How to Handle Amazon Hijackers – A Complete Protection Guide

If you’re an Amazon seller, you’ve likely heard horror stories of listings being hijacked. One day, your listing is performing great. The next, someone else is selling on it—undercutting you, stealing the Buy Box, and possibly harming your reputation with counterfeit or low-quality products. 

Welcome to the harsh reality of Amazon hijackers. 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly what hijacking is, why it happens, how to prevent it, and what to do if your listing has already been targeted. 

What is an Amazon Hijacker? 
An Amazon hijacker is an unauthorized seller who lists their own product on your existing ASIN (Amazon Standard Identification Number), often selling a counterfeit or similar version at a lower price. They typically exploit listings from private label sellers who are brand owners, but haven't taken the necessary steps to fully protect their listings. 

These hijackers aim to: 

• Undercut your pricing 
• Win the Buy Box 
• Sell low-quality or fake versions 
• Drain your profits while risking negative reviews on your listing 

How to Identify a Hijacker on Your Amazon Listing 
You might be dealing with a hijacker if: 

• The Buy Box disappears or is claimed by another seller. 
• You see new sellers listed under “Other Sellers on Amazon” on your ASIN. 
• Your sales suddenly drop despite strong ad performance. 
• Negative reviews appear referencing poor quality or damaged products. 

If you suspect foul play, check your ASIN under “Manage Inventory” in Seller Central and click on the listing to see how many sellers are on it. If you're a private label seller, there should only be you. 

Why Hijackers Target Private Label Sellers 

Private label products often have: 

• No manufacturer branding 
• High margins 
• Lower likelihood of brand protection enforcement 

Hijackers exploit listings where: 

• Brand Registry isn’t enabled 
• Trademark is pending or missing 
• Listings lack unique identifiers or branded packaging 

That’s why they mostly avoid big brand listings and target small-to-medium sellers who haven't taken protection steps. 

6 Steps to Protect Yourself from Amazon Hijackers 

1. Enroll in Amazon Brand Registry 
This is your first line of defense. It allows you to: 

• Report listing violations directly to Amazon 
• Access A+ Content and Sponsored Brand Ads 
• Gain better control over your listings 

You’ll need a registered trademark to join, but it’s worth every penny. 

2. Add Unique Branding to Product & Packaging 
Use custom packaging, logos, inserts, and bundle options that hijackers can’t easily replicate. This makes it easier to prove your case to Amazon if a dispute arises. 

3. Use SentryKit for 24/7 Hijacker Alerts 
Amazon doesn’t notify you when another seller joins your listing. That’s where tools like SentryKit help. It continuously monitors your ASINs for hijackers and instantly alerts you, so you can act fast before they damage your reputation or steal your sales. 

4. File a Cease & Desist Letter 
Once you’ve identified a hijacker: 

• Find their seller info from the Buy Box or Other Sellers section. 
• Send a Cease & Desist message via Amazon Messaging. 
• Clearly state that they are infringing on your branded product and ask them to remove their offer within 24 hours. 

In many cases, hijackers will back off if they sense you’re serious. 

5. Place a Test Order 
If the hijacker doesn’t budge: 

• Buy the item from their listing 
• Document everything—photos, packaging, differences 
• Compare it with your original product 

This is crucial evidence when filing an infringement report. 

6. Report to Amazon 
Head to Report a Violation inside your Brand Registry dashboard. Use the test order ID, your product’s unique identifiers, and any side-by-side comparison images to make your case stronger. 

Amazon usually responds within a few days and may suspend the hijacker’s account if clear evidence is provided. 

Proactive Monitoring is Everything 
Hijackers often strike at night, on weekends, or during peak seasons when sellers are less vigilant. Proactive monitoring tools help reduce the window between attack and response. 

SentryKit’s AI-powered hijacker detection system watches your listings round the clock. It alerts you the moment an unauthorized seller appears—giving you a chance to act fast, protect your Buy Box, and keep your profits intact. 

Final Thoughts 
Amazon hijackers are more than just a nuisance—they can damage your brand, steal your revenue, and ruin customer trust. The best defense is a mix of legal protection, proactive monitoring, and fast action. 

If you're serious about protecting your Amazon business, you can’t afford to take listing security lightly. Register your brand, use customized packaging, and leverage tools like SentryKit to monitor your listings automatically.