Scary signs that someone hacked your Amazon account

May 6, 2023

By Kim Komando

Returning items to Amazon is easy, but there are always exceptions. Here are four things the retail giant will not take back.

Then again, there’s likely some stuff around your house that Amazon, Target and Walmart are interested in. Trade in your old tech devices for credit.

Have you ever received a package that wasn’t intended for you? How about an empty box? While delivery errors happen, they could signify something more sinister.

Don’t just brush it off

The BBC reports people are receiving scarves from a company called “Suzhichou” that they didn’t order. This is known as a “brushing” scam, and it can involve anything from clothing to electronics to an empty package.

The order generates a tracking number, and the package is marked as delivered. Then the scammer leaves a five-star review to boost their ratings. Sending packages to random addresses also legitimizes false online storefronts, translating into more business.

If you receive something you didn’t order, report the package with Amazon’s Report Unwanted Package form. You get to keep the item even if you report it.

A crook doesn’t have to have access to your account to send you fake packages, but when they do, they can cause problems by using your account to scam others.

Here’s how to see if your Amazon account has been compromised.

Check your Amazon orders

• Sign into your Amazon account, hover your cursor over the Account & Lists tab, and choose Orders.
• Look for anything suspicious or unexpected. If you share an account, check with the other people with access.
• On the Orders page, select the drop-down menu next to orders placed in and choose Archived Orders. See anything there that you didn’t buy? That’s a major red flag.

Do you remember leaving that review?

Someone who gets into your account can post glowing praise in your name:

• Open your Account page and go to Your Amazon profile under Ordering and shopping preferences.
• Scroll down and you’ll see your reviews. Look for anything you didn’t write.

How to change your Amazon password

Change your password immediately if you have any reason to believe that someone accessed your account without your permission or knowledge.

• Open your Account page and select Login & security.
• Select Edit next to Password.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to finish.

Set up 2FA on Amazon

Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your Amazon account log-in. You get a security code via text or an authenticator app when you access your account. You’ll need both your code and password to log in.

• Open your Account page and select Login & security.
• Select Turn on next to 2-step verification.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup.

If you get the code when you aren’t trying to log in, it could mean someone else is attempting to access your account. Here’s what to do.

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