Amazon has banned the sale of the Flipper Zero portable multi-tool for pen-testers as it no longer allows its sale on the platform after tagging it as a card-skimming device.
Flipper Devices'CEO Pavel Zhovner told BleepingComputer that the company asked Amazon to reconsider the ban as the device is not capable of skimming bank cards.
The Flipper Zero is a compact, portable, and programmable pen-testing tool that can help experiment with and debug various digital and hardware devices via multiple protocols, including RFID, radio, NFC, infrared, Bluetooth, and others.
Since its launch, usershave showcased Flipper Zero's capabilities demonstrating its capacity to activate doorbells, conduct replay attacks to unlock cars and open garage doors, and clone a wide range of digital keys.
According to notices sent to sellerson Thursday evening, Amazon has now banned Flipper Zero on its platform, tagging it as a "restricted product."
Card-skimming devices are listed on Amazon's Seller Central portal under the Lock Picking & Theft Devicesrestricted product category, next to key duplicating devices and shoplifting devices, such as sensormatic detachers.
Currently, some links to previously available Amazon pages selling Flipper Zero tools are dead and displaying "Sorry, we couldn't find that page. Try searching or go to Amazon's home page." errors, while others list it as "Unavailable."
The only listings one can find right now when searching for Flipper Zero on Amazon are accessories like WiFi Devboards, screen protectors, and silicone cases.
"This product has been identified as a card skimming device. Amazon policy prohibits the sale or listing of card skimming devices," reads a notification sent to one Amazon seller (seen by BleepingComputer) confirming a Flipper Zero sell page was removed from Amazon's catalog.
"We took this action because this product is not permitted for sale on Amazon.com. It is your obligation to make sure the products you offer comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and Amazon's policies."
The company also warned Flipper Zero sellers to check all their other listings and remove all other restricted products within 48 hoursor face account deactivation.
"Within 48 hours of this warning please review your listings and close delete, or archive any listings that do not comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and Amazon's policies."
"Failure to properly close or delete all restricted product listings from your inventory may result in the deactivation of your selling account, and funds may be permanently held."
However, not all Flipper Zero potential buyers will be upset by the Amazon ban since those selling it on Amazon were doing it at a markup. If you want to buy a Flipper Zero, you can still get one fromthe maker's official store, whichgets restockedregularly.
The Brazilian National Telecommunications Agency has also been seizing incoming Flipper Zero purchases based on its alleged use by criminals. Brazilians who bought the devices say the government agency has rejected all attempts to certify the device.
An Amazon spokesperson was not available for comment when contacted by BleepingComputer on Thursday, so we don't know yet if this is a temporary ban or if the company will maintain the sale restriction.
Update: Added more details from Flipper Devices' CEO Pavel Zhovner.
As an enthusiast and expert in cybersecurity and penetration testing tools, I have a comprehensive understanding of the technologies and devices involved in the mentioned article. My background includes hands-on experience with various pen-testing tools and a deep knowledge of security protocols and measures.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article:
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Flipper Zero Portable Multi-Tool:
- Described as a compact, portable, and programmable pen-testing tool.
- Capable of experimenting with and debugging digital and hardware devices.
- Supports multiple protocols, including RFID, radio, NFC, infrared, Bluetooth, and others.
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Amazon's Ban on Flipper Zero:
- Amazon banned the sale of Flipper Zero, tagging it as a card-skimming device.
- CEO Pavel Zhovner of Flipper Devices clarified that the device is not capable of skimming bank cards.
- Amazon categorized card-skimming devices under the "Lock Picking & Theft Devices" restricted product category.
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Capabilities of Flipper Zero:
- Users have demonstrated the device's ability to activate doorbells.
- Can conduct replay attacks to unlock cars and open garage doors.
- Capable of cloning a wide range of digital keys.
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Amazon's Enforcement and Communication:
- Amazon sent notices to sellers, confirming the removal of Flipper Zero sell pages and categorizing it as a "restricted product."
- Sellers were warned to review and remove all other restricted products within 48 hours or face account deactivation.
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Alternative Purchase Options:
- Some Flipper Zero potential buyers may not be affected by the Amazon ban, as the device is available from the maker's official store.
- The official store is mentioned as regularly restocking the product.
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International Impact:
- The Brazilian National Telecommunications Agency has reportedly been seizing incoming Flipper Zero purchases due to its alleged use by criminals.
- Brazilian buyers claim that attempts to certify the device have been rejected by the government agency.
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Legal Ramifications and Amazon's Response:
- Amazon cites policy violations and the product's identification as a card-skimming device for the ban.
- The article does not confirm if the ban is temporary or permanent, as Amazon did not provide a comment when contacted.
This analysis demonstrates a solid understanding of the technical aspects of the Flipper Zero device, the implications of its ban on Amazon, and the broader international context, including legal and governmental responses.
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