Amazon is a famous company that has been the subject of various online-based scams. Its brand image is related to trustworthiness and reliability. Hence, it is not a surprise that fraudsters try to misuse it for their evil schemes. One of the latest Amazon scams is dubbed “Congratulations Dear Amazon Customer”, and like some of its predecessors, it aims to steal personal information and trick people to subscribe to bogus paid services.
Various suspicious sites are propagating this fraud. These sites are part of shady blog networks. Hence, some of them may be very dangerous to your online security. The tricky part is that they are disguised as official Amazon pages – they present the company’s official logo, the associated colors, and so on. One element that can help you catch such fraud sites and it is the URL address. Typically, the URL addresses used by online fraudsters don’t look clean and logical.
“Congratulations Dear Amazon Customer” Scam
This browser-based scam may try to convince you to participate in a misleading survey as you are the lucky one who can win some special prize. Beware that the company Amazon is not the official distributor/host of this survey. Therefore, what may happen as a result of you completing the survey is giving your sensitive credentials to fraudsters, downloading a rogue application, or buying software that is neither useful nor secure.
Check out this removal guide and learn how to get rid of the “Congratulations Dear Amazon Customer” scam.
Congratulations Dear Amazon Customer Scam Summary
Name | Congratulations Dear Amazon Customer Scam |
Type | Adware/Survey Scam |
Short Description | Tricks victims into filling out fake surveys with the main purpose of getting them to enter their personal details in those surveys. |
Symptoms | You start to receive pop-ups and browser redirects to fake web pages that claim that you have been randomly selected as an Amazon Customer who has been selected to win a prize after completing a survey. |
Distribution Method | Bundled downloads. Web pages which may advertise it. |
Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Congratulations Dear Amazon Customer Scam. |
What is the essence of the “Congratulations Dear Amazon Customer”?
Scams like “Congratulations Dear Amazon Customer” are not a new thing. In general, the statistics indicate that such browser-based scams are opened by potentially unwanted programs (PUP) that have been previously installed on the device. PUPs are well known for their capability of tricking people into installing them unintentionally.
Note: If you happen to see the “Congratulations Dear Amazon Customer” scam in your browser, you should definitely check both the system and browser for any suspicious files or apps.
How the spread of unwanted malicious programs related to such online scams happens is via bundled packages and freeware setups. The installer setups of various apps could be set to install additional components by default. Happily, there is a way to avoid installations of such unwanted applications – you have to look carefully at what information is presented by the Custom or Advanced install settings. Often, these settings provide users with the opportunity to deselect any components that are not necessary.
What happens once the “Congratulations Dear Amazon Customer” scam manages to invade your browser is the generation of a message in a pop-up window. This message states the following:
Congratulations Dear Amazon Customer Your IP address has been selected to receive a FREE Apple iPhone 11 Pro, Samsung Galaxy Tab, or a Kindle Paperwhite!
To receive your gift, simply answer our anonymous survey. But hurry up! There are only a limited number of gifts left for today!This special offer available today: December 19, 2021
It may be tough to resist such an offer. The prizes are very tempting. However, this misleading offer’s only purpose is to make you more prone to leave personal information without worries that something may go wrong afterward. After a long set of questions like:
- You are?
- When was the last time you bought on Amazon?
- How would you rate your online shopping experience with Amazon?
- Do you have a subscription on Amazon Prime?
- Which device do you use most often when you shop online?
- Would you recommend Amazon to your friends?
- What do you prefer in Amazon?
- What is your age category?
- Are you satisfied with the Amazon service?
You will be asked to leave some additional details to receive the prize you selected. Here is the message that will appear as another pop-up when you finish the survey part of the scam:
Congratulations Dear Amazon CustomerYour Apple iPhone 11 Pro has been reserved!.
Instructions to get your gift:1. To receive your Apple iPhone 11 Pro, it is necessary to fill in your information on the next page.This special offer available today: December 19, 2021
Since scammers behind such nasty scams aim to misuse the information to generate revenue, they may ask you to provide sensitive credentials like name, surname, email address, home address, mobile number, credit card credentials, and so on. It goes without saying that you may start facing severe problems with your online security and privacy once you do this.
Some other Amazon-related scams you should be aware of are the $1000 Amazon Gift Card Scam, Amazon Loyalty Program Scam, and all Amazon Phishing Scams listed in our guide.
