The scammers used Amazon's well-publicised expansion into Australia as a hook.

???People at the weekend received a legitimate-looking email offering $500 Amazon vouchers to those who clicked on a link and provided feedback on the company.

The email's subject line was, "Amazon Card for you. Confirm before it expires." The email featured the Amazon logo, and a cartoon of a man holding a clipboard in front of a bus, with an arrow and the words 'Confirm my voucher' running across the picture.

The email says the "expansion of Amazon into Australia is fast approaching. We will soon begin operating brick and mortar distribution and retail centers [sic] in all states across Australia."

It continues, "Of course, Aussie consumers are no strangers to Amazon. In the past few years we have built strong relationship with you and we are here to say thank you!

"In order to express our gratitude towards Aussie consumers, we are coming to you with a $500 Amazon Voucher.

"We have 80 Vouchers to give away this weekend. All you need to do is: Confirm receiving this email by clicking here. Give us your opinion about Amazon.

"That's simple, right?

"Thank you and Good luck!"

The email was signed off by "Your Prime Team," referring to Amazon Prime, Amazon's membership offer which provides fast shipping to members.

While the email stated it had been sent to people who had "subscribed to offer emails", recipients included people who had never ordered anything from Amazon or signed up for a membership.

Delia Rickard, deputy chairman of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, said seven people had reported the "genuine-looking" scam to the watchdog - and none had clicked on the link.

"One of the things that scammers are good at is piggy-backing on a topical event," she said.

She said it was unclear whether the scam was motivated to spread malware, or to trick people into giving out private information that could be used for identity theft or onsold to other scammers.

The watchdog advises people people to verify whether an offer is legitimate by "checking if it is listed on the retailers' official website or by calling the retailers' official customer service line."

Amazon's public relations firm Weber Shandwick declined to comment.

Amazon's Australian plans

After Fairfax Media broke the news of Amazon's Australian expansion plans in 2016, Amazon confirmed its plans in April and promised thousands of new jobs, millions in additional investment, and to "empower small Australian businesses through Amazon Marketplace".

While Amazon is known for its online marketplace, it has been investing in bricks and mortar stores too.

As at last month, it had six bookstores (soon to be 12), pop-up stores, college pick-up points, and a convenience store without checkouts that is being tested in Seattle. Its finance chief last month described bricks and mortar physical stores as "another way to reach the customer".

International sales accounted for 32 per cent of Amazon's sales for the three months to 31 March. International sales were up 16 per cent year-on-year but continued to be unprofitable.

Amazon has been pouring big money into international expansion, particular in India. Its capital expenditure surged 51 per cent year-on-year, primarily due to investment in fulfilment centres, or large warehouses.

Amazon operates its online grocery delivery service Amazon Fresh in 21 cities in the US as well as London and Tokyo, which opened last month.