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By Chris McCabe · August 20, 2025 · Curated by George's Blog
Amazon’s BREATHING FIRE down on sellers over review manipulation! And it doesn't look like it's easing up.
Policy enforcement teams are on a rampage this summer, and this time, it’s not just a few bad actors getting burned. It's happening across multiple marketplaces, primarily in the US, UK, and European ones.
Why now? Because it’s August, heading into Q4. And Amazon’s appetite for scorched earth enforcement always spikes before Q4.
Maybe it's also because the FTC is all over Amazon. It could be a few things and I will keep you up to date with the details on how this has been playing out lately.
What’s different this time around?
→ The sheer scale of the damage. Numerous suspended sellers told that they have no way out, and no info is given on how to save their accounts.
→ The complete and total reluctance of anyone in the higher exec levels to stop these teams from suspending accounts and ignoring appeals. Apparently, they operate with impunity, with few to stand in their way.
→ Many sellers are being told their only option is to dispute the suspension as an error-- or, essentially, get lost and don't expect a real reply.
Here’s a snapshot of what’s hitting sellers hard:
Some reps are telling sellers: “Just admit it. Stay active. It’ll all go away.” (Spoiler: It doesn’t.) They're likely just trying to wrap up the call fast.
Too many brands assume their opt-ins, giveaways, and rebate-for-review tactics will only be seen by loyal customers. Wrong.
Assess this problem the right way, don't appeal hastily or sloppily, and don't believe everything Amazon reps say when they're "coaching" you.
The heat is rising FAST -- these are unlike past suspensions for this issue.
If you’re caught in the blast zone:
→ Escalate smart.
→ Dispute surgically.
→ Never assume the first answer is the final one.