Remove Congratulations Dear Amazon Customer from your Browser and Computer
If you want to remove the adware that is causing the “Congratulations Dear Amazon Customer” scamming redirects to appear on your computer, you can do so by following the manual or the automatic removal methods below. But since, you do not know what type of program is causing these advertisements to scam pages to appear, for maximum effectiveness, It is recommended to use a specific anti-malware scanner. It will identify the unwanted program from the source and delete all of its malicious files and objects completely so that you will no longer see redirects to Amazon Loyalty Program and other scams of it’s kind.
- Windows
- Mac OS X
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
- Microsoft Edge
- Safari
- Internet Explorer
- Stop Push Pop-ups
How to Remove Congratulations Dear Amazon Customer Scam from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for Congratulations Dear Amazon Customer Scam with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall Congratulations Dear Amazon Customer Scam and related software from Windows
Uninstall Steps for Windows 11
Uninstall Steps for Windows 10 and Older Versions
Here is a method in few easy steps that should be able to uninstall most programs. No matter if you are using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program are left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, errors with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:
Step 4: Clean Any registries, Created by Congratulations Dear Amazon Customer Scam on Your PC.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by Congratulations Dear Amazon Customer Scam there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.
Video Removal Guide for Congratulations Dear Amazon Customer Scam (Windows).
Get rid of Congratulations Dear Amazon Customer Scam from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Congratulations Dear Amazon Customer Scam and remove related files and objects
Your Mac will then show you a list of items that start automatically when you log in. Look for any suspicious apps identical or similar to Congratulations Dear Amazon Customer Scam. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.
- Go to Finder.
- In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
- Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
- If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.
In case you cannot remove Congratulations Dear Amazon Customer Scam via Step 1 above:
In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:
You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:
→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons
Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.
Step 2: Scan for and remove Congratulations Dear Amazon Customer Scam files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Congratulations Dear Amazon Customer Scam, the recommended way of eliminating the threat is by using an anti-malware program. SpyHunter for Mac offers advanced security features along with other modules that will improve your Mac’s security and protect it in the future.
Video Removal Guide for Congratulations Dear Amazon Customer Scam (Mac)
Remove Congratulations Dear Amazon Customer Scam from Google Chrome.
Step 1: Start Google Chrome and open the drop menu
Step 2: Move the cursor over "Tools" and then from the extended menu choose "Extensions"
Step 3: From the opened "Extensions" menu locate the unwanted extension and click on its "Remove" button.
Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Google Chrome by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.
Erase Congratulations Dear Amazon Customer Scam from Mozilla Firefox.
Step 1: Start Mozilla Firefox. Open the menu window:
Step 2: Select the "Add-ons" icon from the menu.
Step 3: Select the unwanted extension and click "Remove"
Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Mozilla Firefox by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.
Uninstall Congratulations Dear Amazon Customer Scam from Microsoft Edge.
Step 1: Start Edge browser.
Step 2: Open the drop menu by clicking on the icon at the top right corner.
Step 3: From the drop menu select "Extensions".
Step 4: Choose the suspected malicious extension you want to remove and then click on the gear icon.
Step 5: Remove the malicious extension by scrolling down and then clicking on Uninstall.
Remove Congratulations Dear Amazon Customer Scam from Safari
Step 1: Start the Safari app.
Step 2: After hovering your mouse cursor to the top of the screen, click on the Safari text to open its drop down menu.
Step 3: From the menu, click on "Preferences".
Step 4: After that, select the 'Extensions' Tab.
Step 5: Click once on the extension you want to remove.
Step 6: Click 'Uninstall'.
A pop-up window will appear asking for confirmation to uninstall the extension. Select 'Uninstall' again, and the Congratulations Dear Amazon Customer Scam will be removed.
Eliminate Congratulations Dear Amazon Customer Scam from Internet Explorer.
Step 1: Start Internet Explorer.
Step 2: Click on the gear icon labeled 'Tools' to open the drop menu and select 'Manage Add-ons'
Step 3: In the 'Manage Add-ons' window.
Step 4: Select the extension you want to remove and then click 'Disable'. A pop-up window will appear to inform you that you are about to disable the selected extension, and some more add-ons might be disabled as well. Leave all the boxes checked, and click 'Disable'.
Step 5: After the unwanted extension has been removed, restart Internet Explorer by closing it from the red 'X' button located at the top right corner and start it again.
Remove Push Notifications from Your Browsers
Turn Off Push Notifications from Google Chrome
To disable any Push Notices from Google Chrome browser, please follow the steps below:
Step 1: Go to Settings in Chrome.
