Unlocking an Amazon Seller Account After a Hack: Real Case and Solution

Selling on Amazon is highly competitive and profitable, but it is also a frequent target for cyberattacks. Sellers can face the worst-case scenario: their Amazon Seller account being hacked, unauthorized access, unknown products listed in their catalog, and the risk of suspension.

In this article, we share a real case of an Amazon seller account hack, explain step-by-step how the problem was solved, and outline security measures to prevent future attacks.

The Problem: Unauthorized Access

On April 25, 2024, an Amazon seller team detected unauthorized access to their account. The first red flag was the appearance of an unknown credit card in the Seller Central payment settings.

The next day, April 26, products that did not belong to their catalog were listed, confirming that the account had been compromised. To make matters worse, Amazon detected the anomaly and sent a message stating that suspicious changes had been reversed, fraudulent orders had been canceled, and there was a potential policy violation.

Immediate Actions to Recover the Account

As soon as the seller's team detected the hack, they took the following steps to regain control of the account and ensure its security:

1. Changing Credentials and Associated Emails

• The primary email for Seller Central access was changed to a completely new one.

• It was verified that the compromised email was no longer linked to any other section of Seller Central.

• The password was updated with a strong, unique key that had never been used before.

2. Reviewing Users with Account Access

• The identity of all users with account permissions was verified.

• Suspicious users were removed, ensuring that only trusted personnel had access.

3. Correcting Fraudulent Listings

• All fraudulent products listed by the hacker were deleted.

• Legitimate products were checked to ensure they remained intact and compliant with Amazon policies.

4. Reviewing Bank Information

• The registered bank account in Seller Central was verified to ensure it had not been altered.

5. Scanning and Removing Possible Malware

• A thorough scan with professional antivirus software was performed on all devices used to access the account.

Preventive Measures to Avoid Future Hacks

After recovering the account, it is crucial to implement security measures to prevent this from happening again:

1. Enabling Two-Step Verification

• Activate two-factor authentication on all accounts related to Amazon Seller Central.

2. Regular Security Monitoring

• Every month, a team member verifies that two-factor authentication remains active and functioning correctly.

• Internal audits are conducted in the Amazon account to check for suspicious changes in bank information, user access, and active listings.

• Emails from Amazon are reviewed to identify phishing attempts or unauthorized access.

3. Updating and Securing Devices

• A monthly review protocol is established for all devices used to access Amazon Seller Central.

• Regular malware scans are performed on all team computers.

Common Mistakes When Recovering a Hacked Account

Many sellers make mistakes that can delay the recovery process:

• Not changing the password immediately.

• Not removing suspicious access.

• Not checking bank information and account details.

• Not contacting Amazon with the correct information.

Avoiding these mistakes can speed up account restoration.

How to Contact Amazon Effectively

To get a quick response from Amazon, send a well-structured message that includes:

• Date and time of the incident.

• Evidence of unauthorized changes.

• Actions taken to resolve the issue.

• A clear request to unlock the account.

This approach helps Amazon process your case faster.

Financial and Reputational Impact of an Amazon Hack

A hack can lead to significant financial losses due to sales suspension and potential customer loss. Additionally, if attackers use the account for fraud, it can damage the seller’s reputation and reduce buyer trust.

Therefore, acting quickly and strengthening security not only protects the account but also the business’s image.

Conclusion

An Amazon account hack is a serious situation, but with quick actions and preventive strategies, you can minimize the damage and protect your business.

If you need help recovering your account or strengthening your store's security, follow these steps and always stay alert for any suspicious activity. Your Amazon business depends on it!

Frequently asked questions

How long does Amazon take to respond to a recovery request?

Typically, between 24 and 72 hours. In complex cases, it may take longer.

What should I do if Amazon doesn’t respond?

If you don’t receive a response within three days, follow up with a new message and include additional information.

Can hacks be prevented 100%?

Not completely, but implementing security measures drastically reduces the risk.

What should I do if my account’s registered email has been changed?

Immediately contact Amazon and provide documents validating your identity as the account owner.

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