Amazon Listing Hijacking: How to Prevent & Remove Hijackers

Is your Amazon listing under siege? It's not uncommon for frustrated sellers to reach out, desperate for solutions after discovering that hijackers have taken over their product listings.

The impact can be devastating: a sharp decline in sales and rankings, coupled with the possibility of negative product reviews.

If you’ve spent months perfecting your product and invested significant resources in its launch, this situation can feel overwhelming.

The silver lining? There are straightforward actions you can take to remove these hijackers and safeguard your listing from future attacks.

By implementing just a few of these strategies, you can discourage competitors from targeting your hard-earned listings.

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Understanding Amazon Listing Hijacking

What is Amazon Listing Hijacking?Amazon listing hijacking happens when unauthorized sellers list counterfeit or subpar versions of your product on your listing. These hijackers undercut your pricing, exploit your listing’s popularity, and damage your brand reputation. This can result in negative reviews and lost sales.

💡 This practice is also known as "piggybacking" on Amazon. 🐷

Types of Amazon Listing Hijacking

1. Hijacking Your Listing

Private label sellers are often targeted because their products are typically white-labeled items manufactured in China with custom branding.

Hijackers can easily produce similar products and list them under your successful listing instead of creating their own.

Result: Hijackers may take over the Buy Box (Featured Offer) and claim most of the orders.
Risk: Counterfeit products may lead to negative reviews, permanently hurting your sales and reputation.

2. Copying Your Product

Another form of hijacking involves competitors creating identical products and selling them under their own listings.

This usually happens when your product is not patented or lacks brand protection.
Competitors often replicate your private label product development process, including using tools like Jungle Scout or Helium 10.

💡 Tip: Outperform these competitors with superior listing optimization, marketing, and customer service.

Signs Your Listing Has Been Hijacked

Keep an eye out for these warning signs:

Sudden Price Drops: A hijacker may lower prices to undercut your listing and capture sales.
Loss of Buy Box: If you’re the sole private label seller, losing the Buy Box could signal unauthorized activity.
New Sellers Listed: Check the “Other Sellers on Amazon” section for unauthorized sellers offering your product.
Unusual Sales Patterns: A significant drop in sales or a rise in returns may indicate counterfeit products being sold.
Negative Customer Reviews: Bad reviews often result from hijackers selling poor-quality knockoffs.
Mismatched Product Details: Hijackers may modify product descriptions, confusing customers and leading to negative feedback.

The Consequences of a Hijacked Listing

For Sellers:

Lost sales and revenue.
Damaged brand reputation.
Reduced customer trust.
Lower search rankings.
Risk of account suspension if Amazon mistakenly sides with the hijacker.

For Customers:

Receiving counterfeit or inferior products.
Confusion over product authenticity.
Negative shopping experiences.
Potential safety hazards from low-quality items.

💡 Take Action: Addressing listing hijackers promptly protects both your business and your customers.

By proactively monitoring and protecting your listings, you can deter hijackers and maintain your brand’s integrity on Amazon.

Steps to Remove Hijackers from Your Amazon Listing 👮‍♂️

If your Amazon listing has been hijacked, it’s essential to act quickly to minimize the impact on your sales and reputation.

Step 1: Send a Cease-and-Desist Letter ✍

Begin by contacting the unauthorized seller directly. Click on their seller name in the listing and send a message using the template below:

Sample Cease-and-Desist Message:Dear Seller,It has come to our attention that you are reselling [Insert Brand Name] products on the Amazon marketplace.

We are the manufacturer and brand owner of [Insert Brand Name] and do not sell through wholesalers or distributors. Only our company is authorized to sell these products.

Affected Product: [Insert Product Name and ASIN]

You have 24 hours to remove your listing for this product. If you fail to comply, we will report this violation to Amazon, which could lead to the permanent suspension of your seller account.

Please contact us to confirm the removal of your listing.

Sincerely,[Insert Your Name and Brand Name]

If you know the seller’s physical address, consider sending a hard copy of the cease-and-desist letter. If appropriate, you can also include a warning of potential legal action or cite any intellectual property rights you hold related to the product.

💡 In most cases, a cease-and-desist letter resolves the issue without needing further legal steps.

