Amazon usually cites a mix of policy-based and data-based evidence in Section 3 suspension notices, but it rarely shows “full proof” the way a bank or court would. Instead, the notice typically references:
1. Policy and behavior evidence
References to specific Amazon policies: For example, “inauthentic / counterfeit,” “linked accounts,” “review abuse,” “manipulation of sales rank,” or “misuse of FBA/returns,” tied back to Section 3 of the Business Solutions Agreement.
Pattern-based behavior: Unusual sales spikes, abnormal refund or chargeback rates, multiple accounts with shared details, or repeated violations of previous warnings.
Prior warnings or unresolved issues: Previous policy violation notifications, unresolved IP complaints, or authenticity investigations that were not satisfactorily addressed.
2. Account and linkage evidence
Account-link signals: Shared IP addresses, devices, cookies, browser fingerprints, bank accounts, credit cards, phone numbers, emails, business names, or addresses that connect you to another suspended account.
Identity/verification problems: Failed or inconsistent identity checks, mismatched names or addresses between documents and the account, or conflicting information shown during video verification.
3. Product authenticity and supply chain evidence
Complaint-driven flags: Buyer or rights-owner complaints claiming counterfeit, inauthentic, or unauthorized products, often tied to specific ASINs or orders.
Documentation gaps: Missing or unsatisfactory invoices, lack of authorization letters, incomplete supply chain records, or documents from non-verifiable or high‑risk suppliers.
Logistics and delivery documents: In some cases, they reference needing (or having reviewed) proofs like invoices, proof of payment, bills of lading, packing lists, and import/export or customs documents, especially when authenticity or diversion is suspected.
4. Fraud, misuse, or abuse indicators
Payment and financial risk signals: Suspicious payment patterns, chargebacks, unusual disbursement behavior, or indications that the account might be used for deceptive or high‑risk transactions.
Abuse of programs: Suspicion of manipulating coupons, promotions, or reviews, or misusing FBA features (like returns, removals, or unsafe inventory practices).
What this means for you:
- The notice itself will usually be high level, mentioning Section 3 plus a short statement such as “deceptive or fraudulent activity,” “counterfeit,” or “linked to another account.”
- Amazon considers its internal risk models and linkage data proprietary, so it almost never discloses full granular evidence (like exact IP logs), only the category of concern.
When you appeal, you generally need to “reverse‑engineer” what evidence they’re relying on by:
- Mapping the notice wording to likely triggers (linked accounts, authenticity, reviews, etc.).
- Providing strong counter‑evidence: clean invoices, proof of payment, supply chain documents, identity and business documents, and a clear written explanation that addresses each risk category.