Amazon has stringent rules and criteria to ensure the integrity of its platform and the sellers on it. If sellers violate these rules, they may face suspension, making it difficult for them to be reinstated on the e-commerce platform. A CNBC report revealed a concerning issue where some Amazon employees are secretly sharing information with certain sellers through channels like Telegram.
These sellers are referred to as “illicit brokers,” and they charge fees ranging from $200 to $400 for their services, known as “Amazon Magic.” These services include gaining access to employees who can remove negative product reviews or provide insider information on competitor sellers.
The report highlights that sellers actively seek information to enhance their sales on Amazon across various platforms. For instance, there is a Telegram group with over 13,000 members where sellers exchange tips, tricks, and information about upcoming sales and promotions. Other platforms like WeChat, WhatsApp, and Facebook are also utilized by sellers to connect and share valuable insights. Such information proves beneficial to third-party sellers as it enables them to stay ahead of competitors and increase their sales.
According to the report, sellers often reach out to brokers who, in turn, contact Amazon insiders on LinkedIn. These insiders then provide confidential information about Amazon’s operations, which can be highly valuable to sellers for making informed business decisions.
To counter these leaks, Amazon has a dedicated team focused on investigating employees suspected of sharing confidential data. This team’s purpose is to identify and prevent unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information.
An Amazon spokesperson, Christy Distefano, asserted that fraud has no place at Amazon, and the company is committed to taking all necessary measures to protect its store and hold wrongdoers accountable. However, the company did not confirm whether any employees have been fired or suspended for leaking confidential information in exchange for money.
