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Amazon Files Lawsuit Over Scam Text Messages
Cracking down on an affiliate marketing scheme
By Allison Murray Allison Murray Tech News Reporter Southern Illinois University Allison reports on all things tech. She's a news junky that keeps her eye on the latest trends. Allison is a writer working out of Chicago, IL, with her only coworker: her cat Norbert. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on May 13, 2021 12:27PM EDT Fact checked by Rich Scherr Fact checked by Rich Scherr University of Maryland Baltimore County Rich Scherr is a seasoned technology and financial journalist who spent nearly two decades as the editor of Potomac and Bay Area Tech Wire. lifewire's fact checking process Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Internet & Security Mobile Phones Internet & Security Computers & Tablets Smart Life Home Theater & Entertainment Software & Apps Social Media Streaming Gaming Amazon announced a lawsuit against spammers on Tuesday, cracking down on scam text messages claiming to be from the online retailer. According to Amazon’s official complaint obtained by The Verge, the scammers actively use Amazon’s trademarks and brand to deceive victims through text message survey links. Those who click the link are offered the chance to claim a "reward." However, the reward link takes victims to an advertiser’s website, where they can purchase products with no relation to Amazon. Getty Images/Staff Amazon said in the complaint that the defendants are liable to the tech giant for trademark infringement, false designation of origin and association, and false advertising. "Amazon works hard to build a great, trusted experience for our customers and sellers. These bad actors are misusing our brand to deceive the public and we will hold them accountable," Kathy Sheehan, vice president of business conduct & ethics at Amazon, said in the announcement about the lawsuit. "We also want to remind consumers to be vigilant and learn how to recognize the signs of a scam so they are protected, no matter where they shop." Right now, Amazon does not know exactly who the individuals or entities are that are sending these scam messages. The company is suing 50 "John Does," which The Verge reports could result in a subpoena to unmask their unknown identities. While the lawsuit focuses on Amazon and its frustrations with entities using its likeness, the complaint does not mention anything about the victims... The complaint states that Amazon wants the unknown defendants to pay the company all profits earned from the scam, as well as its actual and treble damages. While the lawsuit focuses on Amazon and its frustrations with entities using its likeness, the complaint does not mention anything about the victims who received these text messages or were duped into buying a fake Amazon product. For people who received these text messages, it's more of a nuisance than their information being compromised. Amazon said that in general, with these cases, it’s not about information, but the links that take consumers to fake-branded non-Amazon sites, mostly to drive traffic to other sites that sell products. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire What to Do When Your Phone Number Is Being Spoofed How to Stop Political Texts Protect Yourself From Malicious QR Codes Is Google Play Safe? Fake IRS Letters: How to Identify Them and Protect Yourself How to Recover Deleted Text Messages on Any Phone DNS Servers: What Are They and Why Are They Used? How to Schedule a Text Message on an iPhone How to Forward a Text Message to Email How to Email a Text Why We Fall for Texting Scams (and How to Stop) How to Like a Text Message in Android How to Fake a GPS Location on Your Phone How to Stop Unwanted & Spam Calls on Your Cellphone or Landline How to Send a Text Message to a Group How to Remove That Microsoft Warning Alert Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies