How do scammers steal credit card reward points on Amazon?

Scammers obtain stolen credit card details, add them to their Amazon account, and use the integrated "Shop with Points" feature to make unauthorized purchases with the victim's reward points.

Do card issuers like Chase notify users about Shop with Points enrollments?

Notification policies vary among card issuers. In some cases, cardholders may not receive direct notifications when their rewards are enrolled in or used through Amazon's Shop with Points feature.

How can I protect my credit card reward points from scams?

Regularly monitor your points balance through your credit card issuer's mobile app, which often displays detailed rewards activity and can help you spot suspicious transactions early.

Home / Business and Economy / Points Gone: Amazon Scam Drains Credit Card Rewards

Points Gone: Amazon Scam Drains Credit Card Rewards

4 Feb

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Summary

Scammers exploit Amazon's Shop with Points feature to steal rewards.
Victims discover points theft only after significant balances are gone.
Card issuers lack robust fraud detection for points-based transactions.

Points Gone: Amazon Scam Drains Credit Card Rewards

Premium credit card reward points, usually exchanged for high-end travel and discounts, are being pilfered by scammers through a sophisticated attack. This scheme leverages Amazon's "Shop with Points" option, which allows users to apply credit card rewards directly to purchases. The attack often goes unnoticed until a significant number of points have been depleted. A recent victim reported a six-figure drop in his Chase Ultimate Rewards points after dozens of incremental Amazon transactions drained his balance. Attackers likely obtain stolen credit card details, add them to their Amazon accounts, and then use the integrated rewards points for unauthorized purchases.