Amazon has transformed global e-commerce. Millions of sellers depend on it for revenue, reach, and business growth. But with this opportunity comes growing risk. Cybercriminals are targeting Amazon accounts at an alarming rate. A single Amazon account breach can cause devastating financial and reputational damage. For sellers, one hacked account can halt operations, drain revenue, and damage customer trust within hours. The recent $78M Amazon account breach in Singapore shows how vulnerable even large, established sellers are. This guide explains what Amazon account breaches are, how they happen, their impact, and most importantly, how to protect your account.
What Is an Amazon Account Breach?
An Amazon account breach happens when hackers gain unauthorized access to a seller’s account. Once inside, they can:
- Change admin login details
- Alter banking information
- Redirect payments
- Remove product listings
- Lock sellers out of their own accounts
This type of cyberattack is not rare. It has become one of the biggest threats for sellers operating on the platform. The consequences go far beyond temporary inconvenience. Sellers can lose money, face account suspensions, and watch years of reputation vanish overnight.
Case Study: The $78M Amazon Account Breach
In January 2025, a Singapore-based baby and maternity brand faced a nightmare. Generating $230,000 in daily sales and $78M annually, the company suddenly lost access to its Amazon account. Hackers bypassed OTP verification, changed admin credentials, and took full control.
The attackers attempted to divert $50,000 AUD and shut down operations for seven days. The brand’s listings disappeared, sales stopped, and employees were left uncertain about their jobs.
This case highlights a frightening reality: no matter the size of your business, if your Amazon account is compromised, the impact can be catastrophic.
How Do Amazon Account Breaches Happen?
Hackers use multiple tactics to break into Amazon accounts:
- Phishing Emails
- Sellers receive fake Amazon emails asking for login details or OTP confirmations. Once entered, hackers use the information to take over accounts.
- Weak Passwords
- Simple or reused passwords allow cybercriminals to guess credentials using automated tools.
- OTP Exploits
- Hackers intercept OTP codes or bypass weak security systems to override two-step authentication.
- Stolen Credentials
- According to the 2025 Cybersecurity Report, over 10 million stolen credentials are available on underground markets. Hackers buy these to access seller accounts.
- Insider Threats
- Employees or third-party vendors with access can misuse login information.
Business Impact of Amazon Account Breaches
The consequences of an Amazon account breach can be devastating:
- Financial Loss
- Sellers lose daily sales. In the Singapore case, it was $230,000 per day. In some cases, hackers also divert money directly.
- Operational Shutdown
- Listings disappear. Fulfillment stops. Sellers are unable to process or ship orders.
- Brand Damage
- Customers lose trust when they cannot find products. Competitors benefit from redirected traffic.
- Employee Instability
- Staff jobs are threatened when the main source of income vanishes.
- Bankruptcy Risk
- A week of downtime for high-revenue sellers can mean millions in losses. For small sellers, it can destroy their business completely.
Why Amazon’s Security Isn’t Enough
Amazon does provide security features like OTP and holds on bank account changes. However, breaches prove these safeguards are not always effective. Hackers have found ways to bypass them. Sellers also report that Amazon’s response to breaches is slow and unhelpful. Some have waited weeks for account recovery, all while losing money.
This creates an urgent need for sellers to take independent steps to protect their accounts.
Real Seller Experiences
Several sellers have shared their experiences with Amazon account breaches:
- One seller lost access due to a hijacked email and phone number. Despite providing proof, Amazon did not restore the account quickly, resulting in major losses.
- Another case involved hackers stealing $1.1M from a seller’s account before it was deactivated.
- A third seller discovered their account was being used in 14 countries by hackers.
These stories highlight how widespread and damaging breaches have become.
Key Challenges Sellers Face
- Weak global user permissions allow hackers to repeatedly change login information.
- OTP systems can be bypassed.
- Amazon support is often slow to respond.
- Sellers depend too heavily on one platform, leaving them vulnerable if it fails.
How Sellers Can Protect Their Amazon Accounts
1. Use Strong Authentication
- Enable multi-factor authentication.
- Use unique, complex passwords that are changed regularly.
- Avoid reusing passwords across platforms.
2. Monitor Account Activity
- Review login history daily.
- Watch for sudden admin changes or email requests.
- Investigate unusual notifications immediately.
3. Limit User Permissions
- Give staff access only to what they need.
- Remove old or inactive users from account permissions.
4. Backup Operations
- Do not depend only on Amazon.
- Use other platforms like Walmart, Shopify, or eBay to diversify revenue.
5. Work with Amazon Experts
- Partner with an Amazon management agency for professional monitoring.
- Stay updated on Amazon policy changes.
- Conduct regular security audits.
The Future of Amazon Account Security
Cybercrime is evolving fast. With millions of credentials already stolen, Amazon sellers are prime targets. Sellers who ignore cybersecurity may face serious consequences in the coming years. E-commerce growth will continue, but so will cyberattacks. The only solution is proactive security and multi-channel strategy.
FAQs on Amazon Account Breaches
What should I do if my Amazon account is hacked?
Immediately contact Amazon Seller Support, change all passwords, and report unauthorized access.
How can I recover funds stolen from my Amazon account?
Funds recovery is challenging. Report to Amazon and your bank immediately. Legal steps may be needed.
Can small sellers also be targeted by hackers?
Yes. Hackers often target smaller sellers because they have weaker security systems.
Is OTP enough to protect my Amazon account?
No. Hackers have found ways to bypass OTP. Use stronger authentication and monitoring.
How do I prevent future breaches?
Use unique passwords, enable multi-factor authentication, limit permissions, and stay updated on threats.
Conclusion
Amazon account breaches are one of the biggest threats facing sellers today. The $78M breach in Singapore is not an isolated case—it is a warning. Sellers must act now to secure their accounts, diversify platforms, and reduce dependency on Amazon alone. By strengthening authentication, monitoring activity, and partnering with experts, you can safeguard your revenue, employees, and reputation.