Step 2: In Settings, select “Advanced Settings”:
Step 3: Click “Content Settings”:
Step 4: Open “Notifications”:
Step 5: Click the three dots and choose Block, Edit or Remove options:
Remove Push Notifications on Firefox
Step 1: Go to Firefox Options.
Step 2: Go to “Settings”, type “notifications” in the search bar and click "Settings":
Step 3: Click “Remove” on any site you wish notifications gone and click “Save Changes”
Stop Push Notifications on Opera
Step 1: In Opera, press ALT+P to go to Settings.
Step 2: In Setting search, type “Content” to go to Content Settings.
Step 3: Open Notifications:
Step 4: Do the same as you did with Google Chrome (explained below):
Eliminate Push Notifications on Safari
Step 1: Open Safari Preferences.
Step 2: Choose the domain from where you like push pop-ups gone and change to "Deny" from "Allow".
Congratulations Dear Amazon Customer Scam-FAQ
What Is Congratulations Dear Amazon Customer Scam?
The Congratulations Dear Amazon Customer Scam threat is adware or browser redirect virus.
It may slow your computer down significantly and display advertisements. The main idea is for your information to likely get stolen or more ads to appear on your device.
The creators of such unwanted apps work with pay-per-click schemes to get your computer to visit risky or different types of websites that may generate them funds. This is why they do not even care what types of websites show up on the ads. This makes their unwanted software indirectly risky for your OS.
What Are the Symptoms of Congratulations Dear Amazon Customer Scam?
There are several symptoms to look for when this particular threat and also unwanted apps in general are active:
Symptom #1: Your computer may become slow and have poor performance in general.
Symptom #2: You have toolbars, add-ons or extensions on your web browsers that you don't remember adding.
Symptom #3: You see all types of ads, like ad-supported search results, pop-ups and redirects to randomly appear.
Symptom #4: You see installed apps on your Mac running automatically and you do not remember installing them.
Symptom #5: You see suspicious processes running in your Task Manager.
If you see one or more of those symptoms, then security experts recommend that you check your computer for viruses.
What Types of Unwanted Programs Are There?
According to most malware researchers and cyber-security experts, the threats that can currently affect your device can be rogue antivirus software, adware, browser hijackers, clickers, fake optimizers and any forms of PUPs.
What to Do If I Have a "virus" like Congratulations Dear Amazon Customer Scam?
With few simple actions. First and foremost, it is imperative that you follow these steps:
Step 1: Find a safe computer and connect it to another network, not the one that your Mac was infected in.
Step 2: Change all of your passwords, starting from your email passwords.
Step 3: Enable two-factor authentication for protection of your important accounts.
Step 4: Call your bank to change your credit card details (secret code, etc.) if you have saved your credit card for online shopping or have done online activities with your card.
Step 5: Make sure to call your ISP (Internet provider or carrier) and ask them to change your IP address.
Step 6: Change your Wi-Fi password.
Step 7: (Optional): Make sure to scan all of the devices connected to your network for viruses and repeat these steps for them if they are affected.
Step 8: Install anti-malware software with real-time protection on every device you have.
Step 9: Try not to download software from sites you know nothing about and stay away from low-reputation websites in general.
If you follow these recommendations, your network and all devices will become significantly more secure against any threats or information invasive software and be virus free and protected in the future too.
How Does Congratulations Dear Amazon Customer Scam Work?
Once installed, Congratulations Dear Amazon Customer Scam can collect data using trackers. This data is about your web browsing habits, such as the websites you visit and the search terms you use. It is then used to target you with ads or to sell your information to third parties.
Congratulations Dear Amazon Customer Scam can also download other malicious software onto your computer, such as viruses and spyware, which can be used to steal your personal information and show risky ads, that may redirect to virus sites or scams.
Is Congratulations Dear Amazon Customer Scam Malware?
The truth is that PUPs (adware, browser hijackers) are not viruses, but may be just as dangerous since they may show you and redirect you to malware websites and scam pages.
Many security experts classify potentially unwanted programs as malware. This is because of the unwanted effects that PUPs can cause, such as displaying intrusive ads and collecting user data without the user’s knowledge or consent.
About the Congratulations Dear Amazon Customer Scam Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Congratulations Dear Amazon Customer Scam how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific, adware-related problem, and restore your browser and computer system.
How did we conduct the research on Congratulations Dear Amazon Customer Scam?
Please note that our research is based on independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, thanks to which we receive daily updates on the latest malware, adware, and browser hijacker definitions.
Furthermore, the research behind the Congratulations Dear Amazon Customer Scam threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.