9 Essential Tips to Avoid Online Shopping Scams This Prime Day
Prime Day is one of the biggest shopping events of the year. With deep discounts and limited-time offers, it’s easy to get caught up in the rush. Unfortunately, that same urgency is exactly what scammers rely on. During major sales events, fraudsters ramp up their efforts—phishing emails, fake websites, and counterfeit listings all spike.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and consumer protection groups consistently warn that the weeks around Prime Day see a notable increase in reported scams. The pressure to snag a deal before it’s gone can make even careful shoppers click a suspicious link or enter payment details on a site that looks legitimate but isn’t.
This article walks through nine concrete steps you can take to protect yourself. These aren’t hypotheticals—they’re based on common tactics that criminals use every year.
What Happened During Previous Prime Days
It’s not a new pattern. In past years, security researchers documented a sharp rise in counterfeit retailer websites and phishing campaigns designed to mimic Amazon’s login page. Scammers also flooded social media and search ads with deals that redirected users to lookalike domains. The Better Business Bureau reported that online shopping scams were among the top risk categories during holiday and sale periods.
In short: the event creates opportunity, and criminals exploit it.
Why It Matters
A successful scam can cost you more than the price of a fake item. Stolen credit card numbers, compromised Amazon accounts, and even identity theft are real outcomes. Once a scammer has access to your account, they can place orders using saved payment methods, view your address, and potentially lock you out.
Even if your bank eventually refunds fraudulent charges, the process takes time and can cause stress. For many people, a single mistake during a shopping spree leads to weeks of dealing with customer service, changing passwords, and monitoring credit reports.
What Readers Can Do: Nine Practical Tips
Here are steps you can take before, during, and after your Prime Day shopping.
1. Shop only on official websites or trusted apps
It sounds obvious, but many scams rely on directing you to a cleverly named domain—like “amaz0ndeals.com” or something similar. Bookmark the real Amazon URL (amazon.com) and only use the official Amazon app on your phone. Avoid clicking links in unsolicited emails or ads, even if they appear to come from Amazon.
2. Use a credit card or virtual payment method
Credit cards generally offer stronger fraud protection than debit cards. With a debit card, a fraudulent charge can drain your bank account immediately, and getting the money back can take days or weeks. Consider using a virtual credit card number (offered by many banks and services like Apple Pay) that generates a one-time card number tied to your real account but can’t be reused by scammers.
3. Watch for phishing emails and fake deal alerts
Phishing is a primary vector during Prime Day. Emails claiming “Exclusive Early Access” or “Your Order Has Been Canceled” may contain links to credential-stealing pages. Check the sender’s email address carefully—scammers often use addresses that resemble real domains but include subtle misspellings. Never enter your password or payment details on a page you reached through a link in an email.
4. Verify seller reviews and ratings
Not all third-party sellers on Amazon are legitimate. Scammers sometimes create new accounts, list popular items at steep discounts, collect payments, then disappear. Before buying from a lesser-known seller, check their feedback history. Look for accounts with recent, verified reviews. Be wary of sellers with only a handful of reviews, all posted within a very short time frame.
5. Avoid deals that seem too good to be true
A 90% discount on a brand-new iPhone or a luxury watch for $20 is almost certainly a scam. Scammers use unrealistically low prices to attract clicks. If the offer looks wildly out of line with normal pricing, step back and verify its legitimacy. Compare the price to the same item on other reputable sites.
6. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts
Two-factor authentication adds a second layer of security. Even if a scammer obtains your password, they won’t be able to log in without the code sent to your phone. This setting is available under your Amazon account security settings and takes less than five minutes to enable.
7. Monitor bank and credit card statements regularly
After any major shopping event, check your transactions for small, unfamiliar charges. Scammers often test stolen card numbers with tiny purchases before moving to larger amounts. Catching these early can help you report the card and prevent bigger losses.
8. Use a virtual private network (VPN) on public Wi-Fi
If you’re shopping on a public network—like at a coffee shop or airport—your connection can be intercepted. A VPN encrypts your traffic, making it much harder for attackers to steal your login credentials or payment information. For home use, it’s less critical, but it’s still a good habit if you tend to shop on the go.
9. Keep your software and antivirus updated
Outdated software can contain security holes that malware exploits. Before Prime Day, make sure your device’s operating system, browser, and any security software are up to date. This helps block drive-by downloads and other attacks that might happen just by visiting a compromised site.
Sources
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC) – consumer alerts on online shopping scams
- Better Business Bureau (BBB) – scam tracker reports on seasonal fraud
- Amazon Security & Privacy Help pages – official guidance on account safety
- PCMag’s previous coverage of Prime Day scams (including the 2026 article referenced above)
Staying safe during Prime Day doesn’t require advanced technical skills. It mostly comes down to slowing down, double-checking offers, and protecting your accounts with basic security measures. The deals will still be there—so take an extra minute to confirm you’re dealing with the real seller or store.