Alexa scams and unexpected purchases: how to stop them
Echo devices can order from Amazon by voice, and scammers sometimes pretend to be Amazon. A few settings and habits keep you safe.
Set a voice purchase code
You can set a 4-digit voice code to confirm purchases. In the Alexa app:
- Tap More, then Settings.
- Go to Account Settings.
- Choose Voice Purchasing.
- Select Purchase Confirmation, then Manage.
- Switch on the voice code and create a 4-digit number.
Menu names in the Alexa app change from time to time, so if yours looks slightly different, look for the closest wording rather than worrying.
Keep the code private. Do not say it when visitors are around. In the same area you can also switch voice purchasing off if you never want it.
Check your orders
Look at your Amazon orders for anything you did not expect, and at your voice history in the Alexa app. If a child or a TV advert could have triggered an order, you may find it there. See our guide on voice recordings first, as deleting history removes the evidence.
Cancel or return
On the Amazon website or app, go to your orders and cancel or return the item if it has not been sent. The website walks you through it.
Spotting scams
- Amazon will not phone and ask you to confirm a payment, or tell you to buy gift cards.
- Do not install software or remote control tools on request from a caller.
- Emails and texts about an Echo order you did not make may be fake. Do not click the link. Go to Amazon's website or app yourself.
- Never give out your password or one-time codes.
- Do not turn off security features at the request of anyone.
If you have been caught out
Change your Amazon password at once, turn on two-step verification, and contact your bank if you gave out card details.
When to get more help
If you think you have been scammed, contact your bank first and report it to Action Fraud. Vision Tech can help secure your accounts and devices afterwards.