Amazon Listing Hijacking: How to Remove Hijacker from Amazon Listing?

Listing hijacking is a serious issue that Amazon sellers face. It can happen to any seller, regardless of how big or small your business is. If you believe that your Amazon listing has been hijacked, it is critical to take action to remove the hijacker as soon as possible.

In this post, we'll discuss what Amazon listing hijacking is, how to identify it, and how to remove a hijacker from your listing. We'll also provide some tips for preventing listing hijacking in the future.

What Is Amazon Listing Hijacking?

Amazon listing hijacking is when a third-party seller sells a counterfeit version of your product on your Amazon listing without your permission. Hijackers typically target popular products in order to reproduce cheaper fakes and list them on Amazon as originals.

Hijacking is a dangerous fraud that can essentially hit your business. Hijackers can offer lower prices to steal the Buy Box and take your sales. That can lead to revenue loss, damaged brand reputation, and a drop in Best Seller ranking. There is also a risk of suspension because Amazon may think you are the one responsible for the hijacker's actions.

Related: What is Buy Box? How to Win Buy Box on Amazon

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Types of Amazon hijack 

It's essential to be aware of the types of Amazon hijacks so that you can take steps to protect your listings and your business.

Listing cloning

That is when a seller copies your listing, making only slight changes. They might change the product name by a few characters or alter the photos slightly. The goal is to undercut your high-performing listing and capture the Buy Box.

Counterfeiting

Counterfeiting happens when a merchant sells fake products that look similar to items sold by well-respected brands. They aim to fool potential buyers into thinking they're getting a great deal on a high-quality private-label item, only to receive a cheap imitation instead.

Account takeover

That is when someone hacks into a brand or reseller's account and takes it over. Once they control the account, they can change your listings in any way they want. That can include altering prices and descriptions and even adding fake reviews.

Listing manipulation

That is when a seller tries to damage your listing by price gauging and leaving fake negative reviews. They create fake buyer accounts and buy your products to seem convincing but then turn around and leave terrible reviews. That can damage your reputation and cause a significant drop in sales.

Listing skimming

That is when a seller lists the same product as you under the same ASIN at a lower price. They're hoping to take customers away from your listing. Unlike traditional reselling, listing skimming often involves selling cheap knockoffs to contend with their lower price tag.

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How to Detect an Amazon Listing Hijack?

There are a few signs that can indicate that your Amazon listing has been hijacked. Below you can find the typical hijack examples.

Sudden price change

If the price of your product has suddenly dropped, it could be a sign that someone is trying to undercut you.

New seller on the listing

If a new seller appears on the listing of your product, it could be a sign that your listing has been hijacked. You can see this information in the “Other Sellers on Amazon” section.

Product information changes

If the product listing content, including keywords, images, or other information, has been changed, it could be a sign that the hijacker is trying to pass off a counterfeit product as yours.

Negative reviews

A sudden influx of negative reviews could be a sign that the hijacker is trying to damage your reputation.

Buy Box change

If the seller who has the Buy Box has changed, it could be a sign that your listing has been hijacked.

How to Remove Hijacker from Amazon Listing?

If your Amazon listing has been hijacked, take the actions below to remove the hijacker.

• Step 1. Get the hijack evidence

To get physical evidence of the counterfeit product, buy the fake product. Compare the fake item to your original one and note any differences. That will give you the proof of the violation.

• Step 2. Send a cease and desist letter

That is a legal letter that tells the hijacker to stop selling counterfeit products. With this letter, you can try to threaten a hijacker and get them off the listing. You can find a template for a cease and desist letter online.

• Step 3. Report the hijacker to Amazon

Provide as much information as possible about the hijacker, including their Amazon seller ID, the product they're selling, and the evidence you have that they're violating Amazon's policies. If you have any screenshots of the hijacked listing, include them in your report. 

How to Report an Amazon Hijacker?

