Hijacked Listings on Amazon: How to Detect, Prevent, and Take Action

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Imagine this: You spend months building your Amazon listing—crafting compelling copy, optimizing keywords, gathering reviews, and designing top-notch A+ Content. Then one morning, your branded product is replaced with a suspicious version from another seller, your bullet points are butchered, and the Buy Box is gone.

You’ve just been hijacked.


Hijacked listings are a nightmare for legitimate sellers, especially brand owners. They compromise your reputation, confuse customers, and eat away at your revenue. Worst of all, if left unchecked, they can destroy the trust you’ve built with your buyers.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to detect hijackers, prevent attacks on your listing, and take swift action when it happens.


What Is a Hijacked Listing on Amazon?

A hijacked listing occurs when an unauthorized seller jumps on your product detail page and starts selling what appears to be your product—often a counterfeit, knockoff, or gray-market version. In some cases, they even edit your listing content, change the images, or undercut you to win the Buy Box.

This usually happens to sellers who:


  • Use FBA without brand registry
  • Sell private label or white-label products
  • Have generic packaging that’s easy to replicate

If you’re not actively monitoring your listings, it’s easy to miss a hijacker until the damage is done.


Why Hijacking Is So Dangerous

Hijacked listings don’t just cost you a few sales—they can ruin your brand:


  • Lost Buy Box = lost revenue
  • Negative reviews from fake products impact your rating
  • Suppressed listings from customer complaints
  • Account health issues if Amazon sees you as the problem
  • Permanent damage to your product’s SEO and conversion rate

And if you're a brand-focused seller, hijacking is a direct assault on your intellectual property.


How to Detect a Hijacked Listing

Spotting a hijack early is critical. Here’s how to monitor your listings like a hawk:


1. Check the “Sold By” Section

Go to your product page and look at the Buy Box. If it doesn’t say your store name (or it’s being shared), you’ve got company.

Click on “Other Sellers on Amazon” to see who else is listing your product. If you see unknown sellers offering your SKU at unusually low prices—red flag.


2. Monitor Price Fluctuations

A sudden drop in price could mean a hijacker is undercutting you to win the Buy Box. Track pricing changes daily.


3. Use Alerts & Tools

Use software like:


  • Helium 10 – Alerts
  • Keepa – Price tracking
  • Sellerboard – Hijack monitoring
  • Bindwise – Listing change alerts

These tools notify you when new sellers jump on your listings or your content gets modified.


4. Watch for Content Changes

Hijackers may swap your images, title, or bullets to match their counterfeit version. Use the “Manage Inventory” section to regularly audit your listing content.


How to Prevent Listing Hijackers

Prevention is the best defense. Here’s how to make your listings tougher to hijack:


1. Enroll in Amazon Brand Registry

This is your strongest line of defense. Brand Registry gives you:


  • Listing content control
  • Access to Amazon’s Report a Violation tool
  • Brand support team access
  • Transparency program eligibility

Without Brand Registry, anyone can edit your listing. With it, you hold the keys.


2. Use Amazon Transparency

Transparency is a product serialization program that lets Amazon verify your item before shipping it. Only units with valid Transparency codes can be shipped—making it nearly impossible for hijackers to pass off fakes.


3. Include Branded Packaging & Logos

Generic packaging invites counterfeiters. Make sure your product and packaging include:


  • Clear brand logos
  • Unique identifiers (model #, UPC, batch code)
  • Branded inserts

Also, include “Ships in branded packaging” in your listing to warn copycats and inform customers.


4. Stay Off Generic/Shared Listings

Never piggyback on existing generic ASINs. Always create your own unique listings and protect them with Brand Registry.


How to Take Action Against Hijackers

If your listing has been hijacked, act fast. The longer the unauthorized seller stays on your listing, the more reviews and revenue they can poison.


Step 1: Document Everything

Take screenshots of:


  • The listing (with the hijacker’s store name)
  • Product differences (if it’s a counterfeit)
  • Customer complaints or reviews related to the hijacker
  • Your original product and packaging

Step 2: Send a Cease and Desist Message

You can message the hijacker through Amazon Seller Central. Be professional and direct.

Sample message:

Hello,

You are currently listing a product under our protected ASIN: [ASIN]. We are the brand owner and manufacturer of this product. Your listing is unauthorized and violates our intellectual property rights.

