How to Report Amazon Listing Hijacking and Protect Your Account

Selling on Amazon can be incredibly rewarding—but also fiercely competitive. And among the most frustrating, profit-draining threats that third-party sellers face is Amazon listing hijacking.

Imagine waking up to discover that someone else is selling on your carefully crafted Amazon listing, undercutting your price, stealing your Buy Box, and delivering a counterfeit or low-quality version of your product. It’s more than a nuisance. It’s a full-blown threat to your revenue, brand reputation, and seller account health.

But don’t worry. You’re not powerless. In this guide, we’ll explain:

• What Amazon listing hijacking is
• How to identify hijackers
• How to report hijackers
• How to remove hijackers from your account
• Pro tips and tools to protect your listings

Let’s lock it down.

What Is Amazon Listing Hijacking?

Amazon listing hijacking occurs when another seller adds their offer to your product listing, often selling counterfeit, used, or imitation products at a lower price. They essentially “piggyback” on your ASIN (Amazon Standard Identification Number), often claiming to sell the same product. But, it’s not the real deal.

These hijackers may:

• Offer counterfeit products under your brand
• Ship low-quality knockoffs that damage your reputation
• Undercut your price and win the Buy Box
• Cause negative reviews and refund requests
• Trigger account health issues for you, not them

In short, hijackers capitalize on your hard work, marketing investment, and brand value—all while risking your Amazon account’s credibility.

Why Does This Happen?

Because Amazon operates on a catalog model, multiple sellers can list the same product on a single ASIN. This means unless your product is protected as unique or brand-registered, anyone can technically sell “your” product if they can claim it’s the same.

If you sell private-label or custom-branded goods, hijackers can hurt you even more, especially if you haven’t taken proper steps to guard your existing listings.

How to Identify a Hijacked Amazon Listing

Hijackers and counterfeit sellers are sneaky, but not invisible. Here’s how to spot the signs:

1. You’ve Lost the Buy Box

If your listing suddenly loses the Buy Box—even though your price, shipping speed, and account health are great—check who else is selling your product.

2. You See Other Sellers on Your Listing

Navigate to your product detail page and look for the “Other Sellers on Amazon” box. If you see unknown or shady-sounding names, that’s a red flag.

3. You Receive Negative Reviews, Returns or Customer Complaints

If customers complain about poor quality or receiving the wrong product, it may be because they unknowingly bought from a hijacker.

Pro Tip: Use TraceFuse’s AI tool to find and remove suspicious reviews before they harm your brand.

4. A Drop in Sales or Traffic

A sudden dip in performance—without a clear reason—might be due to a hijacker stealing the Buy Box or damaging your listing’s trust.

5. Changes to Product Content

Sometimes hijackers try to alter your product images, titles, or bullet points to match their version. If you notice unauthorized edits, act fast.

How to Confirm a Hijacker’s Presence

Here’s a step-by-step check:

Search Your ASIN on Amazon: Go to your product listing and click “See all buying options.” Note any sellers you don’t recognize.

Cross-Check the Product: Place a test order from the suspicious seller. If the product you receive is not your original, you’ve confirmed hijacking.

Check the Seller’s Profile: Look for red flags like:

• Generic store names
• No reviews or poor feedback
• Newly created seller accounts

Review Product Reviews: If customers mention receiving a different version or bad product quality, it’s likely not from you.

How to Report and Remove Amazon Listing Hijackers

Once you’ve confirmed you have a hijacked listing, it’s time to take action.

1. Contact the Hijacker Directly

Before contacting Amazon Seller Support, send the hijacker or counterfeit seller a firm but professional message through Amazon's messaging system. Here’s an example:

"Hello,
You are listing on ASIN [insert ASIN] which is a private-label product exclusively sold by [Your Brand]. If you do not remove your offer within 24 hours, we will file an official complaint with Amazon Brand Registry and pursue further legal action if necessary.
Thank you."

