UK consumers are being urged to stay alert as a growing Amazon Prime scam in the UK, commonly referred to as the “cancel trap”, continues to spread rapidly in January 2026. Fraudsters are sending convincing emails, text messages, and automated phone calls that falsely claim an Amazon Prime subscription must be cancelled urgently to avoid charges.
The scam relies on fear, urgency, and realistic-looking communication to trick people into sharing sensitive information. Messages often mention a specific deadline — most commonly 24 January 2026 — to pressure recipients into acting without verifying the details.
How the Amazon Prime “Cancel Trap” Scam Works
Scammers impersonate Amazon or Amazon Prime support and contact users using multiple channels. These messages are designed to look official and urgent, often using familiar branding and language.
Common claims found in scam messages include:
- Your Amazon Prime subscription is about to renew
- You must cancel before a stated date to avoid charges
- Your account is restricted, suspended, or under review
- Immediate action is required to prevent billing
The message usually contains a link or phone number that appears legitimate at first glance but does not belong to Amazon. Interacting with it leads directly to the scam.
What Happens If You Click the Link or Call the Number
Victims who click the link are redirected to a high-quality fake website that closely imitates Amazon’s real login page. The design, colors, and layout are intentionally similar to reduce suspicion.
Users are prompted to:
- Enter their Amazon email address and password
- Reconfirm payment card details
- Provide personal information such as name and address
Once this information is submitted, scammers can gain access to the real Amazon account, make unauthorized purchases, attempt further fraud, or sell the stolen details to other criminal groups.
Why Scammers Are Using the 24 January 2026 Deadline
The date itself is completely fabricated. Scammers deliberately choose deadlines that feel realistic and timely.
Late January is particularly effective because:
- Many people review subscriptions after Christmas
- Annual renewals often fall in January
- Households are distracted by bills, taxes, and financial planning
Amazon does not manage subscriptions using external links, countdown warnings, or urgent threats. Any message claiming otherwise should be treated as suspicious.
Who Is Most at Risk From This Scam
While anyone can receive these messages, reports suggest certain groups are more frequently affected.
Higher-risk groups include:
- Older adults, especially those less familiar with phishing tactics
- People who do not regularly check their subscriptions
- Households with shared Amazon accounts
- Users who rely on mobile phones for most online activity
Importantly, scammers send these messages in bulk. You may receive one even if you do not have an Amazon Prime subscription.
Real Experiences From UK Victims
Some victims have shared their experiences to help others avoid falling into the same trap.
Margaret, 72, from Surrey, received a text warning her Prime account would renew the same day.
She explained that the message looked genuine and used urgent language, prompting her to click before thinking. Her bank later blocked the payment after detecting suspicious activity.
Others spotted the warning signs early. One user noted that the web address did not match Amazon’s official site, which immediately raised concerns.
How to Spot an Amazon Prime Scam Quickly
There are several red flags that can help you identify a scam before any damage is done.
- Generic greetings such as “Dear customer”
- Spelling or grammar mistakes
- Links that do not start with amazon.co.uk
- Requests for full card or security details
- Strong pressure to act immediately
Amazon will never ask for sensitive information via email, text message, or unsolicited phone calls.
What Amazon Actually Says About Prime Cancellations
Amazon Prime subscriptions can only be managed by logging directly into your Amazon account through the official website or app.
Key points to remember:
- Cancellations are done inside account settings
- No external links are required
- There are no sudden cancellation deadlines sent by text
If a message tells you to cancel through a link or phone number, it is not genuine.
What to Do If You Receive a Suspicious Message
If you receive a message claiming to be from Amazon Prime:
- Do not click any links
- Do not call the provided number
- Delete the message immediately
- Type the Amazon website address manually into your browser to check your account
Logging in independently is always the safest option.
Steps to Take If You’ve Already Clicked or Responded
If you believe you have interacted with the scam, act quickly:
- Change your Amazon password immediately
- Update passwords on any linked accounts
- Contact your bank if card details were entered
- Monitor transactions closely
- Run a security check on your device
Quick action can significantly reduce the risk of financial loss.
Key Takeaway for UK Consumers
The Amazon Prime cancel trap scam relies on urgency and fear to succeed. Staying calm, checking links carefully, and managing subscriptions only through official channels are the best ways to stay protected.
If a message pressures you to act fast, pause and verify. That single step can prevent serious financial and personal data loss.
My name is Arsam, and I am the founder and author of Mymct. I created this website to share reliable mobile technology updates and important news in a simple and easy-to-understand way. I have a strong interest in smartphones, mobile apps, and the fast-changing digital world, and I enjoy researching topics that are useful for everyday users.