Amazon Closing Thousands of Accounts Without Any Explanation
By StacyB
@Srbageldog (7716)
United States
April 1, 2018 12:47am CST
If you're an Amazon member, check to see if your Amazon account has been closed. Mine has been. I've sent two emails and called their customer support number last night, but was given the same spiel everyone else has been given (I allegedly committed some "violation" -- they couldn't tell me what -- and they forwarded a form to an account specialist who will email me in 1-2 business days.) In the meantime I can't access my Kindle Direct Publishing dashboard, which means they have taken my published work hostage. I can't even access my account to remove my books from their publishing platform. Which is exactly what I intend to do as soon as my account gets reinstated -- assuming that ever happens.
This is a widespread problem and Amazon is aware of it, but they are trying to keep it quiet. Check their Facebook page and Twitter feed and you'll see hundreds if not thousands of us have been affected. I don't know why the mainstream media is not reporting this story, but the more people who make a fuss about it, the more likely it will be brought to light. It is completely unacceptable for Amazon's representatives to try to shift the blame on us customers when they KNOW it's an internal problem (possibly a security breach.)
I just got finished chatting with an Audible representative who assured me my account would be reactivated within 24 hours...but, we shall see. I'm not holding my breath, as other people have been told this and haven't had their accounts reinstated.
Amazon users are upset after their accounts have been frozen without notice.
11 people like this
14 responses
@infatuatedbby (94914)
• United States
1 Apr 18
Mine is as well. Says my account is not found. I typed the wrong passcode and was unable to retrieve the passcode.
3 people like this
@Srbageldog (7716)
• United States
1 Apr 18
I'm so sorry you're also affected by this! There is a group on Facebook for those of us who have been affected, if you're interested in joining. Mainly we're trying to figure out why the accounts have been closed and what to do to get them reactivated.
2 people like this
@infatuatedbby (94914)
• United States
1 Apr 18
@Srbageldog One person told me its because I closed it which I did not. Another said I violated some term but they're unsure. I read on Facebook someone was able to have their account reinstated through Audible Chat. Right now they are supposedly working on my account the "Specialist" but I have no idea.
It is not safe that I can see my info but not be able to log in. The chat agent said I would regain access again today but I don't know. I have not seen anything yet, and I saved the chat we had.
Did you used to write any reviews from 3rd party? I did in the past but was no paid. I got the codes for discount but the reviews that stated I received free in exchange of review were deleted long ago.
1 person likes this
@infatuatedbby (94914)
• United States
2 Apr 18
@Srbageldog I have not regained any access today either. The person sure did lie, But let's see. I too have reviewed but have not gotten paid for any reviews.
I know last year or a long time ago, they removed all reviews that mentioned received for free (but that was not a warning, it was just their new protocol since before it was allowed) and now it isn't. I do have Amazon Prime & do pay for a lot of things , or redeem gift cards I earn off Swagbucks or myPoints. But yes, no one notified me anything of closing and it is not just me but thousands of people.
I checked my cards and I have not been charged for anything.....
But they say the same dang crap - how I authorized my account to be closed. How so?! Then I violated terms. What terms? And they can't directly transfer me to anyone and I have to wait for an account specialist. Like what the heck?
2 people like this
@scarlet_woman (23463)
• United States
3 Apr 18
eh..i'll just open a new one if so..damn annoying tho.
1 person likes this
@scarlet_woman (23463)
• United States
4 Apr 18
@Srbageldog that's exactly why i don't like e-books.
too easy to lose them.plus i like hardcopy
1 person likes this
@Srbageldog (7716)
• United States
4 Apr 18
My main concern was my ebooks being held hostage on their publishing platform. I've unpublished all of them now just to err on the side of caution. I'll find another distributor for my work. Also don't want to lose everything in my Kindle library or any of the digital music I've purchased over the years...but most of that I've already downloaded to my computer. Still, it was nice to have a backup on their cloud. Other than all that, I wouldn't be against just opening a new account...although apparently that can be considered against their TOS. Even though CS reps were telling people to do it! 
1 person likes this
@Srbageldog (7716)
• United States
4 Apr 18
@scarlet_woman I have so many print books that I've run out of room in my apartment. I switched to ebooks because they don't take up any space (doesn't stop me from buying paperbacks, though.) 
Plus, I like to read romance, and it's not as embarrassing reading in public when no one can see a random beefcake's torso on the cover. 
Plus, I like to read romance, and it's not as embarrassing reading in public when no one can see a random beefcake's torso on the cover. 
@shaggin (72141)
• United States
10 Apr 18
Oh wow that is horrible! They need to give a clear explanation why they did this! When I went to log in to Amazon today it wouldn't let me. I tried a whole bunch of times and it kept not working so I requested to reset my password and then changed it and then got in and bought something. I wish I had seen this earlier. I wonder what the heck is going on!
1 person likes this
@shaggin (72141)
• United States
10 Apr 18
@Srbageldog that is very wrong! I really wonder what is going on! If this is all some kind of glitch then hopefully those people upset about their account closing will get a free month of prime or something to make up for it!
1 person likes this
@Srbageldog (7716)
• United States
10 Apr 18
That's another glitch customers have been complaining about! I'm glad you were finally able to get into your account. I agree they need to give a clear explanation about all this. They normally give you a written warning before closing your account, and would at least send an email stating why they were closing it. Nobody has received anything from them before having their accounts closed!