Please remove your offer within 24 hours to avoid a formal complaint to Amazon’s Brand Protection team.

Sincerely,
[Your Brand Name]

Some hijackers back off immediately. Others don’t.


Step 3: File a Report with Amazon

If the seller doesn’t respond, use Amazon’s Report Infringement tool:


  • Go to Brand Registry > Report a Violation
  • File under "Unauthorized Seller / Counterfeit"
  • Submit all documentation

If you're not enrolled in Brand Registry, file a general support case and include your proof.


Step 4: Escalate If Needed

If Amazon doesn’t act, escalate:


  • Contact Seller Support with a violation report
  • Call Amazon’s Brand Registry support line
  • Loop in an IP attorney if necessary

You can also file a DMCA takedown request if content is being used without authorization.


What If You're Not Brand Registered Yet?

While Brand Registry is best, you can still take some protective actions:


  • Use strong brand presence on packaging
  • File infringement cases manually
  • Include trademarked brand name in your title (this can help in Buy Box disputes)
  • Register your trademark ASAP to unlock Brand Registry


Pro Tip: Watch Your Competitors Too

If you're in a competitive niche, hijackers may be targeting your rivals too. Study how they respond, monitor their listings, and prepare your own defenses.


Final Thoughts: Own Your Listing, Own Your Brand

A hijacked listing is more than a nuisance—it’s a threat to everything you’ve built on Amazon. But with the right vigilance, tools, and legal backup, you can protect your turf.


  • Detect quickly
  • Act immediately
  • Prevent permanently

You’ve worked hard to build your brand. Don’t let someone else steal it overnight.


Need help removing hijackers or setting up Brand Registry and Transparency? Our team can audit your listings, take enforcement action, and keep your brand protected across all Amazon marketplaces. Let’s talk.

From Invisible to Irresistible: 7 Ways to Dominate Amazon Search Ranking

By William Fikhman • December 2, 2025
Selling on Amazon is like competing in a bustling marketplace where millions of sellers are shouting for attention. So, how do you make sure your product gets heard above the noise? The secret lies in mastering Amazon SEO — optimizing your product listings so they rank higher and attract more buyers. If you want to boost your visibility and skyrocket your sales, here are 7 smart ways to improve your product’s search rankings and win big on Amazon. 1. Nail Your Product Title with the Right Keywords Think of your product title as your billboard on Amazon’s highway. It needs to grab attention and tell both shoppers and Amazon exactly what you’re offering. Use relevant keywords that customers actually type. Include vital info like brand, product type, color, size, and quantity. Keep it readable and avoid stuffing it with too many keywords. Example: Instead of repeating “Wireless Bluetooth Headphones” over and over, try “Wireless Bluetooth Headphones with Noise Cancelling, Over-Ear, 20 Hours Battery Life.” 2. Maximize Backend Search Terms Amazon lets you add hidden keywords behind the scenes—use these wisely! Don’t repeat keywords already in visible fields. Add synonyms, alternate spellings, and related terms. Avoid brand names or competitor keywords. This little-known trick helps your product pop up in more relevant searches without cluttering your listing. 3. Write Descriptions That Sell (and Rank) Your product description is your sales pitch. Make it count! Naturally sprinkle in secondary keywords. Focus on benefits and features that solve customer problems. Use bullet points for easy scanning. A compelling description not only helps Amazon’s algorithm but convinces shoppers to click “Buy Now.” 4. Use Stunning, High-Quality Images While images don’t directly influence search rankings, they power up your conversion rates, which matters. Show your product from multiple angles. Use lifestyle shots to help customers envision using it. Follow Amazon’s image requirements for best results. Great images grab attention and help turn browsers into buyers. 5. Cultivate Positive Reviews and Feedback Reviews build trust and influence rankings. Encourage genuine reviews through Amazon’s “Request a Review” feature. Address negative reviews professionally. Deliver excellent product quality and customer service. More positive reviews mean better rankings and more sales. 6. Price Smart and Run Promotions Price and sales velocity are big ranking factors. Stay competitive but protect your margins. Use deals and coupons to drive quick sales. Winning the Buy Box can massively boost your visibility. Strategic pricing helps your product climb the search results ladder. 7. Track Performance and Adapt Fast Keep your finger on the pulse with data. Use Amazon Seller Central’s analytics to monitor impressions, clicks, and sales. Tweak keywords and content based on what the data tells you. Stay agile and update listings as customer trends shift. Continuous improvement is the key to long-term success. Final Thoughts: Your Secret Weapon for Amazon Success Amazon SEO isn’t a one-time fix—it’s a dynamic, ongoing strategy that blends smart keyword use, killer content, customer engagement, and savvy pricing. When done right, your products don’t just get seen—they get sold. This is where CMO comes in as your game-changing partner . Unlike most agencies that hand you off from the top expert to junior staff, CMO works more like your trusted CPA or law firm. Your senior advisor stays with you throughout, meets regularly, and delivers real results — all on a fractional basis. With CMO by your side, your brand gains control over resellers and content, looks fantastic on Amazon, and most importantly, grows sales. CMO doesn’t just support your Amazon business—they become a seamless part of your team. Ready to take your Amazon SEO to the next level? Let’s connect and get your product ranking where it deserves to be!

