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Fake Alexa and Amazon Echo support sites have directed people to scammers posing as technicians, according to a U.S. Department of Justice case. The reported scheme used bogus downloads and error messages to steer visitors to phone numbers, where callers were asked to grant remote access and buy unnecessary services. That case confirms the scam occurred; it does not establish how widespread it is today.
How the Alexa and Echo support scam worked
The Justice Department described websites that imitated technical-support pages and used Echo imagery. A download presented as an app produced a fabricated error directing the visitor to call a number. The person answering claimed the Echo had technical problems, sought remote control of the caller’s computer, and sold services for problems that did not exist. The DOJ account documents this particular scheme, not a current estimate of its reach.
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Warning signs to watch for
- An unexpected call or pop-up claims your Echo or computer has a problem and tells you to call a number. The FBI identifies unsolicited support calls and pop-ups with phone numbers as common tech-support scam approaches: FBI IC3 advisory.
- A search result, ad, message, or website asks you to download software or call a number to fix an urgent device problem.
- The caller asks you to install remote-access software, share passwords or verification codes, or let them control your computer.
- Someone asks you to pay for Amazon customer service. Amazon says it will not ask customers to install software, grant remote access to a device, or pay for customer-service support: Amazon’s scam guidance.
The FTC’s guidance is direct: “Real security pop-up warnings and messages will never ask you to call a phone number.” FTC guidance on tech-support scams.
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A number shown in an unexpected pop-up, unsolicited message, search ad, or call should not be treated as Amazon support. Do not call it or use a link supplied by the message. Instead, open Amazon’s official app or manually navigate to Amazon’s website and start support there. Amazon also provides a page for identifying a scam and handling suspicious communications.
#1 Best Overall
- Your favorite music and content – Play music, audiobooks, and podcasts from Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify and others or via Bluetooth throughout your home.
- Alexa is happy to help – Ask Alexa for weather updates and to set hands-free timers, get answers to your questions and even hear jokes. Need a few extra minutes in the morning? Just tap your Echo Dot to snooze your alarm.
- Keep your home comfortable – Control compatible smart home devices with your voice and routines triggered by built-in motion or indoor temperature sensors. Create routines to automatically turn on lights when you walk into a room, or start a fan if the inside temperature goes above your comfort zone.
- Do more with device pairing – Fill your home with music using compatible Echo devices in different rooms, or create a home theatre system with Fire TV.
- Say goodbye to drop-offs and buffering - With eero Built-in, Echo Dot doubles as a mesh wifi extender, adding up to 1,000 sq. ft. of wifi coverage to your existing eero network.
Consider who initiated the contact and what they want you to do: a support request you start through an official Amazon channel is different from an unsolicited caller directing you to install remote-access software, disclose credentials, or pay for customer service.
What to do if you gave fake support remote access
- End the session. Stop communicating with the caller. If practical, disconnect the affected computer from the internet.
- Remove remote-access software. Uninstall the application the caller asked you to install. If you are unsure whether the device is safe, have a trusted technician inspect it before using it for sensitive accounts.
- Change exposed passwords from a separate, trusted device. Update passwords the caller may have seen or accessed, including any reused on other accounts.
- Contact your bank or card issuer if you shared payment details or see a suspicious charge. Use the number on your card or the institution’s official website, and ask about blocking or disputing unauthorized transactions.
- Report the incident. Submit a report through the FTC’s tech-support scam guidance, which includes reporting and recovery advice.
How common is this scam?
The available figures do not show how many Alexa or Echo users encountered this specific scheme. The FTC said consumers submitted about 34,000 reports of scammers impersonating Amazon in 2023, published in 2024. That total covers Amazon impersonation generally, not Echo or Alexa support scams; it is not a count of affected customers or a measure of the scheme’s current prevalence. The same FTC release reported about 52,000 reports involving Best Buy or its Geek Squad brand, also as broader impersonation context—not evidence about Echo users. FTC data release.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Alexa can show you more - Echo Show 5 includes a 5.5” display so you can see news and weather at a glance, make video calls, view compatible cameras, stream music and shows, and more.
- Small size, bigger sound – Stream your favorite music, shows, podcasts, and more from providers like Amazon Music, Spotify, and Prime Video—now with deeper bass and clearer vocals. Includes a 5.5" display so you can view shows, song titles, and more at a glance.
- Keep your home comfortable – Control compatible smart devices like lights and thermostats, even while you're away.
- See more with the built-in camera – Check in on your family, pets, and more using the built-in camera. Drop in on your home when you're out or view the front door from your Echo Show 5 with compatible video doorbells.
- See your photos on display – When not in use, set the background to a rotating slideshow of your favorite photos. Invite family and friends to share photos to your Echo Show. Prime members also get unlimited cloud photo storage.
Rank #4
- Your favorite music and content – Play music, audiobooks, and podcasts from Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify and others or via Bluetooth throughout your home.
- Alexa is happy to help – Ask Alexa for weather updates and to set hands-free timers, get answers to your questions and even hear jokes. Need a few extra minutes in the morning? Just tap your Echo Dot to snooze your alarm.
- Keep your home comfortable – Control compatible smart home devices with your voice and routines triggered by built-in motion or indoor temperature sensors. Create routines to automatically turn on lights when you walk into a room, or start a fan if the inside temperature goes above your comfort zone.
- Do more with device pairing – Fill your home with music using compatible Echo devices in different rooms, or create a home theatre system with Fire TV.
- Say goodbye to drop-offs and buffering - With eero Built-in, Echo Dot doubles as a mesh wifi extender, adding up to 1,000 sq. ft. of wifi coverage to your existing eero network.
Rank #3
- MEET ECHO SPOT - A sleek smart alarm clock with Alexa and big vibrant sound. Ready to help you wake up, wind down, and so much more.
- CUSTOMIZABLE SMART CLOCK - See time, weather, and song titles at a glance, control smart home devices, and more. Personalize your display with your favorite clock face and fun colors.
- BIG VIBRANT SOUND - Enjoy rich sound with clear vocals and deep bass. Just ask Alexa to play music, podcasts, and audiobooks. See song titles and touch to control your music.
- EASE INTO THE DAY - Set up an Alexa routine that gently wakes you with music and gradual light. Glance at the time, check reminders, or ask Alexa for weather updates.
- KEEP YOUR HOME COMFORTABLE - Control compatible smart home devices. Just ask Alexa to turn on lights or touch the screen to dim. Create routines that use motion detection to turn down the thermostat as you head out or open the blinds when you walk into a room.
Rank #2
- Your favorite music and content – Play music, audiobooks, and podcasts from Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify and others or via Bluetooth throughout your home.
- Alexa is happy to help – Ask Alexa for weather updates and to set hands-free timers, get answers to your questions and even hear jokes. Need a few extra minutes in the morning? Just tap your Echo Dot to snooze your alarm.
- Keep your home comfortable – Control compatible smart home devices with your voice and routines triggered by built-in motion or indoor temperature sensors. Create routines to automatically turn on lights when you walk into a room, or start a fan if the inside temperature goes above your comfort zone.
- Do more with device pairing – Fill your home with music using compatible Echo devices in different rooms, or create a home theatre system with Fire TV.
- Say goodbye to drop-offs and buffering - With eero Built-in, Echo Dot doubles as a mesh wifi extender, adding up to 1,000 sq. ft. of wifi coverage to your existing eero network.
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