Step 2: Report the Hijacker to Amazon 🚨

If the hijacker doesn’t respond or remove their listing, escalate the issue by filing an infringement complaint with Amazon.

Steps to File a Complaint:

Visit Amazon’s Report Infringement page.
Gather evidence by purchasing the counterfeit product from the hijacker (if possible). This may take time if the seller is based overseas.
Document the differences between your product and the hijacked listing once the counterfeit item arrives.

Evidence to Provide:

Screenshots of the hijacked listing showing unauthorized changes.
Proof of your ownership of the product (e.g., invoices, brand registry details).
Trademark registration numbers or intellectual property documentation.
Links to the hijacker’s seller profile or storefront.
Customer reviews or complaints mentioning counterfeit products.
Side-by-side photos comparing your authentic product and the counterfeit item.
Details of your test purchase, including order numbers and delivery records.

Important Tip: Use “not as described” as the basis for your complaint rather than “counterfeit product.” This approach avoids the risk of Amazon temporarily suspending your own account during their investigation. 💡

Amazon usually responds within a few business days. If you don’t receive a resolution, submit a follow-up request and escalate through Amazon Seller Support.

Step 3: Consider Legal Action 👨‍⚖️

While Amazon typically resolves hijacking cases, legal action might be necessary in extreme situations.

When to Take Legal Action:

The hijacker continues their activity despite Amazon’s intervention.
You’ve experienced significant financial losses.
The hijacker’s actions have severely damaged your brand reputation.
You have clear evidence of trademark or copyright infringement.

How an Intellectual Property Lawyer Can Help:

Expertise: IP law is complex, and specialized lawyers can navigate the nuances of your case.
Strategic Planning: A lawyer can advise on pursuing litigation, seeking an injunction, or exploring alternative remedies.
Evidence Collection: Ensure all necessary documentation is in order for a strong case.
Negotiation: Many disputes are resolved out of court. A lawyer can negotiate a favorable settlement on your behalf.
Representation: If the case proceeds to court, a lawyer will advocate for your interests.

💡 Look for a lawyer experienced in e-commerce and Amazon-related intellectual property cases to handle the unique aspects of your situation effectively.

By following these steps, you can address hijackers promptly, protect your brand’s reputation, and safeguard your Amazon business.

8 Essential Steps to Protect Your Amazon Listing from Hijackers

If you're serious about your brand's success, protecting it on Amazon should be a priority. Register your brand with Amazon's Brand Registry Program, and consider working toward brand gating for added security.

Investing time in these preventive measures is invaluable—losing sales or having your listing ruined could cost you significantly.

Step 1: Regularly Monitor Your Listings 🕵️‍♂️

Frequently check your listings for unauthorized sellers. Watch for sudden drops in sales volume, which might indicate another seller is taking orders from your listing.

Tools to Streamline Monitoring

Manually reviewing listings can be time-consuming, especially if you sell multiple products. These tools can automate monitoring and alert you to changes:

Sellerboard: Alerts for hijackers, price changes, and restock reminders.
Helium 10: “Alerts” feature monitors price changes, new sellers, and Buy Box ownership.
SellerApp: Offers automated alerts for listing quality, hijackers, and inventory changes.
ZonGuru: Includes “IP Monitor” to track unauthorized use of your product photos.

Using these tools ensures you can quickly detect and address potential threats.

Step 2: Build a Website for Your Brand 🌍

Create a simple website showcasing your brand name, address, and contact details that match your Amazon seller account.

Domain Name: Use a domain that aligns with your brand name.
Basic Setup: A one-page site with professional design is sufficient. Add a contact form, logo, and essential details.
Future-Proofing: Consider integrating Shopify or another e-commerce platform to diversify your sales channels and reduce reliance on Amazon.

A website not only enhances credibility with Amazon but also builds trust with customers.

Step 3: Register Your Brand with Amazon 🏪

Enrolling in Amazon’s Brand Registry offers multiple advantages, including enhanced listing customization and protection from hijackers.

Benefits of Brand Registry

Enhanced Control: Lock critical listing details to prevent unauthorized changes.
Proactive Protection: Automated tools to identify and remove counterfeit content.
A+ Content: Create visually appealing and informative product descriptions to stand out.

Step 4: Trademark Your Products 🛑

Amazon now requires a registered or pending trademark for Brand Registry eligibility.

