amazon customer service before taking any action. Avoid clicking links in emails and use strong unique passwords to protect all your accounts.
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.
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.
