Last Updated: September 26, 2025
Suspicious refund requests, false ‘missing item’ claims, and return scams are a plague on Amazon sellers. To keep your profits safe, you must proactively strengthen your Amazon seller protection against buyer fraud now.
Fraudulent buyers are the bane of many sellers’ existence. Imagine shipping 30 units of your product, only for the buyer to insist they received just one; frustrating, right?
Sadly, this isn’t rare, as scams like these drain profits, damage seller ratings, and weaken the trust sellers place in the platform. The good news is that with the right strategies and expert support, you can defend your business and stay ahead of fraudsters.
Our Amazon agency made this article to talk about how buyer fraud impacts sellers and the steps you can take to protect your business. We also discuss strategies like filing SAFE-T claims, appealing A-to-Z claims, and why working with an experienced Amazon agency can make a difference.
Table of Contents
Protect Your Profits from Buyer Fraud
Don’t let fraudulent buyers drain your margins. Let us help you fight back with proven strategies.
Why Amazon Buyer Fraud Is a Big Problem
Amazon has built its reputation on exceptional customer satisfaction, which is why its policies are heavily tilted toward protecting buyers. While this benefits honest shoppers, it also creates opportunities for dishonest customers to abuse the system.
CBS reported that an increasing number of Amazon shoppers are exploiting sellers through fraudulent return schemes. Fraudulent buyers often exploit Amazon’s A-to-Z Guarantee and dispute process to secure refunds or replacements, leaving sellers to absorb the cost.
The lack of balance in these policies leaves sellers vulnerable if they don’t have solid evidence to back up their case. Without detailed documentation, it’s far too easy for bad actors to take advantage and harm a seller’s business.
What Are the Common Types of Amazon Buyer Fraud
There are several types of buyer fraud on Amazon, and shoppers commit them for different reasons, like out of dishonesty or to game the system. Regardless of the reason, these schemes can severely damage a seller’s profits, reputation, and account health.
1. Missing Items / Incomplete Orders Fraud
This happens when a buyer claims they only received part of their order, even though the seller shipped everything correctly. It’s a common scam that leaves sellers stuck refunding money or resending products.
2. Return Fraud
Fraudulent buyers will send back items that are used, damaged, or even completely different from what they purchased. This not only costs sellers money but also puts inventory quality at risk if those items are mistakenly resold.
3. Non-Delivery Fraud
In this case, buyers insist they never received the order despite tracking showing successful delivery. Without strong shipping proof, sellers are often forced to issue refunds.
4. Switch-and-Return Fraud
Some buyers buy authentic products, then return counterfeits or cheaper substitutes while keeping the real item. This scam is especially harmful for brand owners, as it risks counterfeit goods being reintroduced into circulation.
5. Excessive A-to-Z Claims Abuse
Buyers who repeatedly exploit Amazon’s A-to-Z Guarantee file claims for refunds or replacements even when orders are fulfilled correctly. These claims hurt a seller’s metrics and can jeopardize account health over time.
The Real Impact of Amazon Buyer Fraud on Sellers
When shoppers commit buyer fraud, they often assume it won’t affect sellers much, especially if the product isn’t high in value. The truth is, even small fraudulent actions create serious consequences that can hurt sellers in lasting ways.
1. Financial Losses
Fraud forces sellers to issue refunds or ship replacements, eating directly into profit margins. Over time, these losses add up and can make it difficult for sellers to scale their business.
2. Damaged Reputation
Fraudulent buyers sometimes leave negative reviews or file complaints, even when their claims are dishonest. This damages a seller’s credibility, lowers product ratings, and makes it harder to win new customers.
3. Wasted Time and Resources
Dealing with fraud means gathering evidence, filing claims, and disputing cases through Seller Central. This drains valuable time that sellers could be using to manage inventory, optimize listings, or grow their brand.
Effective Amazon Seller Protection Strategies Against Buyer Fraud
There are practical strategies Amazon sellers can use to combat buyer fraud and reduce risks. While no system is foolproof, these measures can help protect profits, reputation, and peace of mind.
