With cybercriminals relying on phishing and social engineering tactics, online users need to be constantly cautious of counterfeit emails, messages, and websites. A single click on the wrong link can compromise your device and put your private data at risk. Streaming services are not usually the first thing people associate with scams. However, fraud linked to Amazon Prime Video is becoming increasingly common every day. The good news is that Prime Video scams have blatant red flags you can spot before any harm is done. Our experts have compiled real-world cases to help you learn about Prime Video scams and how to avoid falling for them.
What Do Amazon Prime Video Phishing Scams Look Like?
Phishing scams occur when cybercriminals use social engineering tactics to trick victims into revealing their own private data. These scammers are deceptive and will pose as Amazon staff to gain trust. Furthermore, they also imitate Amazon’s messaging to avoid suspicion.
Once trust is acquired, scammers will lure customers into clicking on a link to install malware or direct victims to malicious webpages designed to steal data. Phishing scams typically target login credentials, bank details, and credit card numbers. However, there are different forms of phishing scams depending on the communication method. Here are the most common phishing scams used against Amazon customers.
- A combination of the terms “SMS” and “phishing”, smishing is a cyberattack launched through text messages. Users trust text messages more than emails, and as a result, are more likely to click on malicious links.
- Otherwise known as “voice phishing”, this occurs when phishing scams are executed over the phone. Cybercriminals impersonate individuals within legitimate organizations to trick victims into sending a payment or revealing sensitive info.
- Search Engine Phishing. A cyberattack in which criminals manipulate search engine optimization to push their malicious page to the top of search results. The site naturally attracts visitors that can become potential victims.
- Social Media Phishing. This cyberattack occurs on social media platforms in direct messages or public posts. Impersonators pose as trusted entities to trick unsuspecting users into revealing information or granting access to their online accounts.
- Email Phishing. The most common phishing scam, email phishing is when cybercriminals pose as trusted individuals, organizations, or businesses to extract information or lure victims into performing an act.
Real-World Examples of Prime Video Phishing Scams
As one of the biggest e-commerce stores in the world, Amazon is a glaring target. The Prime Video streaming service has emerged as another opportunity for scammers to exploit unsuspecting users. In 2024, the company discovered and removed over 55,000 phishing websites and 12,000 phone numbers that were impersonating the company. However, it’s vital to see some of these scams to get a better understanding of them. Here are some real-world examples of Prime Video phishing scams.
Amazon Prime Video Customer Receives Offer for 50% Discount
In 2025, scammers sent spoofed SMS texts, calls, or voicemails to Amazon Prime Video customers. They offered a 50% discount on their monthly bill if the victim acts immediately. They will apply pressure by creating a sense of urgency to drive victims to act without thinking.
In many cases, the scammers then stated that the recipient must prepay for multiple months of service both at a discount and using a gift card. Bad actors also sent a voicemail message, posing as the company. They urged the subscriber to return the call to receive the discount. The scam was reported to the FCC and a phone call from the scammer was caught on tape for reference.
Impersonating Amazon on Social Media
Amazon has been tracking impersonation scams on social media, which has increased since December 2024. The main tactic that cybercriminals use is posing as Amazon customer service. They will create fake profiles on social media platforms, using “Customer Support” or “Customer Service Help Desk” as their names.
Then, the scammers will keep an eye out for any customer complaints or expressed pain points on social media. The impersonators will make helpful comments to those customers. However, they will also steer them to a private conversation where they can extract sensitive information or click on a malicious link.
Search Engine Phishing: A New Threat to Prime Video Users
Have you ever linked a smart TV to a streaming service account? In today’s age, even such tedious activity is being exploited by scammers. One user reported that they lost around $700 just trying to connect a smart TV to their Prime Video account. The individual was trying to watch Amazon Prime Video on their TV when an error popped up — “internet connectivity issues”. If the issue persisted after restarting the router, Prime Video recommended visiting amazon.com/videohelp for more assistance.
Entering the URL directly in the web browser would direct you to an official Amazon help page. However, this victim typed it into Google’s search bar — allowing a malicious page that looked convincing to deceive them. Cybercriminals will employ search engine phishing scam tactics to rank malicious pages highly in Google search results.
The page appeared to be a normal Prime Video activation page, except there was a phone number at the top of the page. The site pushes the user to call the number and get in touch with Prime Support. Once the number was called, the impersonators informed the victim that they would have to subscribe to a new Amazon Prime plan to connect to their television. They offered a $699 lifetime subscriber plan and requested payment through PayPal. Of course, even after payment the connectivity issue was not resolved. Soon after, the victim realized that they had been scammed.
These stories highlight how doing your due diligence is always necessary. You can’t trust anything at face value anymore and should verify all information presented. On top of that, you need to always prioritize your own security.
What to Do If You Are a Victim of a Prime Video Scam
Unfortunately, scams are becoming more sophisticated, and one mistake can cost us dearly. If you are past the point of prevention, you can still mitigate the damage and protect yourself. In some cases, you may even be able to stop the scammer in their tracks. Take note of the following steps to take if you are a victim of a Prime Video scam.
- Secure your Amazon account. If you are concerned that your account is compromised, you need to immediately change your password. Make sure your new one has a strong mix of numbers, letters, and symbols along with at least 12 characters. You should also enable two-factor authentication and check for any unfamiliar orders. Some scammers will add an address to send packages to which can be important evidence.
- Contact your bank or credit card company. If your payment information is exposed, you need to immediately alert your bank or credit card company. They can monitor your accounts for suspicious activity and offer you a new card entirely. If needed, banks can freeze your account to avoid losing funds.
- Notify Amazon. Amazon takes reports of scammer impersonations seriously. They have a webpage for victims to report the scam to the company itself based on what sensitive data may be exposed. Visit the webpage and follow the on-screen instructions to notify Amazon of the scam. Make sure you preserve the evidence of the scam to use in your report.
- Report it to the authorities. If you have lost money, you should notify your local law enforcement. They can help you file a report, officially creating a record of the crime. You should also report the scam to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). The IC3 tracks cybercrimes across the country and can launch an investigation to uncover the perpetrator responsible.
- Notify the FTC. The Federal Trade Commission has a reporting system for fraud, scams, and bad business practices. These reports help the FTC put a stop to scams and provide data that can aid in tracking patterns. You can report the scam to the FTC at ftc.gov
- Perform a malware scan. If you clicked a link or attachment, your device could be compromised. Scan your device for malware and make sure that it’s secure. You should also use a reputable antivirus service to get the best results possible.
- Work with a Private Cybersecurity Firm. Law enforcement agencies have overwhelming caseloads, making it unclear how quickly your case will be addressed. If you want immediate expert support, turn to private cybersecurity firms. These firms are full of cybercrime specialists that can conduct independent investigations, uncover digital evidence, and mitigate the damage from the scam. They can also work to trace the perpetrator’s digital footprint, possibly unmasking the criminal responsible. Firms like Digital Forensics Corp. are valuable resources and are available 24/7 to assist victims in need.
If you have fallen victim to a Prime Video scam and you need expert assistance, contact our helpline to consult with a specialist.
