Don’t Get Tricked This Summer: How to Spot Fake Sale Scams

Summer sales are a busy time for online shoppers—and for scammers. Every year, criminals ramp up fake deals, phishing attempts, and impersonator ads, hoping to catch people off guard. Recent reports from Bitdefender highlight several active scams, including Pinterest ads that pretend to be Amazon clearance sales, unexpected packages with malicious QR codes, and even phone number hijacking attempts. Before you click that “unbeatable” offer, it helps to know what to look for.

What Happened

Bitdefender researchers have documented a surge in scam ads on Pinterest that mimic Amazon clearance sales. The ads use familiar Amazon branding and offer incredible discounts on popular items, but the links lead to phishing sites designed to steal login credentials and payment information. This is not an isolated incident—similar fake ads have appeared on other social platforms during past sale seasons.

Separately, police in several countries have warned about a QR code scam. Shoppers receive an unexpected Amazon package containing a QR code and a note urging them to scan it for a “free gift” or “review reward.” Scanning the code takes victims to a phishing site that asks for personal and financial details. The packages are unsolicited, often addressed to people who never ordered anything.

In Australia, authorities have also flagged a mobile fraud technique where scammers hijack phone numbers. They trick mobile carriers into porting a victim’s number to a new SIM, then use it to intercept two-factor authentication codes and access accounts. During summer sales, such attacks become more common as shoppers share more personal data with online stores.

Why It Matters

These scams succeed because they exploit trust and urgency. Fake clearance ads look legitimate because they copy real branding. QR codes feel harmless and convenient. And phone number hijacking can go unnoticed until after the damage is done. Once scammers get your credentials or access, they can drain bank accounts, make unauthorized purchases, or lock you out of your own accounts.

The financial loss is often difficult to recover. Even if your bank refunds the money, the process can take weeks. Identity theft is another long-term risk. For consumers, the main takeaway is that not every “deal” is real—especially during high-traffic shopping periods when scammers know you’re more likely to click quickly.

What Readers Can Do

Staying safe doesn’t require advanced technical skills. A few straightforward habits can prevent most problems:

  1. Verify the source before clicking. If you see an ad for a massive discount, go directly to the retailer’s official website instead of clicking the ad. Type the URL yourself. Look for HTTPS and correct spelling in the address bar.

  2. Ignore unsolicited packages with QR codes. If you receive something you didn’t order, do not scan any codes. Report the package to the retailer or local consumer protection agency. Legitimate companies do not send unsolicited gifts with QR codes asking for personal information.

  3. Pay with a credit card or a payment service that offers buyer protection. Credit cards often have stronger fraud protection than debit cards. If you suspect a transaction is fraudulent, you can dispute it.

  4. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on all important accounts, but use an authenticator app rather than SMS. Since scammers can hijack phone numbers, app-based 2FA (like Google Authenticator or Authy) is more secure. If SMS is your only option, contact your mobile carrier to ask about port-out protection.

  5. Watch for red flags in the deal itself. Prices that are 80–90% off, poor grammar in the ad copy, and extremely urgent language (“Only 3 left – buy now!”) are common signs of a scam. Take a moment to search the retailer’s official site or trusted review sources.

  6. If you fall victim, act quickly. Contact your bank or credit card issuer immediately. Change passwords for all accounts that may be compromised. Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in the US, the ACCC’s Scamwatch in Australia, or your local consumer agency.

Sources

  • Bitdefender. “Summer sale scams: How to spot fake deals before you buy.” July 2026.
  • Bitdefender. “Pinterest Ad Scams Impersonate Amazon Clearance Sales.” May 2026.
  • Bitdefender. “Got An Unexpected Amazon Package With a QR Code? Police Say it’s a Scam.” February 2026.
  • Bitdefender. “Mobile fraud alert in Australia: How scammers take over your phone number.” April 2026.