Amazon Account Under Investigation? Here’s What It Means

Posted on August 12th, 2025

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Selling on Amazon offers incredible opportunities — but it also comes with strict rules and constant performance monitoring. Many sellers are surprised to receive a notice stating their Amazon account is under investigation, leaving them wondering what went wrong and what to do next.

If you’ve been searching “how to know if my Amazon account is under investigation”, you’re not alone. Investigations can happen for various reasons, and the outcome can determine whether your account remains active, faces temporary restrictions, or ends up suspended.

In this guide, we’ll break down:

• The signs that your account is under investigation.
• The most common reasons Amazon investigates sellers.
• The steps you should take immediately.
• How to Avoid or Resolve an Amazon Suspension with Professional Help from Amazon Appeal Pro.
  

How to Know if Your Amazon Account Is Under Investigation

The first step is recognizing the warning signs. Sometimes, Amazon will explicitly state that your account is under investigation through a Performance Notification in Seller Central. Other times, the indicators are less direct.

Here’s how to tell if your account is being reviewed:

1. Performance Notification in Seller Central

   • You’ll see a message in the Performance tab outlining the investigation reason or stating your account is under review. 

2. Restricted Selling Privileges

   • You may lose the ability to list new products or edit existing listings during the investigation period. 

3. Disbursement Holds

   • Amazon may temporarily hold your funds until the investigation concludes. 

4. Requests for Documentation

   • Amazon might ask for invoices, authenticity proof, or compliance certificates. 

5. Communication from Amazon Compliance Teams

   • You may receive emails requesting specific actions or clarifications. 

If any of these occur, it’s time to act quickly. The longer you wait, the higher the risk of the investigation leading to a suspension.

Common Reasons Amazon Investigates Seller Accounts

If you’ve received a notice that your Amazon account is under investigation, it usually ties back to one or more policy violations or performance issues.

Here are the most common triggers:

1. Product Authenticity Concerns

• Amazon takes counterfeit prevention seriously. If a buyer reports a product as fake or inauthentic, Amazon may request proof of authenticity. 

2. Intellectual Property Complaints

• Brands can file IP claims against your listings if they believe you’re infringing on their trademarks, copyrights, or patents. 

3. High Order Defect Rate (ODR)

• If your defect rate exceeds Amazon’s threshold (1%), it signals poor customer experience. 

4. Policy Violations

• This could include selling restricted products, misusing ASIN variations, or not following product condition guidelines. 

5. Inconsistent Product Information

• Listing products with misleading titles, incorrect images, or inaccurate descriptions can trigger an investigation. 

6. Linked Accounts

• Amazon may investigate if it believes you are operating multiple accounts without permission. 

What Happens During the Investigation Process

An Amazon investigation follows a fairly standard process, though timelines and outcomes can vary.

Step 1: Notification

Amazon will notify you of the investigation, either specifying the reason or providing a general review notice.

 

Step 2: Account Restrictions

You may face limited access to certain selling functions. This can include removing your Buy Box eligibility or restricting listing creation.

 

Step 3: Information Request

Amazon will often ask for supporting documentation, such as:

• Supplier invoices
• Certificates of authenticity
• Order tracking details
• Business licenses
  
  

Step 4: Internal Review

Amazon’s compliance team will review your documents, order history, and performance metrics.

 

Step 5: Outcome

The investigation will result in one of three outcomes:

• Clearance — Your account is reinstated to full selling privileges.
• Warning — You’re advised to correct specific issues to avoid suspension.
• Suspension — Your account is deactivated, requiring a formal appeal.
  
  

How to Respond If Your Account Is Under Investigation

When your Amazon account is under investigation, speed and precision are critical. Here’s how to respond effectively:

1. Read the Notification Carefully

   • Identify the exact concern, whether it’s product authenticity, policy violation, or performance metrics.
     

2. Gather All Relevant Documentation

   • Collect invoices, proof of product source, compliance certificates, or order records that support your case. 

3. Avoid Admitting Fault Without Evidence

   • A premature or incorrect response can harm your chances of reinstatement. 

4. Stay Professional in Communication

   • Amazon values clear, concise, and factual responses. Avoid emotional language or blaming customers. 

5. Consider Professional Assistance

   • Services like Amazon Appeal Pro can craft a compliant, persuasive appeal to resolve the investigation quickly.
     
     

How Investigations Can Lead to Amazon Suspension

Not all investigations end in suspension, but many do if issues aren’t resolved. Common scenarios leading to Amazon suspension include:

• Failing to provide the requested documentation.
• Submitting incomplete or incorrect information.
• Repeated violations or high defect rates.
• Confirmed counterfeit or IP infringement cases.

Once suspended, you’ll need to submit a Plan of Action (POA) detailing:

• The root cause of the problem.
• The corrective measures you’ve taken.
• The long-term prevention steps you’ll follow.
  

How Amazon Appeal Pro Can Help

Facing an investigation alone can be stressful and time-consuming — especially when your income is on the line. That’s where Amazon Appeal Pro comes in.

We specialize in:

• Case Analysis: Reviewing the suspension or investigation notice to identify the exact issue.
• POA Creation: Drafting tailored, effective Plans of Action that address Amazon’s concerns.
• Document Preparation: Organizing invoices, certificates, and compliance reports.
• Direct Communication: Handling correspondence with Amazon to ensure faster resolution.
  

Our proven track record in reversing Amazon suspension cases means you can focus on running your business while we manage the reinstatement process.

Tips to Avoid Future Investigations

Even if your current investigation is resolved, prevention is key to avoiding repeat issues. Here’s how to reduce the risk:

• Source Products from Verified Suppliers: Keep invoices and authenticity proof on file.
• Stay Updated on Amazon Policies: Review seller guidelines regularly.
• Monitor Metrics: Keep ODR, Late Shipment Rate (LSR), and cancellation rates within acceptable limits.
• Respond to Customer Inquiries Promptly: Fast, professional communication can prevent disputes.
• Maintain Accurate Listings: Ensure titles, images, and descriptions match the actual product.

Protect Your Amazon Account Before It’s Too Late

If your Amazon account is under investigation, the clock is ticking. The correct response can mean the difference between keeping your business running and losing your account entirely.

Don’t take chances with generic responses or incomplete documentation. Let Amazon Appeal Pro — the trusted partner for sellers — guide you through the process, resolve the investigation, and safeguard your future on Amazon.

Your business depends on it. Act now before an investigation turns into a suspension.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How long does an Amazon investigation take?
It can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the complexity of the case.

2. Can I keep selling while under investigation?
Sometimes, yes — but certain restrictions may apply until the investigation is resolved.

3. What happens if I ignore the investigation notice?
Failing to respond will likely result in an Amazon suspension.

4. Can Amazon Appeal Pro help with investigations?
Absolutely. We can prepare professional responses, gather the proper documents, and communicate directly with Amazon.

5. How do I know if my Amazon account is under investigation?
You may see a notification in Seller Central, experience listing restrictions, or be asked to provide documentation.

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