Amazon Ads + FBA: The Dynamic Duo Every Seller Needs

By William Fikhman • December 2, 2025
In the dynamic world of Amazon selling, standing out is no small feat. With millions of products competing for buyer attention, sellers need every advantage they can get to increase visibility, build trust, and drive sales. Two of the most powerful tools available to Amazon sellers are Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) and Amazon Ads . While each is valuable on its own, combining them strategically creates a winning formula that can accelerate growth, maximize conversions, and build a sustainable brand. In this post, we’ll explore what makes FBA and Amazon Ads so effective, why they work better together, and how you can optimize both to dominate your niche. Whether you’re new to Amazon or looking to scale your existing business, this guide will help you harness the full power of these tools. What is Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA)? Fulfillment by Amazon is a service where Amazon takes care of storing your inventory, picking, packing, shipping products to customers, and handling customer service and returns. This outsourcing of logistics allows sellers to focus on sourcing, branding, and marketing their products without worrying about the complexities of fulfillment. Key Benefits of FBA: Prime Eligibility: FBA products automatically become Prime-eligible, giving buyers access to fast, free shipping. Since millions of Amazon shoppers filter for Prime items, this eligibility is a major sales booster. Reliable Fulfillment: Amazon’s world-class warehouse and delivery network ensures quick, reliable shipping, which enhances customer satisfaction and reduces negative reviews. Customer Trust: Prime badges and Amazon’s handling of returns increase buyer confidence, making customers more likely to purchase from FBA sellers. Focus on Growth: By delegating fulfillment, sellers can concentrate their efforts on product development, marketing, and expanding their catalog. What Are Amazon Ads? Amazon Ads is a suite of advertising solutions designed to increase product visibility on Amazon’s platform and beyond. These ads appear in search results, product detail pages, and even outside Amazon through display networks. Main Types of Amazon Ads: Sponsored Product Ads: These ads promote individual products and appear in search results and product pages. They are keyword-targeted and highly effective at driving traffic and conversions. Sponsored Brands Ads: Showcasing your brand logo and multiple products, these ads help build brand awareness and drive shoppers to your Amazon Store or a custom landing page. Sponsored Display Ads: These ads retarget shoppers on and off Amazon, helping you re-engage interested buyers and boost conversions. Amazon Ads help sellers capture shopper attention at the moment of intent, increasing the likelihood of clicks and purchases. Why Combine FBA and Amazon Ads? While FBA ensures your products reach customers quickly and reliably, Amazon Ads bring those customers to your listings. Combining these two creates a powerful synergy that enhances both visibility and conversion. Here’s why this combo works so well: 1. Increased Conversion Rates Fast shipping and reliable fulfillment are critical to shopper satisfaction. When your ads attract clicks, customers are more likely to buy if they know they’ll get their products quickly with Amazon’s trusted service. FBA’s Prime badge and return policies increase buyer confidence, boosting conversion rates on your ads. 2. Higher Organic Rankings Amazon’s search algorithm favors products with strong sales velocity and positive customer experiences. Running ads to drive sales can improve your organic ranking, making your products more visible even without paid ads. This creates a virtuous cycle where ads fuel sales and sales boost organic rank. 3. Improved Customer Experience Using FBA means Amazon handles customer service and returns professionally. Happy customers leave positive reviews, leading to better rankings and more sales. Ads amplify this effect by showcasing your products to relevant audiences. 