Surviving the Amazon Account Suspension Wave: Address Verification, the INFORM Consumers Act, and How AMZ Sellers Attorney Can Help

A wave of verification suspensions are coming.  Why?  Because by June 27, 2023, Amazon must comply with the new INFORM Consumers Act.  The Act mandates that sellers provide and verify certain identification information, failure of which can lead to account suspension. This means if your Amazon business does not have a physical location and telephone number that can be verified, your seller account will be suspended.

What is the INFORM Consumers Act?

The INFORM Consumers Act, officially known as the Integrity, Notification, and Fairness in Online Retail Marketplaces for Consumers Act, was signed into law in December 2022. The Act is designed to enhance transparency and security in online marketplaces like Amazon, specifically targeting "high-volume third-party sellers," which are sellers that complete more than 200 transactions and generate over $5,000 in revenue in a 12-month period. The Act mandates that these marketplaces collect, verify, and make available to buyers certain identification information of these sellers.
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This means that Amazon sellers must now verify their business address and telephone number to continue selling on the platform. If the required information, certifications, or disclosures are not provided within ten days of a marketplace’s request, the seller's account can be suspended.  VIRTUAL ADDRESSES CAN NO LONGER BE USED FOR AN AMAZON SELLER ACCOUNT.

How Amazon Verifies Seller's Addresses to Comply with the Act

Amazon Postcard Verification: In light of these new requirements, Amazon has implemented a system to verify sellers' business addresses by sending a postcard containing a verification code. However, this process is not without its challenges. Delays in mail delivery, incorrect address information, or simply overlooking the notification can result in sellers not receiving their postcard, hence failing to complete the verification process. If this happens, Amazon will suspend your seller account.

Amazon Telephone Number Verification: Amazon will call sellers at their designated telephone number with a verification code which must be input into seller central to verify the telephone number.  Sellers who cannot so verify their phone number will be suspended.

Furthermore, as per the INFORM Consumers Act, sellers are expected to respond with the required information, certifications, or disclosures within ten days of Amazon's request. If they fail to do so, Amazon is mandated to suspend the seller's account.

Bank Account Verification: Amazon will verify sellers' bank accounts. 

Identity Information: Amazon will require you to produce a government-issued ID that matches the control person of your organization on seller central.  An in-person video verification (IPI) may also be required to confirm seller identity.

Amazon will also verify seller email addresses and tax information.
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Account suspension can have severe consequences, causing a significant interruption to business operations, loss of sales, and potential damage to a seller's reputation. However, sellers do not have to navigate these choppy waters alone.

How AMZ Sellers Attorney Can Help Sellers with Verification Suspensions

AMZ Sellers Attorney®, a firm specializing in Amazon account suspensions and related issues, can provide essential support during these challenging times. Their team of experienced professionals can assist in multiple ways:
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1. Appealing Account Verification Suspension: If your account is suspended due to verification issues, AMZ Sellers Attorney can guide you through the process of appealing the suspension. They can help you draft a Plan of Action, a requirement by Amazon to reinstate your account.
2. Assisting with Verification Processes: The team at AMZ Sellers Attorney understands the intricacies of Amazon's verification process. They can help you navigate this process, ensuring all necessary information is accurate and submitted correctly.
3. Negotiating on Your Behalf: If you need to communicate with Amazon's legal department, AMZ Sellers Attorney can act as a negotiator, leveraging their understanding of Amazon's processes and the INFORM Consumers Act to facilitate communication and reach a resolution.

Conclusion

Complying with the INFORM Consumers Act may seem daunting, but with understanding, proactive steps, and the right assistance, Amazon sellers can overcome these challenges. AMZ Sellers Attorney® is here to help you navigate this new landscape and continue to thrive in your e-commerce journey.  Call, chat, or submit your case for a free consultation today.