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.
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? Run a Free Malware Scan
Slow performance, constant pop-ups, or strange behavior? These are classic signs of a malware infection. The fastest way to find out is to scan your device with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free — one of the most trusted malware removal tools available.
The free version detects and removes the most common threats, including:
Adware — the cause of those annoying pop-ups
Browser hijackers — unwanted redirects and changed homepages
Trojans and spyware — hidden programs stealing your data
Potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) — software you never asked for
👉 Select your device below — Windows, Mac, or Android — then follow the simple steps to download Malwarebytes, scan your system, and remove any threats it finds. The whole process takes about 5 minutes.
Malwarebytes for WindowsMalwarebytes for MacMalwarebytes for Android
Run a Malware Scan with Malwarebytes for Windows
Malwarebytes is one of the most popular and trusted anti-malware tools for Windows — and it’s completely free for removing infections. It catches threats that many antivirus programs miss, including adware, browser hijackers, and trojans. Follow the steps below to scan and clean your PC in just a few minutes.
Download Malwarebytes
Click the button below to download the latest version of Malwarebytes for Windows from the official source. The free version is all you need — it will scan your computer and remove adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious software at no cost.
(The link opens in a new page where your download will start)
Install Malwarebytes
When the download finishes, open your Downloads folder and double-click the MBSetup file. If Windows shows a User Account Control pop-up, click “Yes” to allow the installation.
Follow the On-Screen Prompts to Install Malwarebytes
The setup wizard will walk you through a few quick screens:
Choose where you’re installing the program — “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer” — then click Next.
Malwarebytes will now install on your device. This usually takes under a minute.
When installation is complete, the “Welcome to Malwarebytes” screen will open automatically.
On the final screen, click Open Malwarebytes to launch the program.
Enable “Scan for Rootkits”
Before scanning, turn on rootkit detection so Malwarebytes can find even the most hidden threats. Click the Settings gear icon on the left side of the screen.
In the settings menu, find “Scan for rootkits” and click the toggle so it turns blue.
Done? Click “Dashboard” in the left pane to return to the main screen.
Start the Scan
Click the blue Scan button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its virus database and start checking your computer for malware.
Wait for the Scan to Finish
The scan checks your entire system for browser hijackers and other malicious programs, so it can take several minutes. Feel free to do something else — just check back occasionally to see the progress.
Quarantine the Detected Threats
When the scan is done, you’ll see a list of everything Malwarebytes found — malware, adware, and potentially unwanted programs. Click the “Quarantine” button to remove all of them at once.
Malwarebytes will now remove the malicious files and registry entries and move them safely into quarantine.
Restart Your Computer
Some threats can only be fully removed after a reboot. If Malwarebytes asks you to restart, click Yes. Once you’re logged back in, your PC is clean and you can continue with the next steps in this guide.
When the scan finishes, click Quarantine to remove everything Malwarebytes found. That’s it — your Windows PC is now clean of trojans, adware, and other malware, and should be back to running smoothly.
If your current antivirus allowed this malicious program on your computer, you may want to consider purchasing Malwarebytes Premium to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still having problems with your computer after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
Malwarebytes for Mac is a free on-demand scanner that removes the malware other security software tends to miss — adware, browser hijackers, and unwanted programs included. Cleaning an infected Mac with Malwarebytes has always been completely free, and it’s our go-to recommendation. Follow the steps below to scan and clean your Mac in just a few minutes.
Download Malwarebytes for Mac
Click the button below to download the latest version of Malwarebytes for Mac.
When the download finishes, open your Downloads folder and double-click the setup file to begin the installation.
Follow the On-Screen Prompts to Install Malwarebytes
The Malwarebytes for Mac Installer will guide you through a few quick screens. Click “Continue” and keep following the prompts until the installation completes.
When the installation is complete, Malwarebytes opens to the Welcome to Malwarebytes screen. Click “Get started“.
Select “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer”
Malwarebytes will ask what type of computer you’re installing it on. Click either Personal Computer or Work Computer, whichever applies.
Start the Scan
Click the “Scan” button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its detection database and begin checking your Mac for malware.
Wait for the Scan to Finish
Malwarebytes will scan your Mac for adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious programs. This can take a few minutes, so feel free to do something else — just check back occasionally to see the progress.
Quarantine the Detected Threats
When the scan is done, you’ll see a list of everything Malwarebytes found. Click the “Quarantine” button to remove all the threats at once.
Restart Your Mac
Malwarebytes will now remove all the malicious files it found. Some threats can only be fully removed after a reboot — if Malwarebytes asks you to restart, allow it. Once you’re logged back in, your Mac is clean.
Once the scan is done, remove every threat it detected. Your Mac is now free of adware, rogue browser extensions, and other potentially harmful software.
If your current antivirus allowed a malicious program on your computer, you might want to consider purchasing the full-featured version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still experiencing problems while trying to remove a malicious program from your computer, please ask for help in our Mac Malware Removal Help & Support forum.
Run a Malware Scan with Malwarebytes for Android
Malwarebytes for Android automatically detects and removes dangerous threats like malware and ransomware so you don’t have to worry about your most-used device being compromised. Aggressive detection of adware and potentially unwanted programs keeps your Android phone or tablet running smooth.
Download Malwarebytes for Android.
You can download Malwarebytes for Android by clicking the link below.
In the Google Play Store, tap “Install” to install Malwarebytes for Android on your device.
