North Carolina residents are being hit with a new wave of fake Amazon delivery alerts, and scammers are getting bolder, faster, and far more convincing. These messages look exactly like legitimate Amazon tracking updates, which is why so many people are falling for them. The goal is simple: trick you into clicking a link that hands over your personal information, credit card details, or Amazon login.
With online shopping at an all‑time high, the Amazon tracking scam is spreading quickly across the state, especially among seniors and busy families. If you’ve received a suspicious “package update” recently, you’re not alone. Here’s what you need to know about this scam that is rising in popularity in North Carolina and other Southern states.
Fake Tracking Texts That Look Shockingly Real
Scammers are sending text messages that mimic Amazon’s real delivery alerts, making the Amazon tracking scam incredibly hard to spot. These texts often include your first name, a fake tracking number, and a link that looks like an Amazon URL at first glance.
Many North Carolina residents say the messages arrived on days they were actually expecting packages, which increases the likelihood of clicking. Once you tap the link, you’re taken to a fake Amazon login page designed to steal your credentials. This tactic is one of the most common ways scammers gain access to Amazon accounts and stored payment methods.
“Delivery Attempt Failed” Messages Designed to Create Panic
Another version of the Amazon tracking scam claims that Amazon tried to deliver your package but couldn’t because of an address issue. These messages are intentionally urgent, telling you to “update your delivery information immediately” to avoid your package being returned.
Scammers know that panic makes people act quickly, especially when they think they’re about to lose something they paid for. The link in these messages leads to a phishing site that collects your address, phone number, and credit card details. Many victims don’t realize they’ve been scammed until unauthorized charges appear on their accounts.
Fake Refund Alerts That Trick You Into “Verifying” Your Account
Some scammers are sending messages claiming that Amazon owes you a refund for a canceled order. This version of the Amazon tracking scam is particularly effective because people love the idea of getting money back. The message includes a link to “claim your refund,” which leads to a fake Amazon page asking for your login information.
Once scammers have your credentials, they can access your real Amazon account and make purchases using your stored payment methods. These refund scams are becoming more common in NC, especially around holidays and major shopping seasons.
Spoofed Phone Calls Pretending to Be Amazon Customer Service
In addition to text messages, scammers are now calling North Carolina residents and pretending to be Amazon representatives. They claim there’s a problem with a package, a suspicious charge, or a locked account, which are all common hooks in the Amazon tracking scam.
These callers often sound professional and may even spoof Amazon’s real customer service number. Their goal is to convince you to share personal information or download remote‑access software. Once they have access to your device, they can steal passwords, banking information, and more.
Fake Package Photos Sent Through Text or Email
A newer twist in the Amazon tracking scam involves scammers sending fake “proof of delivery” photos. These images often show a random package on a doorstep, along with a message claiming your item has arrived. When you click the link to “view full delivery details,” you’re taken to a phishing site.
Scammers use this tactic because people are more likely to trust a message that includes a photo. This method has been reported in several NC counties, especially in areas with great package‑theft concerns.
How Scammers Get Your Number in the First Place
Many North Carolina residents wonder how scammers even know they shop on Amazon. The truth is that the Amazon tracking scam doesn’t require much personal information to get started. Scammers buy phone numbers from data brokers, scrape them from social media, or use automated tools to send messages to thousands of numbers at once. If even a small percentage of people click, the scam is profitable. This is why blocking one number doesn’t stop the messages; scammers constantly rotate through new ones.
How to Protect Yourself From the Amazon Tracking Scam
The best defense against the Amazon tracking scam is knowing how Amazon actually communicates with customers. Amazon will never ask you to update personal information through a text message, and real tracking updates always come through the Amazon app or your official account.
If you receive a suspicious message, don’t click the link. Instead, open your Amazon app directly to check your orders. You can also forward scam texts to 7726 (SPAM) to report them.
Read more about what Amazon has to say about online shopping scams.
NC Residents Are Fighting Back With Awareness
North Carolina consumers are becoming more aware of the Amazon tracking scam, and that awareness is making a difference. People are sharing screenshots, warning neighbors, and reporting suspicious messages to state authorities. The more residents understand how these scams work, the harder it becomes for criminals to succeed. Staying informed is one of the most powerful tools you have to protect your money and your identity. A few seconds of caution can save you from weeks of financial headaches.
Have you received one of these fake Amazon tracking messages in North Carolina? Share your experience in the comments.
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