A. Gather Evidence
When facing fraudulent claims of missing items or incomplete orders, evidence is your strongest defense. By systematically documenting each step of your fulfillment process, you can counter buyer fraud and safeguard your profits.
Here’s how to gather the critical evidence:
- Check Records
Use packing slips, invoices, and shipping labels with weight to confirm the correct quantity. - Capture Visual Proof
Take photos or videos of packed items before shipping, and review security footage if available. - Verify Delivery
Provide tracking details and confirm delivery with your carrier. - Communicate Professionally
Politely inform the buyer of the shipped quantity and ask them to recheck their package. - Prepare for Claims
Use your evidence to file a SAFE-T claim or dispute an A-to-Z claim.
B. File Safe-T Claims
When a buyer insists they received fewer items than shipped, a SAFE-T claim can help protect your business from financial loss. This process allows you to present your documented evidence directly to Amazon and request reimbursement.
What Is a Safe-T Claim?
A SAFE-T Claim is Amazon’s system that allows sellers to dispute fraudulent or abusive buyer actions and seek reimbursement. For FBM sellers, it’s especially valuable because it provides a way to recover losses from false claims such as missing items, fake returns, or damaged goods.
Steps to File a Safe-T Claim
Filing a SAFE-T Claim is a straightforward process, but you need to follow each step carefully to avoid delays or rejections. Making sure your evidence is complete and accurate is key to getting reimbursed.
- Log in to Amazon Seller Central and go to the Orders section.
- Locate the order with the fraudulent claim and click on SAFE-T Claim.
- Select the reason for your claim from the available options.
- Upload supporting evidence such as packing slips, shipping labels, photos, or tracking information.
- Write a clear explanation of the issue and why the buyer’s claim is false.
- Submit the claim and monitor its status under the SAFE-T Claims tab.
Why File a Safe-T Claim?
Some sellers skip filing SAFE-T claims because the process feels like a hassle, especially if they’re dealing with multiple cases at once. But taking the time to file is worth it since it protects both your profits and your reputation.
- Recover Losses
SAFE-T claims help you recoup money from fraudulent buyer claims, ensuring that false reports don’t eat into your margins. - Avoid Negative Feedback
Resolving disputes through SAFE-T reduces the chances of negative reviews or complaints sticking to your account.
C. Appeal A-to-Z Claims
When a buyer files an A-to-Z Guarantee claim, it can feel like Amazon automatically takes their side. However, you still have the chance to appeal and present evidence that proves your case.
What Are A-to-Z Claims?
Amazon’s A-to-Z Guarantee Policy protects customers who purchase items from third-party sellers. It covers issues like:
- Delayed delivery.
- Item not matching the description.
- General dissatisfaction with the purchase.
If a buyer files an A-to-Z claim against you, it can result in listing deactivation or account performance warnings. While these claims are designed to protect buyers, sellers can appeal them if they believe the claims are unwarranted.
Steps to Appeal an A-to-Z Claim
Even if a buyer files what you believe to be a fraudulent A-to-Z claim, there are steps you can take to appeal it. By following the process carefully and providing the right documentation, you improve your chances of overturning the claim.
- Locate the Claim
- Log in to Amazon Seller Central.
- Go to the Performance tab and select A-to-Z Guarantee Claims.
- Filter the view to find claims that have been Granted (meaning Amazon took money from you or your inventory).
- Initiate the Appeal
- In the list of claims, find the relevant Order ID.
- In the “Status” column, you should see the claim status and a button (or link) that says “Appeal Decision” or simply “Appeal”. Click this.
- Build Your Case
- A form or text box will appear for your appeal. This is your chance to clearly and concisely present your evidence.
- Do not include a lengthy narrative. State the facts and provide the documentary evidence that Amazon requires.
- Submit and Monitor
- Submit the appeal. Amazon’s review process can take 7 to 14 days.
- Regularly check the A-to-Z Guarantee Claims page to track the status of your appeal and be ready to respond quickly if Amazon asks for additional information.
