Avoid Online Shopping Scams This Prime Day: BBB’s Top Tips

Amazon Prime Day is one of the biggest online shopping events of the year, and scammers know it. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has issued a warning about increased scam activity leading up to Prime Day 2026. Here’s what you need to know to shop safely and avoid losing money or personal data.

What happened

On June 22, 2026, the BBB released a public alert cautioning shoppers about a rise in online shopping scams tied to Prime Day. According to the WBKO report, scammers are setting up fake websites that mimic Amazon’s official storefront, sending phishing emails with “exclusive deals,” and posting too-good-to-be-true offers on social media. The BBB noted that during major sales events, fraudsters try to exploit the rush and excitement to trick even careful shoppers.

The alert coincides with Prime Day 2026, which, according to MSN, is also accompanied by rival sales from other retailers, further increasing the number of promotional emails and ads consumers receive. More noise means more opportunities for scammers to hide.

Why it matters

Prime Day generates enormous traffic and transaction volume, making it a prime environment for fraud. The BBB’s warning is a reminder that not every deal is legitimate. Common scams include:

  • Fake websites: Look-alike domains that appear to sell Amazon products but exist only to steal credit card numbers.
  • Phishing emails: Messages claiming to be from Amazon asking you to “verify your account” or “claim a special offer.” These often contain links to malicious sites.
  • Social media ads: Sponsored posts offering steep discounts on popular electronics or gift cards, directing you to fraudulent checkout pages.
  • Package delivery scams: Texts or emails asking for a delivery fee or personal info to “reschedule” a package that was never ordered.

The financial impact can be immediate—lost money on goods never delivered—or long-term, if scammers harvest payment details or login credentials. The BBB also warns of identity theft when victims supply enough personal information.

What readers can do

You don’t need to avoid Prime Day entirely. A few straightforward precautions can keep your shopping secure:

  1. Stick to official channels. Use the official Amazon app or type amazon.com directly into your browser. Do not click on links from unsolicited emails, text messages, or social media ads, even if they look like Amazon.

  2. Check the URL. Before entering payment information, verify that the website address is correct. Scammers often use misspellings (e.g., “amzon.com” or “amaz0n-deals.com”). Also look for “https://” and a padlock icon in the address bar.

  3. Avoid “too good to be true” deals. If a price seems unrealistically low—like a $1,000 laptop for $100—it’s almost certainly a scam. Cross-check with Amazon’s actual listings.

  4. Be wary of unsolicited messages. Amazon does not send emails asking you to share passwords, Social Security numbers, or payment details. If you receive such a message, do not click any links. Instead, go directly to your Amazon account to see if there are any real notifications.

  5. Use a credit card or payment service. Credit cards often offer better fraud protection than debit cards. Services like Amazon Pay, PayPal, or virtual card numbers add an extra layer of privacy.

  6. Monitor your bank statements. Check your transactions a few days after Prime Day. Report any unauthorized charges to your bank immediately.

  7. Report scams. If you encounter a suspicious website or email, report it to the BBB’s Scam Tracker and to Amazon’s customer service. Your report can help warn others.

What to do if you’ve been scammed

If you think you’ve already fallen for a scam, act quickly:

  • Contact your bank or credit card issuer to dispute the charge and freeze the card.
  • Change passwords for your Amazon account and any other accounts using the same credentials.
  • File a report with the BBB and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Sources

  • “BBB warns of online shopping scams ahead of Amazon Prime Day,” WBKO, June 22, 2026.
  • “Amazon Prime Day 2026 launches alongside major rival sales,” MSN, June 23, 2026.
  • Better Business Bureau, BBB Scam Tracker (bbb.org/scamtracker).