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.
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.
Here is what the email scam might say:
Subject: Amazon Sign-in attempt Notification Alert
from: account-update@amazon.com
to: xxxxxAmazon
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? Run a Free Malware Scan
Slow performance, constant pop-ups, or strange behavior? These are classic signs of a malware infection. A quick way to check is to scan your device with Malwarebytes Free, one of the most trusted malware removal tools available. If you only visited a scam page and didn’t download or install anything, this scan is optional.
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 scan usually takes 5 to 20 minutes.
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 your PC and remove what Malwarebytes finds.
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.
Download MalwarebytesOfficial installer for Windows 11 and 10. Your download starts right away.Want real-time protection? See Malwarebytes Premium
Malwarebytes Free for WindowsScans and removes malware at no cost-
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:
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Choose where you’re installing the program — “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer” — then click Next.
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Malwarebytes will now install on your device. This usually takes under a minute.
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When installation is complete, the “Welcome to Malwarebytes” screen will open automatically.
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On the final screen, click Open Malwarebytes to launch the program.
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Optional: Check for rootkits with a Custom Scan
You don’t need to change any settings for a normal scan. The standard Threat Scan in the next step is enough for most problems, so you can go straight to it.
If you also want to check for rootkits, use a Custom Scan. In current versions of Malwarebytes, rootkit scanning is only available there:
- On the Scanner tile, click the three-dot menu and select Advanced Scan.
- Choose Custom Scan. In its options, check Scan for rootkits.
- Select your system drive (usually C:\) as the location to scan, then start the scan. It takes longer than a Threat Scan.
- When it finishes, review and quarantine the results as described in the steps below.
Rootkit scanning isn’t available on Windows devices with ARM processors.
Start the Scan
Click the blue Scan button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its virus database and start checking your computer for malware.
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Wait for the Scan to Finish
The scan checks your entire system for browser hijackers and other malicious programs, so it can take 5 to 20 minutes depending on your computer. Feel free to do something else — just check back occasionally to see the progress.
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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.
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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, Malwarebytes has finished removing the threats it found.
When the scan is done, check whether the problems you noticed have stopped. If they continue, see the options below.
If you are still having problems with your computer after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
- Run a computer scan with ESET Online Scanner
- Ask for help in our Windows Malware Removal Help & Support forum.
Run a Malware Scan with Malwarebytes for Mac
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 your Mac and remove what Malwarebytes finds.
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Download Malwarebytes for Mac
Click the button below to download the latest version of Malwarebytes for Mac.
Download MalwarebytesOfficial installer for macOS. Your download starts right away.Want real-time protection? See Malwarebytes PremiumMalwarebytes Free for MacScans and removes malware at no cost -
Open the Malwarebytes setup file
When the download finishes, open your Downloads folder and double-click the setup file to begin the installation.
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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“.
Malwarebytes needs Full Disk Access to check your whole Mac. When it asks, open System Settings > Privacy & Security > Full Disk Access, turn on Malwarebytes (it may be listed as Malwarebytes Protection), and confirm with your password or Touch ID. Then return to Malwarebytes. On macOS Monterey and earlier, this setting is in System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Privacy.
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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.
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Start the Scan
Click the “Scan” button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its detection database and begin checking your Mac for malware.
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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.
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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.
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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, check whether the problems you noticed have stopped. If they come back, save the scan report and ask for help in our forum.
If the problems you noticed continue after the scan, see the options below.
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 scans your phone or tablet for malware, adware, and potentially unwanted apps. The free version scans only when you start a scan. Real-time protection, which checks apps automatically, is part of the paid Premium version.
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Download Malwarebytes for Android.
You can download Malwarebytes for Android by clicking the link below.
Get Malwarebytes for AndroidOpens Google Play in a new tab.Want real-time protection? See Malwarebytes Premium for AndroidMalwarebytes for AndroidScans your phone and removes malware at no cost -
Install Malwarebytes for Android on your phone.
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.
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Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the setup process
When Malwarebytes opens, it walks you through a short setup. Tap Get started and follow the prompts. If you see an offer for a trial or a paid plan, read it before you accept. You can skip it and keep using the free scanner.
Malwarebytes will ask for permission to access the files on your phone so it can scan them. Tap Allow, or turn on the permission in the Android screen that opens, then return to Malwarebytes.
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Run a scan with Malwarebytes for Android
On the main screen, tap Scan now. In some versions, you open the menu, tap Scanner, and then tap Run a scan.
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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.
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Remove the detected apps.
When the scan has been completed, you will see a list of the threats that Malwarebytes for Android has detected. Next to each detected item, tap the menu icon (three dots), then choose to uninstall the app or delete the file. Android then asks you to confirm. Tap OK or Uninstall to remove the app.
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Restart your phone.
When the detected apps are removed, restart your phone if Malwarebytes asks you to. Then check whether the problems you noticed have stopped.
If the problems you noticed continue after the scan, see the options below.
If you are still having problems with your phone after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
- Ask for help in our Mobile Malware Removal Help & Support forum.
- Only as a last resort, reset your phone to factory settings. Read the warning below first.
- Back up your photos, videos, files, and messages, for example to your Google account or a computer.
- Make sure you know your Google account email and password. The phone asks for them after the reset. If you changed the password recently, Google recommends waiting 24 hours before you reset.
- On a Samsung phone, also make sure you know your Samsung account password.
- If you use an authenticator app for two-step verification, move your accounts to another device or save your backup codes first.
Stay Protected: Block Ads and Malicious Sites
No scan can prove a device is completely clean, so it helps to block threats before they reach you. 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.
👉 Download AdGuard and browse safely
Frequently Asked Questions About This Scam
What is the Amazon “Sign-in Attempt” email scam?
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.
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