Amazon text scam: real Amazon texts vs. the fakes
Amazon does text about orders — from the short code 262966 (AMAZON) in the US — but scammers impersonate Amazon far more often, using 'suspicious order', refund, and prize texts sent from ordinary 10-digit numbers with links. Here's how to tell a real Amazon text from a fake.
Real US Amazon shipment texts come from 262966 (it spells AMAZON) and point you to your orders in the app. A text about a big order you didn't place, a refund you must "claim", or a prize — sent from a 10-digit number with a link — is consistent with Amazon impersonation scams. Don't tap the link; open the Amazon app and check your orders directly.
What a real Amazon text looks like
Genuine Amazon order and delivery texts come from 262966 and simply tell you about a shipment, pointing you to your orders in the app or on amazon.com. They don't demand payment, gift cards, or your password, and they don't threaten to lock your account. Amazon's own security guidance is that it will never ask you to confirm a verification code or account detail by replying to a message.
Red flags of a smishing text
- An "order" for something expensive you never bought, urging you to call a number or tap a link to cancel.
- A "refund" you have to claim by entering card or account details.
- A prize, gift card, or "reward" for being a loyal customer.
- A 10-digit sender (not 262966) and a link to a site that isn't amazon.com.
These are consistent with widely-reported Amazon impersonation patterns; the sending numbers are typically spoofed or disposable, so treat the message — not any one number — as the problem. When in doubt, open the Amazon app yourself and check Your Orders; Amazon also publishes guidance on identifying genuine messages.
Report a scam text: forward it to 7726 (which spells SPAM) so your mobile carrier can investigate the sender, then report it at reportfraud.ftc.gov. Don't reply or tap any links. More on 7726.
Look up another sender in the short code directory, or check a number that called you.
Frequently asked questions
What number does Amazon text from?
In the US, Amazon shipment and delivery texts come from 262966 (which spells AMAZON). That's the documented code for order and tracking updates. Amazon also delivers login codes, but its security guidance is that it will never ask you to confirm a code or account detail by replying to a text.
Is the Amazon 'suspicious order' or refund text a scam?
An unexpected 'Amazon' text about a big order you didn't place, a refund you need to 'claim', or a prize, sent from a 10-digit number with a link, is consistent with widely-reported Amazon impersonation scams. Don't tap the link — open the Amazon app or type amazon.com yourself to check your orders.
How do I tell a real Amazon text from a fake one?
Real Amazon shipment texts come from 262966 and point you to your orders in the app or on amazon.com; they don't demand payment, gift cards, or your password. Verify anything by opening the Amazon app directly. When in doubt, Amazon publishes its own guidance on identifying genuine messages.
How do I report a fake Amazon text?
Forward it to 7726 (SPAM) so your carrier can investigate, report it to Amazon through its 'report suspicious communication' page, and file it at reportfraud.ftc.gov. Don't reply or tap links.
Based on the named sender's own guidance and public advisories from the FTC, FCC, USPIS, and IRS. Educational information, not legal advice; areacode.fyi is independent and not affiliated with any company or agency named here.