Don’t get scammed this Prime Day: 5 ways to spot fake deals
Amazon Prime Day kicks off this week, and alongside the genuine discounts comes a predictable surge in scams. The Better Business Bureau has issued a warning that fake websites, phishing emails, and too-good-to-be-true offers are already circulating. Here’s what’s happening and how to keep your money and personal information safe.
What happened
On June 22, 2026, the BBB released an alert about online shopping scams tied to Amazon Prime Day. According to the WBKO report, scammers are taking advantage of the shopping frenzy by creating counterfeit websites that mimic Amazon, sending fraudulent emails claiming there is a problem with an order, and promoting fake deals on social media. These tactics are not new, but they intensify during high-traffic sales events. The BBB notes that victims often lose money, and in some cases, their personal or payment details are stolen.
Why it matters
Prime Day draws millions of shoppers looking for bargains, and scammers know that urgency and excitement lower people’s guard. A fake site that looks nearly identical to Amazon can trick a shopper into entering their credit card number and address. Phishing emails that appear to come from Amazon support might ask for a password or a one-time code. Once stolen, that information can be used for identity theft or sold on the dark web.
The risk isn’t limited to Amazon. Many retailers run competing sales during the same period, and scammers impersonate those brands as well. The Federal Trade Commission reported that consumers lost more than $8.8 billion to fraud in 2025, with online shopping scams among the top categories.
What readers can do
You don’t need to avoid Prime Day altogether. A few straightforward habits will cut the risk significantly.
1. Verify the website before you buy.
Look at the URL carefully. Scammers often use addresses like “amaz0n-prime-day.com” or “amzn-deals.net.” Legitimate Amazon links will contain “amazon.com” or the official country domain. Make sure the site uses “https://” — though that alone is not a guarantee of safety, it is a basic requirement.
2. Don’t click links in unsolicited messages.
If you get an email or text about a limited-time deal or a problem with your account, do not click the link. Instead, open your browser and go directly to Amazon’s website or app to check. The same applies to social media ads that look too good to be true — they often lead to counterfeit stores.
3. Use a credit card, not a debit card or wire transfer.
Credit cards generally offer better fraud protection. If a scammer gets your debit card number, they can drain your bank account. Wire transfers, gift cards, and cryptocurrency are almost impossible to recover. Stick with payment methods that allow you to dispute charges.
4. Keep receipts and track shipments.
After you place an order, save the confirmation email and note the tracking number. Check your order status on the official site, not through links in emails. If you don’t receive the item or it doesn’t match the description, you can request a refund through Amazon’s A-to-Z Guarantee.
5. Report suspicious activity.
If you spot a fake website, phishing email, or scam ad, report it to the BBB Scam Tracker and the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. If you gave out payment information, contact your bank or credit card issuer immediately to freeze the card and dispute charges. Change any passwords you may have entered on the fake site.
Sources
- BBB warns of online shopping scams ahead of Amazon Prime Day – WBKO (June 22, 2026)
- Federal Trade Commission – ReportFraud.ftc.gov
- Better Business Bureau – BBB Scam Tracker
This article was published during Amazon Prime Day 2026. The information is accurate as of the date of publication, but scam tactics evolve quickly. Always verify offers directly with the retailer.