1 person likes this
@allknowing (136541)
• India
1 Apr 18
I just checked. My account is intact. Probably it has not affected Indians.
1 person likes this
@allknowing (136541)
• India
1 Apr 18
@Srbageldog What violations can customers commit, I wonder. Funny I say.
2 people like this
@Srbageldog (7716)
• United States
1 Apr 18
That is good to know. I'm glad you don't have to deal with the hassle of trying to sort out this issue.
2 people like this
@Srbageldog (7716)
• United States
2 Apr 18
@allknowing That is what I would like to know! No other retailer deletes customer accounts for "violations." I do know that your reviews can be wiped from Amazon if you are caught reviewing in exchange for free items, but they always notify you first! (This has never happened to me, but a friend had it happen.)
I do know that your reviews can be wiped from Amazon if you are caught reviewing in exchange for free items, but they always notify you first! (This has never happened to me, but a friend had it happen.)
@LadyDuck (471459)
• Switzerland
2 Apr 18
@Srbageldog I buy from Amazon, but I never trusted them to be my "virtual library". When I pay for something it should be mine, for Kindle books it's not the case, you only have the right to read the books.
@Srbageldog (7716)
• United States
2 Apr 18
It had never crossed my mind that this could happen. I always trusted Amazon. Now, I do not trust them. I will no longer be buying ebooks from them. I have over a thousand ebooks in my Kindle library, along with tons of digital music, and I fear I will be losing those soon.
1 person likes this
@hollymergogey (1)
•
1 Apr 18
Same here and when you call they are no help and you get a different reason each time I have lost hundreds in digital content prime membership and made to feel like a criminal when I call them
1 person likes this
@DaddyEvil (137259)
• United States
4 Jul 22
@Sid1144 Uhm... you're trying to talk to someone who hasn't been on myLot since 2018.
@Srbageldog (7716)
• United States
2 Apr 18
I'm so sorry you have also been affected! Are you a member of the Amazon Account Closure Discussion Group on Facebook?
It's infuriating how they refuse to help and keep changing the story about why the account was closed. This behavior is just WRONG! We deserve answers and they need to fix our accounts ASAP and restore all credits, gift cards, digital content, etc., that's been lost!
@Sid1144 (1)
•
4 Jul 22
@Srbageldog
Well Amazon has struck again. They just closed my account with no explanation…. My paperwhite and Amazon Alexa are now useless…
@KrauseHome (36448)
• United States
4 Apr 18
Amazon for the type of fees they charge etc is one of the hardest companies tp wprk with. People who still Love and rave about the, m are either newbies or ones making so much ,oney that the 1000s of dollars they never see is ok
1 person likes this
@Srbageldog (7716)
• United States
5 Apr 18
I have been a customer since the early 2000s, and I never had anything bad to say about them until now. Anytime I had an issue in the past, it was quickly resolved. Now my opinion has changed drastically.
@dodo19 (47317)
• Beaconsfield, Quebec
2 Apr 18
@Srbageldog Thankfully, i haven't been affected. But I will keep an eye on it. It's odd that the agents know that it's going on while Amazon isn't admitting that there is. Hopefully something changes soon.
@Srbageldog (7716)
• United States
2 Apr 18
I hope you have not been affected. It is still happening apparently, so you might want to check your account frequently. Amazon is pretending like there isn't a problem, when some of their agents have admitted that they are aware of the problem.
1 person likes this
@Srbageldog (7716)
• United States
1 Apr 18
After this experience, I think I will discontinue using them as well. Which is a shame, because I have always loved Amazon.
@yugocean (9963)
• India
1 Apr 18
@Srbageldog hmmm, this is.
Those who still have their account, and have hood opinion for amazon, they might now say that you violated some rule, but now you have to understand .
1 person likes this
@Srbageldog (7716)
• United States
1 Apr 18
Until recently, I had nothing but good things to say about Amazon. This has certainly changed my opinion.
1 person likes this
@RasmaSandra (79900)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
1 Apr 18
I have not heard about this and no one has contacted me. The last time I looked my author page and everything was just fine. Thanks for sharing and I will keep a lookout. Hope you get reinstated. Do let us know how it works out. Best of luck to you.
1 person likes this
@Srbageldog (7716)
• United States
2 Apr 18
Thank you. I am glad you have not been affected. This has been very stressful and infuriating. I wish they'd just be honest about what's going on, instead of giving inconsistent excuses and trying to hide whatever is happening.
1 person likes this
@Courtlynn (67085)
• United States
1 Apr 18
I don't have an account.. and right now after reading this.. I am so glad I don't. Sorry you lost yours and hope you get it back so you can remove your books or whatever you want to do!
1 person likes this
@Srbageldog (7716)
• United States
1 Apr 18
It has been such a headache. I have had a migraine for the past two nights from dealing with this. Thank you, I hope so too. I'll find somewhere else to publish my books so I won't have to rely solely on Amazon!
1 person likes this
@Srbageldog (7716)
• United States
2 Apr 18
I'm glad you haven't been affected yet. It seems to be happening still, so you may want to check back often to guarantee your account is still in tact.
@Jessabuma (31700)
• Baguio, Philippines
1 Apr 18
I am lucky I don't have an Amazon account. But sorry to those who have
1 person likes this
@Srbageldog (7716)
• United States
1 Apr 18
After this experience I don't think I will use them anymore.
1 person likes this
@Jessabuma (31700)
• Baguio, Philippines
1 Apr 18
@Srbageldog that's true. This is really a bad news
1 person likes this
