Amazon Account Hacked? Here’s Exactly What to Do (Step-by-Step Guide for Shoppers)

2. Immediately Change Your Password

If you can still access your account:

1. Go to Account & Lists
2. Select Login & Security
3. Change your password immediately

Or go directly to Amazon’s official sign-in page: https://www.amazon.com/ap/signin

Create a strong, unique password that:

• Is at least 12–16 characters long
• Includes upper and lowercase letters
• Contains numbers and symbols
• Is not used on any other website

If you can’t log in, click “Forgot your password?” and follow the reset process.

Important: If you use the same password on other websites, change those too. Hackers often try reused passwords across multiple platforms.

If you received a reset email you didn’t initiate, see Amazon password reset I didn’t request.

3. Enable Two-Step Verification (2FA)

Once your password is reset, activate Two-Step Verification.

This adds an extra layer of security by requiring:

• A one-time code sent to your phone
• Or authentication through an app

To enable it:

1. Go to Login & Security
2. Turn on Two-Step Verification
3. Follow setup instructions

If you’ve been receiving codes you didn’t request, read Amazon OTP I didn’t request.

Even if a hacker gets your password in the future, they won’t be able to access your account without your verification code.

4. Review Recent Orders and Transactions

Next, carefully review your order history.

Look for:

• Unauthorized purchases
• Digital purchases (gift cards, Kindle books, subscriptions)
• Archived orders (hackers sometimes hide them)

If you find fraudulent orders:

• Cancel them immediately (if they haven’t shipped)
• Contact Amazon Customer Support
• Request a refund

Amazon is generally good about refunding unauthorized purchases — but speed matters.

5. Remove Unknown Payment Methods

Go to Your Payments and review:

• Credit cards
• Debit cards
• Bank accounts
• Gift card balances

Delete anything you don’t recognize.

Then contact your bank or card provider to:

• Report fraudulent activity
• Freeze or replace compromised cards
• Monitor for suspicious charges

This step protects you beyond Amazon.

6. Check Shipping Addresses

Hackers often add their own shipping address to your account.

Navigate to Your Addresses and:

• Delete unknown addresses
• Confirm your default address is correct

Sometimes attackers order high-value items shipped to different states or countries. Catching this early prevents losses.

7. Scan Your Email Account

If your Amazon account was hacked, your email might also be compromised.

Change your email password and:

• Enable 2FA on your email account
• Review forwarding settings
• Check for suspicious login activity

Since Amazon sends password resets to your email, securing it is just as important.

If your email was changed, read someone changed my Amazon email.

8. Contact Amazon Customer Support

Even if you believe you’ve fixed everything, contact Amazon Support to:

• Document the breach
• Verify no hidden changes were made
• Confirm refund eligibility
• Flag your account for suspicious activity

They may also temporarily lock the account to prevent further misuse.

You can contact Amazon through their official help page: https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=508510

9. Watch for Gift Card Fraud

A common tactic in Amazon hacks is buying digital gift cards.

Check:

• Your email inbox
• Sent folder
• Deleted folder

Hackers sometimes send themselves gift cards and delete the confirmation emails.

If you find suspicious gift card purchases, report them immediately.

10. Monitor Your Credit

If personal data was accessed, consider:

• Checking your credit report
• Setting up fraud alerts
• Freezing your credit (if necessary)

While Amazon breaches don’t automatically mean identity theft, it’s better to stay proactive.

Why Amazon Accounts Get Hacked

Understanding how this happens helps you avoid it in the future.

Most common causes:

• Reused passwords
• Phishing emails pretending to be Amazon
• Fake “Account Suspended” alerts
• Data breaches from other websites
• Weak passwords
• Public Wi-Fi logins

Hackers rely on automation. They use bots to test stolen email/password combinations across major sites — including Amazon.

How to Prevent It From Happening Again

Here’s how to protect your Amazon account long-term:

1. Use a Password Manager
These generate and store strong, unique passwords for every site.

2. Always Use Two-Factor Authentication
Not optional — essential.

3. Avoid Clicking Suspicious Emails
Instead of clicking links in emails, go directly to Amazon.com in your browser.

4. Regularly Review Login Activity
Amazon shows recent devices and sessions — check periodically.

5. Don’t Share Accounts
Shared logins increase risk.

When the Situation Is More Serious

In rare cases, hackers:

• Change your email address completely
• Lock you out permanently
• Use your account to scam others

If you’re locked out:

1. Use Amazon’s Account Recovery Form
2. Provide identification if requested
3. Contact customer service by phone

If access is blocked, also review Amazon says my account is locked or Amazon account on hold suspicious activity.

Persistence helps. Keep documentation of all communications.

Final Thoughts

An Amazon account hack is stressful — but it’s fixable.

The key principles are:

• Act immediately
• Change passwords everywhere
• Enable 2FA
• Review every setting
• Monitor your finances

Most importantly, don’t ignore the warning signs. The faster you respond, the less damage a hacker can cause.

If you found this guide helpful, check back regularly for more practical tips to stay safe while shopping online. Cybersecurity isn’t just for businesses — it’s for everyday Amazon shoppers too.