There have been a number of Amazon based scams, and here is another one. The latest version is the “Amazon Preview” scam, a phishing scam designed to tempt users with exclusive invitations to join what appears to be an official Amazon program offering early access to shows, movies, or products; the promises of rewards and the polished design make it appear completely legitimate. In truth, it is another method for stealing login credentials, payment details, and personal information.
🪤 THE BAIT: FAKE INVITATIONS AND REWARDS
Scammers send messages imitating Amazon’s style, complete with authentic logos, fonts, and colors; the tone is corporate and confident, creating a sense of authority. Each message congratulates the recipient for being “chosen” to preview new Amazon content and offers gift cards as an incentive.
Examples from real scam emails include:
Subject: You Have Been Selected to Join the Amazon Preview Program
From: no-reply@uk.amazonpreview.com
“Dear Customer, Congratulations. You have been chosen to participate in Amazon Preview. Watch new titles before release and earn Amazon Gift Cards. Click the link below to activate your membership.”
Subject: Prime Video Preview Invitation – Watch and Review Upcoming Originals
From: no-reply@primevideo-preview.com
“You are invited to join our exclusive Prime Video Preview community. Confirm your account information to begin earning rewards and early access to Amazon Originals.”
Subject: Amazon Preview Survey – Claim Your $50 Gift Card
From: support@amazonpreviewpanel.co.uk
“Take a short survey to verify eligibility and receive a $50 Amazon Gift Card. Spaces are limited. Confirm participation now.”
Each of these examples leads to a fraudulent login page that looks identical to Amazon’s official site. Once credentials are entered, the data is harvested and sent directly to the scammers.
🎭 THE SPOOFING TRICK
Scammers can even spoof email addresses to make their messages appear as if they come directly from @amazon.com or @primevideo.com. Spoofing lets them forge the “From” field in an email, so it seems trustworthy even when it originates from an unrelated or malicious source; many users see “no-reply@amazon.com” and assume safety. Email spoofing works because most inboxes hide full header data, which is the only place the real sending source can be verified. The method has become a preferred tool in nearly every major phishing campaign today.
🕵️ HOW THE SCAM UNFOLDS
💌 A user receives an unsolicited “Amazon Preview” email claiming they were specially chosen.
🔗 The message invites them to click a link to confirm participation or claim a reward.
♻️ The link redirects to a counterfeit Amazon page designed to steal login details.
💳 Victims may be asked to enter payment or card information for “activation.”
🦠 Some sites even prompt users to download attachments that contain malicious software.
🚩 Red Flags
📧 Unsolicited invitations - Amazon does not randomly select people for preview programs.
🤥 Third party domains - Addresses such as @amazonpreview.com or @primevideo-preview.com are not official.
🪤 Reward promises - Legitimate surveys or feedback programs rarely offer instant gift cards.
🎭 Spoofed senders - Even if the address looks like @amazon.com, it may be forged.
⏳ Urgent tone - Phrases such as “Confirm today” or “Limited time access” are pressure tactics.
🕵️ Missing from Message Centre - Genuine Amazon emails always appear in the user’s internal Message Centre.
RISKS AND IMPACT
🔓 Stolen passwords and login details can be used to access Amazon accounts.
💳 Credit cards and gift balances may be drained or used for unauthorized purchases.
🪪 Personal data may be sold or used for identity theft.
🎯 Victims can be targeted again through tailored scams using stolen information.
🦠 Malicious attachments can install spyware or ransomware on devices.
Once compromised, recovery can take weeks or months, and the psychological toll often lasts much longer.
PROTECTION AND VERIFICATION
🕵️ Type amazon.com or amazon.ca manually instead of clicking links in emails.
📬 Verify messages through the Amazon Message Centre in your account.
🔍 Check the complete sender address and inspect headers if possible.
🚫 Never share login credentials, credit card numbers, or one time codes through email.
🧩 Enable Two Step Verification for stronger account protection.
📢 Report suspicious messages to reportascam@amazon.com.
🔐 If information has already been submitted, change passwords and review all recent orders immediately.
The “Amazon Preview” scam thrives on trust and appearance. Scammers know the Amazon brand carries authority, and by using forged addresses and refined design, they exploit that reputation to harvest valuable data.
Every unrequested “preview” email should be assumed fraudulent until proven otherwise through Amazon’s official Message Centre. The smartest action is to delete the message, avoid clicking links, and protect your account before harm is done.
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