Best Practices for Winning A-to-Z Claims Appeals on Amazon
Handling A-to-Z claims effectively is essential to protect your revenue and maintain a strong seller account. Follow these strategies to improve your chances of winning appeals:
- Keep It Concise and Relevant
Avoid lengthy explanations in your appeal. Provide only essential details, such as tracking information or proof of delivery.
Example: “Our tracking information indicates delivery on [date]. Please find the valid tracking number: [tracking number]. Kindly close this claim in our favor.”
- Utilize Valid Tracking Information
Always include tracking details that Amazon can verify to prove the order was delivered. If a buyer claims non-receipt, valid tracking is often the deciding factor in your favor.
- Appeal All Claims
Never ignore an A-to-Z claim, even if it looks abusive. Consistently appealing protects your revenue and ensures no fraudulent claim goes uncontested.
- Don’t Refund Prematurely
Issuing a refund before appealing can hurt your Order Defect Rate (ODR). This can damage your Buy Box eligibility and weaken your seller account metrics.
- Navigate Custom Orders and Defective Claims Carefully
For custom or personalized products, Amazon policies often provide grounds for disputing claims. If a buyer claims a defective item, verify its return with tracking before processing a refund.
- Be Timely with Refunds for Returns
Process refunds for returned items within two business days to avoid unnecessary claims. Quick action shows Amazon that you follow policies and maintain a buyer-first approach.
- Use Amazon’s Tools and Policies
Take full advantage of Amazon’s dispute portal to manage appeals. If you use Amazon Buy Shipping, rely on its built-in protection for lost or undelivered packages.
Struggling with A-to-Z Claims?
Our team knows how to appeal and win unfair claims that hurt your account health.
D. Take Preventive Measures
When selling on Amazon, taking proactive steps can help safeguard your business against common pitfalls like disputes over missing items or fraudulent claims. Here’s how you can protect your operations with simple yet effective strategies:
- Use Shipping Services with Signature Confirmation
Invest in shipping services that require a signature upon delivery. This provides solid proof of delivery, including who received the package, which can help resolve disputes quickly by verifying that the item reached its destination.
- Document Your Packing Process
Take clear photos and videos of the items as they are being packed. If a buyer disputes the quantity or claims an item was missing, this documentation serves as valuable evidence to support your case.
- Consider Using FBA
Amazon Fulfillment handles packing, shipping, and customer service on your behalf. By outsourcing logistics to Amazon, you minimize the risk of errors or fraud while ensuring that disputes are handled by Amazon’s customer service team, reducing stress on your end.
- Monitor Buyer Feedback
Regularly review feedback from your buyers. Be cautious when dealing with customers who have a history of complaints about missing items or fraudulent claims. Spotting red flags early can prevent potential issues.
- Set Clear Return and Refund Policies
Transparent return and refund policies can deter fraudulent claims. Buyers are less likely to attempt scams if they know your policies are well-defined and that you handle disputes professionally.
Why Work with an Amazon Agency for Fraud Protection
Sometimes, even Amazon Seller Support doesn’t have the right answers when sellers face buyer fraud. This can leave you frustrated, with no real solution to protect your business.
This is because the reality is that Amazon’s systems are built to prioritize customer satisfaction, which means sellers often don’t get the backing they need. When support tickets drag on without resolution, the losses and stress continue to pile up.
That’s where working with an experienced Amazon agency like My Amazon Guy comes in. In fact, Amazon Seller Support sometimes directs sellers to My Amazon Guy for tough issues, including fraud cases, because they trust us to deliver results.
Amazon Seller Protection Against Buyer Fraud: FAQs
Protect Your Business from Buyer Fraud
When even Amazon can’t fully protect sellers from the growing issue of buyer fraud, it becomes clear that sellers need to take matters into their own hands. By documenting everything, filing claims, and appealing disputes, you can minimize losses and safeguard your account.
But you don’t have to do it alone. With the right strategies, or with the help of an experienced Amazon agency like My Amazon Guy, you can fight back against fraud and keep your business strong.
Let us handle the complexities for you. Contact our full-service Amazon Agency today to safeguard your business and focus on growing your Amazon brand!
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