The Rise of the Amazon Mystery Box Scams and How to Protect Yourself

The Amazon mystery box scam sounds exciting at first. A seller claims to have bundled together random items that were returned to Amazon into a collection that is sold to someone willing to take a gamble on what’s inside. Since it’s a random bundle, you never really know what you’re going to get, leaving many to wonder: Are Amazon mystery boxes legit?

The intrigue and possibility of an amazing deal have led to the spread of the Amazon mystery box. Who doesn’t like the idea of opening a box full of unknown treasures?

Are Amazon Mystery Boxes a Scam?

Almost certainly yes. Amazon mystery boxes are bundled deals that are advertised by scammers posing as legitimate Amazon sellers. You’ll see the Amazon scam advertised through fake influencers, social media ads, and vague listings or advertisements.

Like many scams, the premise appears plausible: buyers return items to Amazon, often in their original packaging. Sellers can’t resell the items as new. So, sellers bundle up a collection of returns, put them all in a package, and sell the random assortment of things to a buyer.

What sets the Amazon mystery box scams apart is that the deals always sound “too good to be true.” The seller advertises bundles as containing high-ticket items, perhaps with open packaging or light damage, but inside the box are low-value items or even broken junk.

Amazon also offers a legitimate pallet purchasing option through the company itself, not individual sellers. Liquidation pallets of damaged goods and overstock sold through the official store are not an Amazon pallet scam. It’s the various boxes and pallets advertised and sold elsewhere that you should be concerned about.

How Do I Spot an Amazon Mystery Box Scam?

Here are the red flags to be looking for:

• The deal seems “too good to be true.” If the mystery box post lists new cell phones, video games, jewelry, designer goods, or other high-ticket items as part of a mystery box with a low price, it’s likely a scam.
• You pay off-site. Do you have to pay for the Amazon mystery box somewhere other than Amazon? It’s likely not a legitimate purchase if you’re paying through PayPal or another third-party website.
• You were contacted directly. If you get a text or email trying to entice you to buy a mystery box, it’s almost certainly a scam.

It can be hard to spot the scam with so many legitimate-looking Amazon mystery box reviews. These various videos and social media posts aren’t legitimate Amazon reviews, however. They are often planted by scammers hoping to draw in unwary targets.

How Do I Avoid Amazon Mystery Box Scams?

Keeping yourself safe from the mystery box scam is the same as protecting yourself from any scam – avoid clicking and be careful with your personal information. If you see ads or receive messages about mystery boxes, here are a few things to remember:

• Never click a link. If you’ve received an email or text message about a special offer, don’t click the link. You can skip clicking links in advertisements or social media posts as well.
• Check the URL closely. If you do click a link and then wonder if you’re in trouble, check the URL carefully. Many scammers set up a web address to look similar to a legitimate site, but it won’t be exactly the same. It’s always better to type in the address correctly for the authentic site you’re trying to reach.
• Don’t buy if it seems too good to be true. We all love a bargain, but if a deal seems too sweet, it probably means it’s sour.
• Monitor your accounts. The goal of the Amazon mystery box scam is to separate you from your money or your personal information. Watch your accounts closely and change your passwords regularly to keep yourself safe.

How Do I Report a Scam?

Many people wonder if an Amazon mystery box is legit. If you’ve seen or even experienced the scam firsthand, you can help to protect others by reporting a scam directly to Amazon. You can also share your experience with particular sellers by leaving your story as a review on PissedConsumer.com to warn others away so they can avoid making a very expensive mistake.