Amazon does send text messages, but only for specific account actions

Amazon sends text messages to your phone number on file, but only when you ask for it or when your account needs when ready attention. The company uses SMS for two main things: two-factor authentication codes when you sign in from a new device, and alerts about orders you have placed. Amazon will never text you asking you to click a link, update payment information, or confirm your identity — those are always scams.

The confusion happens because scammers send fake Amazon texts that look real. They copy Amazon's style, use urgent language, and include links that steal your password or payment details. Learning what Amazon actually texts about, and what it never texts about, is the fastest way to spot the fake ones.

Key Takeaways

  • Amazon sends text messages only for two-factor codes during sign-in and for order status updates on deliveries you placed.
  • Amazon never texts asking you to click a link, verify your account, update payment methods, or confirm personal information.
  • Scammers copy Amazon's format and create fake urgency to trick you into clicking malicious links or entering your password.
  • If a text claims your account is locked, your card was declined, or a package needs action, it is almost certainly a scam.
  • You can turn off Amazon text notifications in your account settings if you do not want them at all.

What Amazon actually texts you about

Amazon sends two types of legitimate text messages. The first is a six-digit code when you sign into your account from a device Amazon does not recognize. This code proves you own the phone number on file. Amazon will never ask you to reply to this text or click anything — you straightforward read the code and type it into the sign-in screen on your computer or phone.

The second type is an order notification. Amazon texts you when a package ships, when it is out for delivery that day, and when it has been delivered. These messages include a tracking number and a link to your order, but the link goes to Amazon.com, not to a shortened URL or a suspicious domain. If you did not place an order, you should not receive this text — if you do, someone else may have access to your account.

Amazon does not text about account problems, payment issues, or security concerns. The company does not ask you to verify anything by text, does not request passwords or card numbers, and does not threaten to close your account. If a text says any of those things, it is a scam.

How scammers copy Amazon's format

Fake Amazon texts usually start with "Amazon:" or "Your Amazon account" to look official. They create false urgency by claiming your package is delayed, your payment failed, your account is locked, or suspicious activity was detected. The message always includes a link — sometimes shortened with bit.ly or tinyurl, sometimes disguised as a real Amazon domain that is actually spelled slightly wrong.

When you click the link, you land on a fake sign-in page that looks like Amazon.com. You enter your email and password, and the scammers capture both. If the page also asks for your card number or security code, they get that too. Within minutes, they can change your password, add a new payment method, or place orders using your account and saved addresses.

The reason these scams work is that they arrive as text messages, which feel more official than email. Text messages also do not show you the full URL before you click, so you cannot easily spot that the link is fake. By the time you realize it was a scam, the attackers already have your login information.

Red flags that a text is not from Amazon

Any text asking you to click a link and sign in, verify your account, update your payment method, or confirm personal information is a scam. Amazon handles all of those actions inside your account on Amazon.com — it never directs you through a text message link.

Watch for these specific claims, which Amazon never makes by text: your account has been locked, suspicious activity was detected, your payment method was declined, your package needs action from you, you have a refund waiting, or you need to confirm your identity. Scammers use these claims because they create panic and make you act without thinking.

Also be suspicious of texts from numbers that are not clearly Amazon. Real Amazon texts come from a five-digit short code (usually 262966) or from a number that clearly identifies itself as Amazon in the message itself. If the number is a regular 10-digit phone number or a number you do not recognize, it is almost certainly fake.

What to do if you receive a suspicious text

Do not click any links in the text. Do not reply to it. Instead, delete the message and then sign into your Amazon account directly by typing amazon.com into your browser — do not use any link from the text. Once you are signed in, check your orders and account settings to make sure nothing has changed. If your password has been changed or a new payment method has been added, change your password when ready and contact Amazon's customer service.

You can also report the fake text to Amazon by forwarding it to 7726 (which spells SPAM on a phone keypad). Amazon's security team uses these reports to track scam campaigns and shut them down. The more people who report a particular scam text, the faster Amazon can take action.

If you have already clicked the link and entered your password, change it right now from a different device. Then sign into your account and check your payment methods, recent orders, and account settings. If you see anything unfamiliar, contact Amazon customer service and explain what happened. They can review your account for unauthorized activity and help you find it.

How to control Amazon text notifications

If you do not want Amazon to text you at all, you can turn off text notifications in your account settings. Sign into Amazon.com, go to Your Account, then select Login & Security. Scroll down to Communication Preferences and look for the option to manage text message notifications. You can turn off order updates, two-factor codes, or both.

Keep in mind that turning off two-factor text codes means Amazon will send codes to your email instead, or you will need to use an authenticator app. Order notifications are optional — you can turn them off without affecting your account security. If you turn off two-factor texts, make sure you have another way to receive those codes, or you may get locked out of your account if you sign in from a new device.

Why scammers target Amazon customers

Amazon is one of the most commonly used online shopping sites, so almost everyone recognizes the name and logo. Scammers know that people are used to receiving texts about packages and account activity from Amazon, which makes fake texts seem believable. They also know that Amazon customers have payment methods saved to their accounts, making it straightforward for attackers to place orders or transfer money once they have your login information.

The other reason Amazon is a popular target is that many people use the same password for Amazon as they do for other accounts — email, banking, social media. If a scammer gets your Amazon password, they can try it on those other sites too. This is why changing your password when ready after a suspected phishing attempt is so important.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Amazon text me from a regular phone number instead of a short code?

Amazon's official texts come from the short code 262966 or from a number that clearly identifies itself as Amazon in the message. Regular 10-digit phone numbers claiming to be Amazon are always scams. If you are unsure, sign into your account directly and check your order status — do not click any link from the text.

What should I do if a scammer used my Amazon account to place orders?

Change your password when ready, then contact Amazon customer service and explain what happened. Amazon can review the unauthorized orders, cancel them, and help you find your account. Keep the fake text message as evidence. If the scammer added a new payment method, ask Amazon to remove it and review your account for other changes.

If I click a fake Amazon link but do not enter my password, am I safe?

You are safer than if you had entered your password, but you may still be at risk. The fake site may have installed malware on your phone or computer, or it may have captured other information. Change your Amazon password anyway, run a malware scan on your device, and monitor your account for suspicious activity over the next few weeks.

Does Amazon ever text about refunds or money owed to me?

Amazon handles refunds through your account on Amazon.com, not through text messages. Any text claiming you have a refund waiting or owe money is a scam. If you are expecting a refund, sign into your account directly and check your order history to see the status.

Can I block Amazon text messages so scammers cannot reach me?

You cannot block all texts from scammers, but you can turn off Amazon's legitimate text notifications in your account settings so you know any Amazon text you receive is fake. You can also report suspicious texts to 7726 (SPAM). If a particular number keeps texting you, your phone's built-in blocking feature can prevent messages from that number.