Avoid Shopping Scams This Prime Day: BBB’s Top Tips for Safe Deals

Amazon Prime Day is around the corner, and with it comes a surge of deals—and scams. The Better Business Bureau has issued a warning that online shopping scams tend to spike during major sales events, and this year is no exception. Whether you’re hunting for electronics, home goods, or clothing, it’s worth taking a few extra precautions to keep your money and personal information safe.

What Happened

The BBB published a reminder that scammers are already ramping up efforts to take advantage of Prime Day shoppers. As reported by WBKO, the agency highlighted common tactics such as phishing emails that mimic Amazon order confirmations, fake websites that look nearly identical to the real store, and social media ads promoting deals that are too good to be true. Some scammers even contact shoppers directly, claiming there’s a problem with payment and asking for gift card numbers—something Amazon never does.

Why It Matters

Consumer protection agencies see a clear pattern: when legitimate retailers offer deep discounts, fraudsters follow. The pressure to grab a limited-time deal can make people click before they think. Even experienced online shoppers can be fooled by a polished lookalike site or an email that looks exactly like the real thing. Falling for these scams can mean losing money, having payment card details stolen, or giving scammers access to your Amazon account.

For many households, Prime Day is a chance to save on big purchases. But a single misstep can turn that savings into a costly headache. The BBB’s warning isn’t meant to scare people away from shopping—it’s to remind everyone that a little caution goes a long way.

What Readers Can Do

Here are concrete steps you can take to protect yourself during Prime Day and any major sale event.

Stick to the official app or website. Open your Amazon app directly or type the URL into your browser. Avoid clicking links from unsolicited emails, text messages, or social media posts, even if they appear to come from Amazon. Cybercriminals can spoof email addresses and create convincing landing pages.

Check the seller before you buy. On Amazon, look at the seller name and click through to see their ratings and history. For third-party sellers, check how long they’ve been active and read recent customer reviews. Scammers often set up new accounts with fake reviews.

Pay with a credit card or a trusted payment service. Credit cards offer better fraud protection than debit cards or direct bank transfers. Avoid paying via wire transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency—those are almost always signs of a scam.

Be suspicious of deals that seem impossibly good. If a new laptop is listed at 80% off or a popular gadget costs pennies on the dollar, it’s likely a lure. Scammers know that excitement overrides caution. Compare prices with other reputable retailers to see if the discount is realistic.

Watch for phishing emails. The BBB warns that fake order confirmations, account verification requests, and “payment failed” messages are common during Prime Day. Never click links in these emails. Instead, log into your Amazon account directly to check for any real notifications.

Report suspicious activity. If you encounter a scam or think you’ve been tricked, contact your bank or credit card issuer immediately. You can also report the incident to the BBB Scam Tracker and the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. These reports help warn other shoppers.

Sources

Stay alert, shop smart, and enjoy the real deals. A few seconds of checking can save you from days of frustration.