Prime Day Shopping? 9 Tips to Avoid Scams and Shop Safely

Amazon Prime Day brings deep discounts — and a predictable surge in phishing emails, fake deals, and fraudulent sellers. Criminals know shoppers are hunting for bargains and often let their guard down. The good news: most scams follow patterns you can spot with a little awareness. Here’s what to watch for and how to protect yourself.

What Happens

Every year, security researchers document a sharp increase in scam attempts during major shopping events like Prime Day. Phishing emails impersonating Amazon, text messages about order problems or prize wins, and lookalike websites designed to steal login credentials all become more common. Scammers also set up fake seller accounts offering too-good-to-be-true deals on high-demand items.

Why It Matters

Falling for these tricks can cost you money, personal information, or both. Even a single compromised account can lead to unauthorized purchases or identity theft. Amazon does not ask for sensitive information like credit card numbers or passwords via email or text — any message that does is a red flag. Knowing the specific tactics scammers use is the best defense.

What You Can Do: 9 Practical Steps

1. Check the URL before you click.
Fake deals often arrive via email or social media ads pointing to sites like “amaz0n-deals.com” instead of “amazon.com.” Always hover over the link and verify the domain. Legitimate Amazon URLs will include “amazon.com” or your country-specific variant.

2. Ignore unsolicited messages about prizes or account problems.
Scammers send urgent emails claiming your account is locked or you’ve won a gift card. Do not click links or provide information. Instead, open a browser, go directly to Amazon, and check your account or order history there.

3. Use a credit card or digital wallet for purchases.
Credit cards offer stronger fraud protection than debit cards. Services like Apple Pay, Google Pay, or PayPal add an extra layer by not sharing your card details directly with the seller.

4. Research the seller before buying from a third party.
On Amazon, click the seller name to see ratings, feedback, and return policies. Be cautious of sellers with few reviews or recent negative feedback about counterfeit goods or non-delivery.

5. Look for the padlock and “https” in the address bar.
These indicate the connection is encrypted. While not a guarantee of legitimacy, their absence is a clear warning sign. Never enter payment details on a page without them.

6. Be skeptical of deals that seem unbelievably low.
If a popular item is listed at 90% off from an unknown seller, it’s probably a scam. Stick to items sold or fulfilled by Amazon when possible.

7. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your Amazon account.
2FA significantly reduces the risk of account takeover even if your password is stolen. You can set it up under “Login & security” in your account settings.

8. Avoid making purchases over public Wi-Fi.
Public networks at coffee shops, airports, or hotels can be intercepted. If you must shop on the go, use a VPN to encrypt your connection, or switch to mobile data.

9. Monitor your bank and credit card statements after Prime Day.
Scammers sometimes test stolen card numbers with small charges before making larger purchases. Check your accounts for anything unfamiliar and report it immediately.

Where to Report Scams

If you receive a phishing email, forward it to Amazon’s abuse team at [email protected]. If you suspect your account has been compromised, change your password and enable 2FA right away. For financial losses, contact your bank or credit card issuer and file a report with the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Sources

  • PCMag, “Stay Safe This Prime Day: 9 Crucial Tips to Avoid Online Shopping Scams,” June 2026.
  • PCMag, “Your Phone Has a Hidden Defense Against Scam Texts—And It’s Probably Turned Off,” June 2026.
  • PCMag, “Is That Holiday Deal Too Good to Be True? Here’s How to Tell If It’s a Scam,” November 2025.