9 Tips to Avoid Online Shopping Scams This Prime Day

Prime Day is one of the year’s biggest online shopping events, promising deep discounts on everything from electronics to household goods. But as millions of shoppers rush to grab deals, scammers are also hard at work. Fraudulent sellers, phishing emails, and fake websites surge during this period, targeting people who are distracted by time-limited offers. Knowing what to look for can help you shop safely without missing out on legitimate bargains.

What Happened

Every Prime Day, reports of shopping-related scams spike. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and consumer protection agencies typically warn about an increase in phishing attempts, fake product listings, and bogus customer support calls. In previous years, scammers have posed as Amazon representatives to trick people into sharing credit card details or account passwords. Third-party sellers on Amazon may also use the event to sell counterfeit or low-quality items with inflated reviews.

Why It Matters

Shopping scams don’t just cost you money—they can expose your personal information and lead to identity theft. A single misplaced click on a fake “order confirmation” email could install malware on your device or hand your login credentials to a criminal. With Prime Day growing each year, the volume of scam attempts also rises. Understanding the most common tactics can save you time, money, and stress.

What Readers Can Do

Here are nine practical steps to help you avoid the most common Prime Day scams.

1. Use official apps or the retailer’s direct website.
Always type the URL yourself or use the retailer’s official app. Do not click links from unsolicited emails, text messages, or social media ads that claim to lead to a special Prime Day deal. Scammers create convincing lookalike sites that steal your information.

2. Check the seller’s reputation.
On Amazon, click the seller’s name to see ratings, feedback, and how long they have been selling. Be cautious of sellers with few reviews, oddly generic names, or a history of complaints about counterfeit goods. Thousands of positive reviews can be faked, so look for detailed, mixed reviews.

3. Be skeptical of deals that seem too good to be true.
If a popular product is listed far below its usual price, that’s a red flag. Scammers often lure buyers with discounts of 80% or more on high-demand items. Prices that seem unrealistically low may indicate a fake product or a phishing attempt.

4. Pay with a credit card or PayPal.
Credit cards offer stronger fraud protection than debit cards or bank transfers. PayPal’s Buyer Protection can also help in disputes. Avoid wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency payments for purchases from unknown sellers—those methods are nearly impossible to reverse.

5. Don’t click links in unsolicited emails or texts.
Phishing emails often mimic Amazon’s official messages, urging you to “confirm your order” or “update your payment” to avoid cancellation. Always open a browser and go directly to Amazon.com to check your account. If an email seems suspicious, forward it to Amazon’s abuse team ([email protected]) and then delete it.

6. Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA).
Enable 2FA on your Amazon account and any payment method you use. This adds an extra step to log in, making it much harder for someone to access your account even if they steal your password. Use an authenticator app rather than SMS if possible.

7. Monitor your bank and credit card statements.
Check your accounts a few days after Prime Day for any unauthorized charges. Report suspicious transactions immediately. Many banks allow you to set alerts for transactions over a certain amount.

8. Watch for fake shipping notifications.
Scammers send emails saying a package couldn’t be delivered and asking you to click a link to reschedule. These links may install malware or ask for personal details. Track your orders directly on the retailer’s website, not through links in emails.

9. Know how to report a scam.
If you fall for a scam or see a suspicious listing, report it. On Amazon, use the “Report abuse” link on the product page or seller profile. Contact the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. If you gave out personal information, consider placing a fraud alert on your credit files.

Sources

  • PCMag, “Stay Safe This Prime Day: 9 Crucial Tips to Avoid Online Shopping Scams” (June 2026)
  • Federal Trade Commission, “How to Avoid Online Shopping Scams”
  • Amazon’s official help pages on phishing and account security