If your listing has been hijacked, the most reliable way to remove the hijacker from the listing is to report the violation to Amazon. If Amazon finds that the seller violates their policies, it will remove the hijacker from your listing. In some cases, they may also take action against the seller, such as suspending their account.

Steps to report an Amazon hijacker

• Step 1. Go to Amazon Seller Central and log in to your account.
• Step 2. Go to Help > Get Support> Selling on Amazon

• Step 3. Select Browse Your Issue in the Menu > Other Issues. 

• Step 4. Choose Report Listing Abuse > Report a Violation. Select the type of violation that you're reporting.

• Step 5. Provide detailed information about the hijacker, including their Amazon seller ID, the product that they're selling, and the evidence you have that they're violating Amazon's policies.
• Step 6. Click Submit.

Amazon Resellers Vs. Amazon Listing Hijackers 

Amazon resellers and Amazon listing hijackers are both sellers on Amazon, but resellers buy actual products and legitimately resell them on the platform. On the other hand, hijackers illegitimately violate Amazon’s product policies and hijack other sellers’ products.

Amazon resellers are legitimate sellers who purchase products from other sellers and then resell them on Amazon. They often do this to take advantage of price differences between different sellers or offer buyers a wider selection of products.

Amazon listing hijackers are sellers who copy other sellers' listings and then sell counterfeit or unauthorized products under those listings. They do this to take advantage of the original seller's goodwill and reputation and trick buyers into buying their products.

Below is a table that summarizes the key differences between Amazon resellers and Amazon listing hijackers.

How to Prevent Listing Hijacking on Amazon?

Listing hijacking is a serious problem for sellers on Amazon. Following the tips below, you can protect your Amazon listings from the hijack.

Register for Amazon Brand Registry

Amazon Brand Registry gives you certain privileges, such as the ability to prevent unauthorized sellers from listing your products.

Use watermarked images

Include watermarked images with your brand logo or name on your listing product images. That can help distinguish your authentic listing from potential hijackers.

Keep your prices competitive

That will make your listings less attractive to hijackers looking to make a quick profit.

Monitor your listings regularly

That will allow you to spot any suspicious activity early on and take action to protect your listings.

Report any suspicious activity to Amazon

If you suspect your listing has been hijacked, report it to Amazon immediately.

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FAQ

What is listing hijacking on Amazon?

Listing hijacking is when someone copies your Amazon product listing and sells counterfeit or unauthorized products under that listing. That can be done by creating a new listing with the same product information as yours or changing the seller information on your existing listing.

What is product hijacking?

Product hijacking is when someone copies your product listing on Amazon and sells a different product under that listing. That can be done by selling a counterfeit or unauthorized version of your product or by selling a completely different product altogether.

How do I stop people from selling on my Amazon listing?

Registering for Amazon Brand Registry is the best way to stop people from selling on your Amazon listing. That will allow you to prevent unauthorized sellers from listing your products. You can also report any suspicious activity to Amazon.

What are hijacker examples?

One example of hijackers is listing imitators who copy your listing, making only slight changes to undercut your high-performing listing and capture the Buy Box. Another example of hijackers is counterfeiters who sell cheap fake products that look similar to items sold by well-respected brands. 

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, listing hijacking is an essential problem for Amazon sellers, but it can be prevented and addressed. By following the tips in this post, you can protect your Amazon listings and your business from the harmful effects of listing hijacking.

If you suspect your Amazon listing has been hijacked, don't hesitate to take action. With your help, Amazon can take action to remove the hijacker and protect your listing.

While taking care of listing fraud to protect your sales is essential, you must not forget that your successful sales on Amazon depend on choosing products to sell. Seller Assistant Аpp can assist you with this effectively and reliably. This all-in-one extension shows you all product’s metrics and the profit you will get. It also allows you to instantly see if a product has any sales restrictions or has previously caused account health issues. It is a single tool that integrates an FBM&FBA profit calculator, Quick View, Stock Checker, and Restrictions Checker.