4. Competitive Edge Prime-eligible products are more attractive to millions of shoppers who prioritize fast shipping. Ads featuring FBA products stand out in search results, helping you win more Buy Boxes and outperform competitors who fulfill orders themselves. How to Optimize Your Strategy: Best Practices for Combining FBA and Amazon Ads Amazon’s official advertising guide on combining FBA and Ads offers valuable insights. Here’s how to implement these strategies effectively: 1. Ensure Your Inventory is FBA-Eligible Before investing in ads, make sure your products are fulfilled by Amazon. This primes your listings for better conversion and visibility. If you’re currently fulfilling orders yourself, consider transitioning to FBA to unlock these advantages. 2. Launch Sponsored Product Ads with Targeted Keywords Sponsored Product ads are the backbone of Amazon advertising. Use keyword research tools to identify high-converting keywords relevant to your product. Start with a mix of broad, phrase, and exact match types, then refine based on performance data. Focus your budget on keywords that generate clicks and conversions. Monitor your campaigns regularly and adjust bids to maximize return on ad spend (ROAS). 3. Expand Reach with Sponsored Brands and Display Ads Once you have traction with Sponsored Product ads, consider adding Sponsored Brands ads to promote your entire product line and build brand recognition. Sponsored Display ads are great for retargeting shoppers who viewed but didn’t purchase, helping you recover lost sales. 4. Monitor and Manage Inventory Levels Running ads on out-of-stock products wastes money and damages your ranking. Use Amazon’s inventory tools to track stock levels and restock proactively. If inventory is low, consider pausing ads temporarily. 5. Optimize Product Listings Your product listings should complement your ads. Use clear, keyword-rich titles, compelling bullet points, and persuasive descriptions. High-quality images and videos enhance conversions. The better your listing, the more effective your ads will be. 6. Analyze Performance and Adapt Amazon provides detailed advertising reports on impressions, clicks, cost, and sales. Use these insights to identify what’s working and what isn’t. Test different creatives, keywords, and targeting options to continually improve. Real-World Success Stories Many sellers have reported dramatic growth by combining FBA and Amazon Ads: Higher Sales Velocity: Ads bring in new customers quickly, and FBA ensures they receive their products fast, encouraging repeat purchases. Better Buy Box Win Rates: Prime eligibility and increased sales help sellers win the Buy Box more often, increasing sales even without ads. Brand Building: Sponsored Brands ads paired with FBA’s reliable fulfillment help sellers establish strong brand presence and customer loyalty. Common Pitfalls to Avoid To get the most from this strategy, watch out for these mistakes: Ignoring Inventory Management: Running out of stock during ad campaigns can stall momentum and hurt rankings. Overbidding on Low-Converting Keywords: Monitor your ad spend closely to avoid wasting budget. Neglecting Listing Quality: Ads drive traffic, but poor listings lose customers. Invest in listing optimization. Not Using Data: Failing to analyze and adjust campaigns limits growth potential. Final Thoughts: Make CMO Your Partner for Amazon Growth Amazon SEO and advertising are complex, competitive fields. To truly succeed, you need a partner who understands the nuances of both fulfillment and advertising. That’s where CMO steps in. Unlike many agencies that pass you from expert to junior team member, CMO works like your trusted CPA or law firm. Your senior advisor stays actively involved, meets regularly, and delivers measurable results—all on a fractional basis. This structure means your brand gains consistent control over resellers and content, looks amazing on Amazon, and drives sales growth. CMO becomes a seamless extension of your team, helping you master the powerful combination of FBA and Amazon Ads to unlock your brand’s full potential. Ready to Scale Your Amazon Business? Combining Fulfillment by Amazon with targeted Amazon Ads is one of the smartest strategies for sellers aiming to grow. By leveraging Amazon’s fulfillment infrastructure and advertising platform together, you create a cycle of increased visibility, higher conversions, and better rankings. If you want expert guidance on launching ads, optimizing your FBA strategy, or managing your Amazon presence, let’s connect. Your success on Amazon starts with the right strategy—and the right partner.