Why Does Amazon Need My Login Info?

Did you know that Amazon ships about $1.6 million in packages per day? That just goes to show how reliant we have become on Amazon for our everyday needs. From electronics, toys, and games to groceries, clothing, and books, it’s likely that we have all clicked the yellow “Place your order” button at some point. Of course, this convenience (and dependence) carries a cost that goes deeper than the price at checkout.

Imagine sitting at home to relax when you get a message or a call saying that there is a problem with your Amazon account. Flustered, you want to work with Amazon Customer Service immediately so there are no interruptions. You work together to fix the problem, and after you end the call, you take a sigh of relief. Until you start seeing unauthorized transactions on your account.

You might have inadvertently handed over your information to scammers. Think back to your call with “Amazon.” Did you provide your login credentials? Did you divulge your debit or credit card details? The problem here is two-fold. One, you have compromised your Amazon account. In theory, this is an easy fix. After all, your card details are masked for your security, so you should be able to change the Amazon password and be good to go. In reality, however, the problem is much worse. Fraudsters use seemingly innocuous details to piece together a larger portrait of their victims including taking over phone numbers. Often, people use the same password or ID across other services, websites, and apps. The thieves have nothing but time to devote to testing your sensitive data across the Internet. It’s only a matter of time before something works. Once your data is out there, it’s there for good.

This leads me to the other part of our problem…sure, your card info is masked, but you can see the image of the cards on file and perhaps crack the code of the missing numbers with some Internet sleuthing. Of course, none of that is necessary if you have provided the scammer with card details.

Here’s where the problem gets even worse. When your information is “out there,” it can be used to create profiles…including P2P sites where consumer protection can be likened to the Wild West. P2P services like Venmo and PayPal have little recourse for fraud. Once your account is used to send money, it can be nearly impossible to get back. Visa and MasterCard have recently updated their claims process to disallow cash-designated fraud claims. In layman's terms - you could find yourself out of a lot of money with no way to get it back.

 Our recommendations are to guard all of your information carefully. Never click on a link to download an app for something that you believe to be free. Use caution when you click on any links. If you did not initiate the search for the link, do not click on it. Never disclose your login ID, password, card details, or other personal information to anyone. This goes for ANY service that you use, not just banking or shopping. Especially don’t reveal your information to someone who calls or emails you and asks for it. If you receive an email or phone call from someone claiming to represent a company or service that you use, end the conversation and call the known, published number. Guard your identity! It will save you a lot of heartache (and money!) down the road.

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Krista Kyte is a personal finance blogger and personal banker with over 20 years of experience in the financial industry. Krista is passionate about helping our members understand their financial situations. She writes tips that help consumers reach and maintain financial security and start living the life they’ve always wanted.