9 Smart Ways to Avoid Online Shopping Scams This Prime Day
Prime Day is one of the biggest online shopping events of the year, with millions of people hunting for deals on everything from electronics to household goods. Unfortunately, that same rush of activity also draws scammers who try to trick shoppers into handing over money or personal information. Knowing how to spot these schemes can save you both frustration and financial loss.
What Happened
On June 11, 2026, PCMag published an article offering nine practical tips for staying safe during Prime Day and similar sales events. The piece draws on common scam patterns observed by security researchers and consumer protection agencies, including phishing emails, fake seller listings, and counterfeit payment portals. While the article is timed for Prime Day, the advice applies to any large online sale.
Why It Matters
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has reported a steady increase in online shopping scams during major sales events. In 2025, consumers lost hundreds of millions of dollars to fraud linked to fake deals and phishing attacks. Scammers often exploit the sense of urgency that comes with limited-time offers, making it easier to overlook warning signs. Victims may not only lose money but also have their payment details or personal data stolen, leading to further problems down the line.
What Readers Can Do
Below are the nine tips from the PCMag article, adapted with additional context. None of these steps guarantee complete protection, but they significantly reduce risk.
1. Verify the seller before you buy
If you encounter a deal from a seller you don’t recognize, take a minute to check their reputation. Look for customer reviews on multiple sites, confirm the company’s contact information, and see if their return policy seems reasonable. On marketplaces like Amazon, you can also check the seller’s history and feedback.
2. Watch out for phishing emails and texts
Phishing messages often mimic official Amazon communications, with links that lead to lookalike login pages. Amazon typically sends order confirmations and shipping updates through its own app or website, not via email links. If you receive a message asking you to click a link to verify an account or claim a deal, it’s safest to delete it. Instead, open your browser manually and go to Amazon directly.
3. Use a credit card or secure payment method
Credit cards generally offer stronger fraud protection than debit cards or bank transfers. If a fraudulent charge appears, you can dispute it with the card issuer. PayPal and other payment services that offer buyer protection are also good options. Avoid wire transfers or gift card payments, which scammers frequently request.
4. Enable two-factor authentication on your accounts
Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds a second layer of security beyond a password. Even if a scammer steals your login credentials, they won’t be able to access your account without the second factor, such as a code sent to your phone. Most major retailers, including Amazon, support 2FA.
5. Stick to official apps and websites
Download Amazon’s app from the official app store or type amazon.com directly into your browser. Search results can sometimes contain ads that look like the real site but are actually phishing pages. Similarly, avoid clicking links from social media posts that promise “exclusive Prime Day deals” unless you’ve verified the source.
6. Be cautious of too-good-to-be-true deals
If a product is listed at 90% off and the seller has no track record, it’s likely a scam. Scammers create fake listings to collect payments or lure people into sharing credit card details. Compare prices across reputable retailers. If the discount seems unrealistic, it probably is.
7. Check return policies and warranties
Before making a purchase, especially from an unfamiliar seller, read the return policy. Many scam operations have vague or impossible-to-use return processes. Legitimate sellers clearly state their policies, including who pays for return shipping and what the refund timeline looks like.
8. Monitor your bank statements after purchase
Keep an eye on your transaction history for a few weeks after Prime Day. Small, unauthorized charges sometimes appear as “tests” before larger ones. Report any suspicious activity to your bank or card issuer immediately. Many banks allow you to set up alerts for any charge over a certain amount.
9. Report scams to the FTC and your bank
If you do fall victim to a scam, act quickly. Contact your bank or card issuer to stop further transactions. Then file a report with the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Your report helps authorities track scams and potentially prevent others from being caught.
Sources
- PCMag. “Stay Safe This Prime Day: 9 Crucial Tips to Avoid Online Shopping Scams.” June 11, 2026.
- Federal Trade Commission. “Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book 2025.” (Statistics on reported fraud.)
Prime Day is a great opportunity to save money, but it also requires a bit of caution. By taking a few simple steps, you can enjoy the event without becoming a statistic.