
Amazon told some customers on Wednesday that their email address and name had been exposed due to a "technical error." Beta News was first to report the breach.
Here's how the email to customers reads, according to text shared on Amazon's seller forums:
Though Amazon told customers that they would not need to change their passwords, a list of confirmed email addresses does leave customers vulnerable.Hello,
We're contacting you to let you know that our website inadvertently disclosed your email address due to a technical error. The issue has been fixed. This is not a result of anything you have done, and there is no need for you to change your password or take any other action.
Sincerely,
Customer Service
"We have fixed the issue and informed customers who may have been impacted," a representative for Amazon said in a statement.
The company did not explain how or where the information became visible, but explained that it was not a breach of Amazon's website or systems.
Some customers who received the email responded with confusion on social media.
"This email is more alarming than it is helpful," wrote one customer on Twitter.
Another was worried the leaked emails and names would result in customers appearing on spam lists."Not nearly good enough Amazon," he tweeted.
Did anyone else get this email from @amazon ? I swear, if I get one spam email from this accidental disclosure of my email address, I am forwarding it to @JeffBezos pic.twitter.com/d1WKZVlxSa
- Dwayne (@AbolitionOf) November 21, 2018
Ooookay. Disclosed it when, and to whom? Was other information associated with it, like my name? This email is more alarming than it is helpful. And sent from a "no-reply" address? Based on headers this appears to be a legit email. @amazon pic.twitter.com/sikJvX8lbk
- Adam Meyer (@apmeyer) November 21, 2018
Another @AmazonUK @amazon #dataleak #Amazon
Dismissive email saying we need do nothing ignores the fact that with both our email and names leaked we are likely to be victims of phishing scams and end up on spam lists. Not nearly good enough Amazon. pic.twitter.com/HPVhxFh2uc
- Anthony Cooke (@AntSaysThis) November 21, 2018