BBB Warns: Watch Out for These Online Shopping Scams Before Amazon Prime Day

Amazon Prime Day creates a flurry of deal hunting, but it also draws out scammers who know shoppers are in a hurry and less cautious. On June 22, 2026, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) issued a warning about a rise in online shopping scams targeting consumers ahead of this year’s Prime Day. The alert covers fake websites that look like Amazon, phishing emails promising exclusive early deals, and an uptick in counterfeit products listed by fraudulent third-party sellers.

What Happened

The BBB’s warning, reported by WBKO and other outlets, notes that scammers are ramping up their efforts in the weeks leading up to Amazon Prime Day. According to the bureau, common tactics include:

  • Fake websites that mimic Amazon’s login or checkout pages to steal payment information.
  • Phishing emails that appear to come from Amazon, offering “limited-time Prime Day early access” or “exclusive deals” that require clicking a link.
  • Counterfeit products sold through third-party marketplaces, often at steep discounts.
  • “Too-good-to-be-true” offers that prompt shoppers to pay outside the platform (e.g., via wire transfer or gift cards).

The BBB advises that these scams often spike during major shopping events because consumers are more willing to click quickly and trust promotional messages.

Why It Matters

For the average shopper, the consequences go beyond losing money on a fake deal. Clicking a phishing link can install malware or lead to credential theft, giving scammers access to your Amazon account, stored payment methods, and personal data. Even if you avoid clicking, counterfeit products can be shoddy, unsafe, or never arrive. Because Prime Day involves millions of transactions in a short window, fraudulent activity can be harder to spot and report in time.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) also tracks shopping fraud trends and warns that scam reports tend to double around major sale events. When you factor in the pressure to act fast before a deal expires, it’s easy to overlook red flags.

What Readers Can Do

Here are concrete steps to protect yourself before and during Prime Day:

  1. Verify the URL before you click. Scammers often use addresses like “amaz0n-deals.com” or “amazon-prime-day-offers.net.” Bookmark the official Amazon site and navigate there directly rather than clicking links in emails or ads.

  2. Examine emails carefully. Legitimate Amazon messages will address you by name and will not ask for your password, Social Security number, or payment details via email. Hover over links to see the actual destination. If unsure, go to Amazon’s website manually and check your account for notifications.

  3. Stick to the official marketplace. The safest way to buy is through Amazon’s own checkout. If a seller asks you to complete a transaction outside the platform (e.g., via PayPal friends and family, wire transfer, or gift cards), it is almost certainly a scam.

  4. Check seller ratings and history. Before buying from a third-party seller, look at their feedback score, how long they have been on the platform, and whether they have any negative reviews about counterfeit items or non-delivery. Be skeptical of sellers with few ratings or sudden spikes in positive reviews.

  5. Use a credit card or a dedicated payment service. Credit cards offer stronger fraud protection than debit cards or direct bank transfers. If something goes wrong, you can dispute the charge. Avoid using debit cards for online purchases when possible.

  6. Report suspicious activity. If you encounter a fake website, phishing email, or fraudulent seller, report it to the BBB at bbb.org/scamtracker and to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov. You can also forward phishing emails to Amazon at [email protected].

  7. Keep software and antivirus updated. Scammers sometimes use malicious attachments or links that can compromise your device. Running up-to-date security software adds another layer of protection.

Sources

  • BBB official warning issued June 22, 2026, as reported by WBKO.
  • Federal Trade Commission (FTC) resources on online shopping scams.
  • Amazon’s own guidance on avoiding phishing and counterfeit products (available in their Help pages).

Stay alert, shop carefully, and don’t let the rush of Prime Day override your normal caution. A few extra seconds to check a link or seller can save you from a costly mistake.