Some hijackers back off when they know you're serious. Others won’t, so be prepared to escalate.

2. File a Complaint Through Amazon

If direct contact fails, escalate with Amazon immediately:

A. If You Are Brand Registered:

Brand Registry gives you special enforcement powers. Use the Report a Violation Tool in your Brand Registry dashboard.

Steps:

• Go to:https://brandregistry.amazon.com
• Navigate to Protect → Report a Violation
• Enter your ASIN and find the offending seller
• Submit evidence: product images, order ID (if you placed a test buy), any other detailed information or differences between your product and theirs

B. If You Are Not Brand Registered:

You can still report infringement:

• Go toAmazon Seller Central
• Click Help → Get Seller Support → Report a violation
• Choose “Report a violation of your intellectual property rights”
• Include the ASIN, seller name, your IP (trademark/brand details), and proof of the counterfeit listings

You can also email: notice@amazon.com

Make your report strong:

• Be clear that you're the brand owner
• Include photos comparing your real product to the hijacked version
• Mention how this violates Amazon’s Anti-Counterfeiting Policy

What If the Hijacker Doesn’t Go Away?

If Amazon doesn’t act (or acts slowly), consider:

1. Filing a Cease and Desist Letter

Draft a formal letter citing:

• Trademark infringement
• Violation of Amazon’s policies
• Request for immediate removal

Send it via Amazon’s buyer-seller messaging, and if possible, email the seller directly (some leave an email on their profile).

2. Sending a DMCA Takedown Notice

If your Amazon listing includes original content—like your images or copywriting—you may be able to file a DMCA takedown under copyright law.

Amazon takes copyright infringement seriously, especially if it involves unauthorized use of your media.

How to Prevent Future Hijacking (Pro Tips)

Prevention is better than takedown. Here’s how to protect your brand proactively:

1. Enroll in Amazon Brand Registry

This is your first and most powerful defense. You’ll need a registered trademark, but it unlocks:

• Brand-exclusive listings
• Enhanced Brand Content (A+ Content)
• Access to violation reporting tools
• Amazon’s Project Zero (automated removal of suspected fakes)

2. Use Unique Packaging and Branding

Custom packaging with your logo, taglines, or tamper-proof seals helps prove product ownership and makes it easier to report hijackers.

3. Use Product Serialization (Transparency by Amazon)

Amazon’s Transparency Program adds scannable, serialized codes to each product unit. Only authentic, brand-approved products can be shipped.

Hijackers can’t replicate this.

4. Avoid Listing on Generic ASINs

Don’t list your product under a generic ASIN where it’s easy for others to jump in. Create your own branded ASINs.

5. Monitor Your Listings Weekly

Stay vigilant with tools like:

• Helium 10’s Alerts
• CamelCamelCamel or Keepa (to track listing and price changes)
• AMZAlert or Listing Eagle (get alerts if someone joins your listing)

Set calendar reminders to check your top listings regularly.

Tools and Resources to Help You Fight Hijackers

• Amazon Brand Registry
• Transparency by Amazon
• Amazon IP Accelerator (to fast-track trademark registration):
• Helium 10 Alerts
• Listing monitoring tools: AMZAlert, Seller.Tools, Bindwise
• TraceFuse: Negative review removal service
• Cabilly & Co eCommerce law firm

Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Hijackers Derail Your Business

Amazon listing hijacking is more than a minor annoyance. It’s a direct attack on your brand and bottom line. But with the right tools, vigilance, and enforcement strategy, you can reclaim your listings, protect your reputation, and keep the Buy Box where it belongs: in your hands.

If you’re serious about building a long-term business on Amazon marketplace, invest in brand protection today, not after hijackers have already hurt your listings.

Need Help?

If you're overwhelmed or dealing with a persistent hijacker, consider working with an Amazon-focused agency or IP attorney. Experts can escalate cases quickly and give you peace of mind.

Stay vigilant. Stay protected. And never let someone else write the story of your brand.