9 Essential Tips to Avoid Shopping Scams This Prime Day
Prime Day is one of the biggest shopping events of the year, drawing millions of bargain hunters. It’s also a prime opportunity for scammers. Fake deals, phishing emails, and fraudulent sellers ramp up during these high-traffic periods. According to a recent PCMag investigation (June 2026), a hidden defense against scam texts is often disabled on phones—and many shoppers don’t know it exists. Meanwhile, Google has sued a Chinese cybercrime group responsible for a “phishing-for-dummies” software kit, underscoring how professional these attacks have become.
Why does this matter for you? Because every year, thousands of Prime Day shoppers lose money or personal data to scams that could have been avoided with a few simple habits. The good news is that with a little awareness, you can shop safely.
What Happened
Security researchers and consumer advocates have documented a surge in Prime Day–themed scams. Fraudsters create lookalike websites that mimic Amazon’s login page, send urgent texts claiming “your account has been locked,” or push deals that seem impossibly cheap. The Google lawsuit highlights how even low-skilled attackers can now launch convincing phishing campaigns using ready-made kits. These threats are not new, but they become more concentrated during sales events.
Why It Matters
Falling for a Prime Day scam can mean more than a lost package. Scammers can steal payment details, take over your Amazon account, or use your information for identity theft. Because Amazon stores your address, credit cards, and purchase history, a compromised account gives attackers a lot to work with. And since many people reuse passwords, a breach there can lead to problems on other sites.
What Readers Can Do
Here are nine practical steps to protect yourself this Prime Day—and for any future online sale.
1. Stick to the Official Amazon App or Website
Always access Prime Day deals through the official Amazon app or by typing “amazon.com” directly into your browser. Do not click on links from emails, social media, or search ads that claim to lead to Amazon. Scammers often buy sponsored search results that look identical to Amazon’s real site.
2. Verify Email and Text Offers Before Clicking
If you receive a message about a “special Prime Day deal” or an “account issue,” examine the sender’s address carefully. Real Amazon emails come from addresses ending in @amazon.com, not @amazon-deals.net or similar. Hover over links to see where they really go. When in doubt, open Amazon separately and check your messages there.
3. Enable Your Phone’s Built‑in Scam Protection
Many phones have a feature that automatically blocks scam texts and calls, but it’s often turned off by default. On iPhones, go to Settings > Messages and turn on “Filter Unknown Senders.” On Android, look for “Spam Protection” in the Messages app. This simple step can catch many phishing texts before you see them.
4. Check Seller Ratings and Reviews Carefully
On Amazon, not all sellers are legitimate. Look at the seller’s history: a new account with few reviews and an oddly generic name is a red flag. Read recent reviews, especially negative ones, to see if buyers complained about fake products or missing shipments. If a deal is from a third‑party seller you don’t recognize, consider buying directly from Amazon or a well‑known brand.
5. Avoid Deals That Seem Too Good to Be True
A brand‑new laptop for $99? A designer handbag at 90% off? Those are almost certainly scams. Scammers lure you in with prices that are far below market value. If you see a price that makes you pause for disbelief, trust that instinct. Real sales typically offer 20–50% off, not 90%.
6. Use a Credit Card or a Payment Service With Fraud Protection
Credit cards generally offer stronger fraud protection than debit cards or bank transfers. If a scammer charges your card, you can dispute the charge and get your money back. Some digital wallets (like PayPal or Amazon Pay) also have buyer protection. Avoid using wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency to pay for items—those are favorites among scammers because they’re nearly impossible to reverse.
7. Enable Two‑Factor Authentication on Your Amazon Account
Two‑factor authentication (2FA) adds a second layer of security beyond your password. Even if a scammer gets your password, they can’t log in without the code sent to your phone. To turn it on, go to Your Account > Login & Security > Two‑Step Verification. Use an authenticator app rather than SMS if possible, because SMS can be intercepted.
8. Keep Your Device and Browser Updated
Scammers sometimes exploit security holes in outdated software. Before Prime Day, make sure your phone, computer, and browser have the latest updates. That includes your antivirus software and any ad-blockers you use. An updated device is less likely to be infected by malicious links.
9. Report Suspicious Activity to Amazon and the FTC
If you encounter a fake website, a phishing email, or a fraudulent seller, report it. Amazon has a page for reporting suspicious activity (amazon.com/reportascam). You can also file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov. Reporting helps protect other shoppers and gives law enforcement data to track scammers.
Staying safe during Prime Day doesn’t require advanced technical skills—just a little caution. Stick to official channels, question too‑good deals, and enable security features you may have overlooked. These habits will serve you well not only this Prime Day, but for every online purchase you make.
Sources:
- PCMag, “Stay Safe This Prime Day: 9 Crucial Tips to Avoid Online Shopping Scams” (June 11, 2026)
- PCMag, “Google Sues Chinese Cybercrime Group Behind ‘Phishing-for-Dummies’ Software” (June 13, 2026)
- PCMag, “Your Phone Has a Hidden Defense Against Scam Texts—And It’s Probably Turned Off” (June 14, 2026)