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

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

Amazon Prime Day is one of the biggest shopping events of the year, and retailers are already promoting early deals. But scammers see the surge in online traffic as an opportunity, too. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) recently issued a warning about an increase in shopping-related fraud ahead of this year’s Prime Day, advising consumers to be extra cautious when clicking links or buying from unfamiliar sellers.

What happened

The BBB says it has received a growing number of complaints from shoppers who were tricked by scams that follow a familiar pattern: fake websites that imitate Amazon’s login page, phishing emails that look like order confirmations, and social media ads promising deep discounts on popular electronics or appliances. In many cases, the scammers create storefronts that appear legitimate at first glance, complete with copied product images and fake positive reviews.

The warning is based on recent reports filed with the BBB’s Scam Tracker and with local law enforcement. The organization notes that scammers often target major shopping events because people are more likely to act quickly on a deal and less likely to double-check the source of a link.

Why it matters

If you fall for one of these scams, you could lose money or have your personal information stolen. Credit card numbers, passwords, and even shipping addresses can be harvested and used for identity theft. Because Prime Day involves a large volume of transactions, fraudulent charges can slip past initial checks, and victims may not notice the problem until days or weeks later.

The urgency built into limited-time deals also works against shoppers. A fake ad that claims “only 3 left in stock” might pressure someone into entering payment details on a site they haven’t vetted. The BBB’s warning is a reminder that the same excitement that drives legitimate sales can be weaponized by scammers.

What readers can do

You don’t need to avoid Prime Day altogether—just take a few simple steps to protect yourself.

• Check the URL before you enter any information. Amazon’s real website ends with “amazon.com” (or a country-specific variant like “amazon.co.uk”). Scammers often use addresses like “amaz0n-deals.com” or “amz-prime-offer.com.” If the address looks odd, leave the site immediately.

• Don’t click links in unsolicited emails or text messages. Scammers send fake order confirmations that include a link to “view your receipt” or “cancel an order.” The link leads to a phishing page designed to steal your login credentials. If you receive an unexpected message, go directly to Amazon’s website by typing the address into your browser.

• Research the seller before buying. Many third-party sellers on Amazon are legitimate, but scammers also set up short-lived storefronts. Look at the seller’s rating, read recent negative reviews, and check if the seller has a BBB Business Profile. If the price seems too good to be true—like a new laptop for 70% off from a seller with no track record—it probably is.

• Use a credit card instead of a debit card. Credit cards offer stronger fraud protection. If you dispute a charge, the card issuer will typically refund the amount while they investigate. Debit cards don’t always have the same protections, and the money is taken directly from your bank account.

• Avoid paying with wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or gift cards. These payment methods are almost impossible to reverse and are a major red flag in any online transaction.

• Monitor your bank and credit card statements. Even if you think you made only safe purchases, review your statements a few days after Prime Day. Look for small test charges that scammers sometimes use before making a larger withdrawal.

If you are scammed

Act quickly. Contact your bank or credit card company to dispute the charge and freeze the card if necessary. Then file a complaint with the BBB’s Scam Tracker and with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Reporting helps warn other shoppers and can assist law enforcement in tracking the scammers.

Prime Day can still be a good opportunity to save money, but the added traffic also means added risk. A few minutes of caution can keep your shopping safe.

Sources

• BBB warning issued June 2026 ahead of Amazon Prime Day, reported by WBKO.
• BBB Scam Tracker and FTC resources for reporting fraud.