Avoid Online Shopping Scams This Prime Day: What the BBB Warns About
Amazon Prime Day is almost here. It’s a time when shoppers hunt for discounts, but it’s also when scammers ramp up their efforts. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has issued a warning about a surge in online shopping scams ahead of the sale event, which in 2026 runs alongside major rival sales. If you plan to buy anything online in the coming days, it pays to know what to watch for.
What Happened
On June 22, 2026, the BBB released an alert cautioning consumers about an increase in fraudulent activity tied to Amazon Prime Day and similar sales. According to the BBB, scammers use a mix of phishing emails, fake websites, and too-good-to-be-true offers to trick shoppers into giving up money or personal information. The warning comes as Amazon Prime Day 2026 kicks off, and news outlets like MSN note that other major retailers are running competing sales at the same time, which only widens the target zone for fraudsters.
Why It Matters
Online shopping scams are nothing new, but they spike around high-traffic sales events. The BBB’s warning is a reminder that when you’re anxious to snag a deal, you’re more likely to click a link without checking it first. The consequences go beyond losing a few dollars—phishing attempts can lead to identity theft or drained bank accounts. And since scammers often impersonate familiar companies like Amazon, it can be hard to tell the difference between a real promotion and a trap.
What Readers Can Do
Here are the most common scams flagged by the BBB and how to avoid them.
1. Phishing Emails That Look Official
You might get an email that appears to be from Amazon or another retailer. It could say your account has been locked, a payment failed, or a special deal is waiting. These emails usually contain a link that leads to a fake login page designed to steal your credentials.
How to avoid it: Do not click links in unsolicited messages. Open your browser and go directly to the retailer’s website. Check the email sender address carefully—scams often use addresses that are close but not identical to the real domain.
2. Fake Websites and Lookalike Domains
Scammers create websites that mimic Amazon or other popular stores. They might use a URL like “amaz0n-deals.com” or something that looks legitimate at first glance. You may find these sites through search ads or social media posts.
How to avoid it: Verify the domain before entering any information. Bookmark the official retailer sites you use often, and always double-check the address bar. The BBB recommends using the retailer’s official app when possible because it reduces the risk of landing on a spoofed site.
3. Deals That Are Too Good to Be True
Social media posts and online ads sometimes promote products at absurdly low prices—think brand-new electronics for 90 percent off. These are almost always scams. You might be asked to pay via gift card or a wire transfer, or you simply never receive the product.
How to avoid it: Be skeptical. If a deal seems unrealistic, it probably is. Compare prices across reputable sites. And remember: legitimate sales usually only knock 20–50 percent off, not 90 percent.
4. Fraudulent Sellers and Counterfeit Goods
Even on legitimate marketplaces like Amazon, fake sellers can appear during sales. They may list popular items at a discount, ship a counterfeit, or never ship at all. Some use “review manipulation” to make their storefront look trustworthy.
How to avoid it: Check the seller’s history. Look for ratings and the number of transactions. The BBB notes that new sellers with zero feedback who list high-demand items at steep discounts are a red flag. Stick to well-known brands or Amazon’s own fulfillment where possible.
Additional Tips
- Use a credit card or a secure payment service (like PayPal) rather than debit cards or direct bank transfers. Credit cards often offer chargeback protection.
- Monitor your bank statements after the shopping event. Enable purchase alerts so you’re notified of any transaction immediately.
- If you suspect a scam, report it to the BBB Scam Tracker and to the retailer. Acting quickly can help limit damage.
Sources
- BBB warning, June 22, 2026 – covered by WBKO and other outlets: “BBB warns of online shopping scams ahead of Amazon Prime Day.”
- MSN, June 23, 2026: “Amazon Prime Day 2026 launches alongside major rival sales.”
Stay cautious this Prime Day. The best deal is one that actually arrives.