When the installation process has finished, tap “Open” to begin using Malwarebytes for Android. You can also open Malwarebytes by tapping on its icon in your phone menu or home screen.
Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the setup process
When Malwarebytes will open, you will see the Malwarebytes Setup Wizard which will guide you through a series of permissions and other setup options. This is the first of two screens that explain the difference between the Premium and Free versions. Swipe this screen to continue. Tap on “Got it” to proceed to the next step. Malwarebytes for Android will now ask for a set of permissions that are required to scan your device and protect it from malware. Tap on “Give permission” to continue. Tap on “Allow” to permit Malwarebytes to access the files on your phone.
Update database and run a scan with Malwarebytes for Android
You will now be prompted to update the Malwarebytes database and run a full system scan.
Click on “Update database” to update the Malwarebytes for Android definitions to the latest version, then click on “Run full scan” to perform a system scan.
Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will now start scanning your phone for adware and other malicious apps. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check on the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
Click on “Remove Selected”.
When the scan has been completed, you will be presented with a screen showing the malware infections that Malwarebytes for Android has detected. To remove the malicious apps that Malwarebytes has found, tap on the “Remove Selected” button.
Restart your phone.
Malwarebytes for Android will now remove all the malicious apps that it has found. To complete the malware removal process, Malwarebytes may ask you to restart your device.
After the scan, tap Remove Selected to delete all detected threats. Your Android phone is now clean — no more malicious apps, adware, or browser redirects.
If your current antivirus allowed a malicious app on your phone, you may want to consider purchasing the full-featured version of Malwarebytes to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still having problems with your phone after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
Restore your phone to factory settings by going to Settings > General management > Reset > Factory data reset.
Now that your device is clean, keep it that way. Most infections start with a malicious ad or a fake download button — so blocking them at the source is your best defense.
We recommend AdGuard, which blocks malicious ads, phishing pages, and dangerous redirects before they can reach you.
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.
10 Rules to Avoid Online Scams
Here are 10 practical safety rules to help you avoid malware, online shopping scams, crypto scams, and other online fraud. Each tip includes a quick “if you already got hit” action.
Stop and verify before you click, log in, download, or pay.
Most scams win by creating urgency. Verify using a trusted method: type the website address yourself, use the official app, or call a known number (not the one in the message).
If you already clicked: close the page, do not enter passwords, and run a malware scan.
Keep your operating system, browser, and apps updated.
Updates patch security holes used by malware and malicious ads. Turn on automatic updates where possible.
If you saw a scary “update now” pop-up: close it and update only through your device settings or the official app store.
Use layered protection: antivirus plus an ad blocker.
Antivirus helps block malware. An ad blocker reduces scam redirects, phishing pages, and malvertising.
If your browser is acting weird: remove unknown extensions, reset the browser, then run a full scan.
Install apps, software, and extensions only from official sources.
Avoid cracked software, “keygens,” and random downloads. During installs, choose Custom/Advanced and decline bundled offers you do not recognize.
If you already installed something suspicious: uninstall it, restart, and scan again.
Treat links and attachments as untrusted by default.
Phishing often impersonates delivery services, banks, and popular brands. If it is unexpected, do not open attachments or log in through the message.
If you entered credentials: change the password immediately and enable 2FA.
Shop safely: research the store, then pay with protection.
Be cautious with brand-new stores, “closing sale” stories, and prices that make no sense. Prefer credit cards or PayPal for dispute options. Avoid wire transfers, gift cards, and crypto payments.
If you already paid: contact your card issuer or PayPal quickly to dispute the transaction.
Crypto rule: never pay a “fee” to withdraw or recover money.
Common patterns include fake profits, then “tax,” “gas,” or “verification” fees. Another is a “recovery agent” who demands upfront crypto.
If you already sent crypto: stop paying, save evidence (wallet addresses, TXIDs, chats), and report the scam to the platform used.
Secure your accounts with unique passwords and 2FA (start with email).
Use a password manager and unique passwords for every account. Enable 2FA using an authenticator app when possible.
If you suspect an account takeover: change passwords, sign out of all devices, and review recent logins and recovery settings.
Back up important files and keep one backup offline.
Backups protect you from ransomware and device failure. Keep at least one backup on an external drive that is not always connected.
If you suspect infection: do not connect backup drives until the system is clean.
If you think you are a victim: stop losses, document evidence, and escalate fast.
Move quickly. Speed matters for disputes, account recovery, and limiting damage.
Stop payments and contact: do not send more money or respond to the scammer.
Call your bank or card issuer: block transactions, replace the card if needed, and start a dispute or chargeback.
Secure your email first: change the email password, enable 2FA, and remove unfamiliar recovery options.
Secure other accounts: change passwords, enable 2FA, and log out of all sessions.
Scan your device: remove suspicious apps or extensions, then run a full malware scan.
Save evidence: screenshots, emails, order pages, tracking pages, wallet addresses, TXIDs, and chat logs.
Report it: to the payment provider, marketplace, social platform, exchange, or wallet service involved.
These rules are intentionally simple. Most online losses happen when decisions are rushed. Slow down, verify independently, and use payment methods and account controls that give you recourse.
Thomas is an expert at uncovering scams and providing in-depth reporting on cyber threats and online fraud. As an editor, he is dedicated to keeping readers informed on the latest developments in cybersecurity and tech.
