How to Avoid Online Shopping Scams on Amazon Prime Day: BBB Tips

Amazon Prime Day is just around the corner, and while shoppers are looking forward to major discounts, scammers are preparing their own offers that are anything but legitimate. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has issued warnings about a surge in online shopping scams timed to coincide with the event. If you’re planning to take advantage of the deals, knowing what to watch for can save you money—and your personal data.

What Happened

The BBB regularly tracks scam patterns tied to major shopping events. Before Prime Day, the bureau alerts consumers to an increase in:

  • Phishing emails that appear to come from Amazon but ask you to “verify your account,” “update payment details,” or “claim a special offer.” These emails often contain links that lead to fake login pages designed to steal your credentials.
  • Fake websites that mimic Amazon or third-party sellers. They may offer steep discounts on popular electronics or gift cards, but once you pay, the item never arrives. Some sites are set up to harvest credit card numbers outright.
  • Too-good-to-be-true deals on social media or through unsolicited text messages. Scammers create urgency with messages like “40% off for the next hour only” to push you into clicking without thinking.
  • Counterfeit products sold by unverified third-party sellers. Even on Amazon itself, some listings may be fake—reviews might be fabricated, and the product may be a low-quality imitation or not match the description.

The BBB emphasizes that these scams are not new, but they ramp up significantly during high-traffic sales events when people are more likely to let their guard down.

Why It Matters

Amazon Prime Day is a 48-hour event that draws tens of millions of shoppers. According to the BBB, the combination of limited-time offers, heavy advertising, and a sense of urgency creates an ideal environment for fraud. Scammers know that consumers are already expecting great prices, so a suspiciously low price might not raise eyebrows until it’s too late.

The consequences go beyond losing the cost of an item. Phishing attacks can lead to identity theft, and fake websites may install malware on your device. Once scammers have your credit card number or Amazon password, they can make unauthorized purchases or sell the information on dark web markets.

The BBB’s warning serves as a reminder that not every “deal” is real, and that taking a few extra seconds to verify a seller or an offer can prevent weeks of frustration.

What Readers Can Do

Spot the red flags

  • Urgent language: “Act now,” “Limited stock,” “Exclusive offer just for you.” Scammers want you to skip your usual checks.
  • Suspicious links: Hover over any link in an email or text before clicking. If the URL doesn’t match the official Amazon domain (amazon.com) or looks mangled, don’t click.
  • Requests to pay outside the platform: Legitimate Amazon transactions go through Amazon’s payment system. If a seller asks for a wire transfer, gift card payment, or direct bank deposit, it’s a scam.
  • Poor grammar and odd branding: Watch for typos, mismatched logos, or generic greetings like “Dear Customer” instead of your name.

Shop safely

  • Use the Amazon app or type the web address directly into your browser. Avoid clicking links from emails or social media.
  • Check seller ratings and history. On Amazon, click the seller’s name to see how long they’ve been active and what other buyers have said. Favor sellers with a long track record and a high percentage of positive reviews.
  • Avoid public Wi-Fi when making purchases. Use a secure, private network to keep your payment details from being intercepted.
  • Pay with a credit card rather than a debit card. Credit cards typically offer stronger fraud protection, and you can dispute charges more easily.

What to do if you suspect a scam

  • If you receive a suspicious email claiming to be from Amazon, forward it to [email protected] and then delete it.
  • If you’ve already clicked a link or entered information, change your Amazon password immediately and enable two-factor authentication.
  • Report the scam to the BBB’s Scam Tracker (bbb.org/scamtracker), to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov, and to Amazon’s customer service.
  • Monitor your bank and credit card statements for unauthorized charges. If you believe your identity has been compromised, consider placing a credit freeze with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion).

Prime Day can be a great way to save, but only if you stay alert. The deals are real—so are the risks. A few cautious habits can make the difference between a score and a scam.

Sources

  • Better Business Bureau (BBB) – Scam Alerts
  • Federal Trade Commission (FTC) – Consumer Advice
  • Amazon – Fraud Prevention Resources