Scam library · United Kingdom · Updated 20 October 2026
Amazon Prime call scams: what they say, how to spot it, what to do
A surprise charge is a reason to check your order and subscription history yourself. You do not need to stay on an incoming call to do that.
What they say
Illustrative examples, written in our own words:
- Your Prime membership is renewing at a price you did not expect.
- A large order has been placed; press a button to cancel it.
- Install our support tool so we can reverse the charge for you.
- We refunded too much and you must send the difference to another account.
How to spot it
- The caller uses a surprising charge to keep you on the line and control the next steps.
- Cancellation turns into remote-access software, a transfer or a request for a security code.
- A supposed refund requires you to pay someone first or move money outside your normal account.
What to do now
- Hang up and open your Amazon account through your usual app or saved address.
- Check orders, membership and payment records there. Use support from inside that account if something is wrong.
- Do not install software, share your screen or buy gift cards because an unexpected caller says that will cancel a charge.
If you already paid or shared details
Call your bank immediately on the number on your card, using a trusted device. After hanging up, 159 can connect you to participating UK banks; coverage and call charges depend on your provider. Explain what you sent or shared and ask about stopping payments and securing the account.
If you allowed remote access, stop the session and contact the bank from another trusted device. Change your shopping and email passwords from a trusted device, and ask about unauthorised orders through the genuine account.
Under Payment Systems Regulator rules, UK banks and payment firms must refund most eligible authorised push payment (APP) scam losses from UK Faster Payments transfers made on or after 7 October 2024, up to £85,000 per claim. This means you were tricked into authorising a transfer. Eligibility and exceptions apply. Cards, cash, international transfers and crypto payments are not automatically covered by this rule. Report promptly and ask the bank to explain its assessment, any excess and the relevant deadlines.
Keep messages and payment references. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, report to Report Fraud (formerly Action Fraud). In Scotland, report to Police Scotland on 101. If someone is in immediate danger, call 999.
Forward suspicious SMS texts to 7726 and emails to report@phishing.gov.uk, following GOV.UK reporting guidance. For message apps, use the app’s report and block tools. Reporting a message does not replace contacting your bank about a payment.
Questions people ask
Should I press a key to cancel the claimed charge?
End the call and check orders or membership in your normal account. Use support there if you need help.
Can a caller need my banking code to refund me?
Do not share a banking security code with the caller. Contact your bank independently if you have already shared one.