Avoid These Online Shopping Scams Before Amazon Prime Day
Amazon Prime Day 2026 is expected to pull in record spending, but as the Better Business Bureau (BBB) has warned, scammers are already gearing up to exploit the event. Fake deals, phishing emails, and fraudulent websites are circulating, aimed at taking your money or personal information. Here’s what you need to know to shop safely.
What Happened
The BBB recently issued a public alert noting a surge in scam activity tied to Amazon Prime Day. Local news outlet WBKO reported the warning, which highlights that criminals are impersonating Amazon, creating lookalike websites, and running social media ads for counterfeit products. The scams typically ramp up in the days just before and during the sales event, when shoppers are most eager for bargains.
Why It Matters
Prime Day generates enormous consumer traffic, and scammers follow the money. According to BBB data, online shopping fraud was one of the top risk categories in recent years, with median losses often exceeding $100 per victim. Beyond the financial hit, victims may also expose credit card numbers, addresses, or login credentials. With many shoppers planning to buy electronics, home goods, and other high-ticket items, the potential for large-scale fraud is high.
What Readers Can Do
You can reduce your risk with a few straightforward precautions. These steps are based on BBB recommendations and general cybersecurity best practices.
1. Check the URL before you click.
Scammers often register domains that look like Amazon but contain extra words or misspellings, such as “amazon-deals-2026.com” or “amzn-prime.com.” Hover over any link in an email or ad before clicking. If the URL doesn’t end with “amazon.com” or a clear, official variant, do not click.
2. Be skeptical of unsolicited deals.
If an email, text message, or social media post claims to offer an exclusive Prime Day deal but came from a sender you didn’t sign up for, treat it as suspicious. Legitimate Amazon promotions are communicated through your account or verified email lists. Do not click links in messages that pressure you to act quickly.
3. Verify third-party sellers.
Amazon’s marketplace includes many reputable sellers, but scammers also set up storefronts. Check seller ratings, review histories, and the date the seller joined. New accounts with no reviews offering steep discounts are a common red flag. When in doubt, buy directly from Amazon or well-known brands.
4. Use a credit card, not debit.
Credit cards offer stronger fraud protection and easier dispute processes. If you do fall for a scam, you are more likely to recover your money with a credit card than with a debit card or wire transfer.
5. Report scams.
If you encounter a suspicious offer or believe you have been scammed, report it to the BBB Scam Tracker (bbb.org/scamtracker) and to Amazon’s customer service. Also report phishing emails to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
Sources
- WBKO report on BBB warning: “BBB warns of online shopping scams ahead of Amazon Prime Day” (June 22, 2026). Available via Google News.
- Better Business Bureau Scam Tracker: www.bbb.org/scamtracker