US Sellers: Registration takes 6–12 months and costs $250 or more.
UK Sellers: Registration takes about 4 months and costs £180.

A trademark not only secures Brand Registry access but also deters counterfeiters and strengthens your brand's legal standing.

Step 5: Utilize Amazon’s Brand Protection Programs 😎

Amazon Transparency

Assign unique codes to your products to verify authenticity:

Apply 2D UPC codes to each unit.
Amazon scans these codes before shipping to ensure authenticity.
Customers can also verify authenticity using the Amazon app.

Amazon Project Zero

Uses AI to proactively remove counterfeit products.
Assigns serial numbers to verify product authenticity before shipping.

Step 6: Customize Your Listing 🧪

Optimizing your listing can deter hijackers:

Brand Name: Include your brand name in the title and description.
Warranty Note: State that warranties apply only to products purchased from your brand.
Bonus Item: Add a unique item, like an eBook or accessory, that hijackers can’t replicate.
Branding: Display your brand name or logo prominently in product photos and packaging.
Watermarked Photos: Use watermarked images to prevent unauthorized use.

These tactics not only protect your listing but also enhance its appeal to customers.

Step 7: Bundle Your Products 🛠️

Bundled listings are harder for hijackers to copy.

Examples:
- Multi-pack listings: “5 x dog shampoo.”
- Complementary bundles: “Dog shampoo + dog brush.”

Bundling increases perceived value and can improve profitability by encouraging bulk purchases.

Step 8: Apply for Brand Gating 🔐

Brand Gating adds another layer of protection by requiring sellers to apply before joining your listing.

Eligibility: You must be Brand Registered before applying.
Application Tips: Highlight your pending trademark and past issues with counterfeiters to strengthen your case.

Pro Tip: A distinct and professional brand presence increases the likelihood of approval for Brand Gating.

Final Thoughts

Taking proactive steps to protect your Amazon listings from hijackers is essential for maintaining your brand’s reputation and revenue. By following these strategies, you can safeguard your business and ensure its long-term success.

Amazon Hijackers: A Quick Recap

We hope this guide has given you the tools and confidence to tackle Amazon hijackers effectively and protect your listings from counterfeit or unauthorized sellers.

Don’t forget to join our supportive Amazon FBA Facebook Group:Amazon FBA Selling for Beginners & Pros – perfect for those just starting their Amazon journey or seasoned sellers. 😎

Wishing you success and happy selling,James 🤠

Helpful Resources

📝 Protect your listings with Sellerboard’s ‘Listing Change Alert’ tool – start your 60-day free trial here.📝 Build a website for your Amazon brand using Siteground or Shopify.

Amazon Hijackers FAQs

Q: What is an Amazon listing hijacker?A: An Amazon hijacker is an unauthorized seller who attaches their counterfeit or unauthorized product to your listing, potentially damaging your brand reputation and sales.

Q: What should I do if my listing is hijacked?A: Act quickly by sending a cease-and-desist message to the seller. Gather evidence, report the violation to Amazon through Seller Central, and consider legal steps if the issue persists.

Q: How can I prevent hijackers from targeting my Amazon listings?A: Enroll in Amazon Brand Registry, use the Transparency program, maintain consistent inventory, add clear branding to your products and images, and regularly monitor your listings for changes.

Q: Can I remove hijackers from my listing on my own?A: If you’re part of Amazon Project Zero, you can use the self-service counterfeit removal tool. Otherwise, contacting the seller through Amazon messaging often resolves the issue. If not, file a report with Amazon for removal.

Q: Should I take legal action against hijackers?A: Legal action is a last resort if Amazon fails to resolve the issue and you’ve incurred significant losses. Consult an intellectual property lawyer to weigh the costs and potential benefits.

Q: How long does it take Amazon to handle a hijacking report?A: Amazon usually begins reviewing reports within 24-48 hours. Simple cases are often resolved in 3-5 business days, while complex ones might take 1-2 weeks or longer. Being enrolled in Brand Registry can speed up the process.

Taking proactive steps and leveraging the right tools can safeguard your Amazon listings and help you maintain a strong, reputable brand presence.

Amazon Listing Hijacking: How to Prevent & Remove Hijackers