How to Avoid Online Shopping Scams This Amazon Prime Day – BBB Tips
With Amazon Prime Day just around the corner, millions of shoppers are preparing to snag deals. But the Better Business Bureau (BBB) has issued a reminder that scammers are also gearing up. Past Prime Days have seen a spike in fake websites, phishing emails, and social media ads that look like legitimate offers. The goal is the same: to steal your payment details, login credentials, or personal information. Here’s what happened, why it matters, and how you can protect yourself.
What Happened
The BBB has been tracking an increase in online shopping scams during major sales events for years. For Prime Day, the most common schemes include:
- Fake websites that copy Amazon’s look, often using misspelled URLs like “amaz0n-deals.com” or “amzn-prime.net.”
- Phishing emails claiming there’s a problem with your order, an exclusive early-access deal, or a “confirm your account” request. These emails contain links that lead to fake login pages.
- Social media ads promoting unbelievable discounts on electronics, kitchen gadgets, or luxury goods. Clicking takes you to a site that either steals your card or sends you a counterfeit product (or nothing at all).
- Fake customer support numbers or chats that appear when you search “Amazon customer service.” Scammers then convince you to provide remote access or payment for a “refund.”
The BBB warns that these tactics are not new, but they intensify around high-traffic shopping days.
Why It Matters
During a sale event like Prime Day, people are often in a hurry and less cautious. Scammers exploit that urgency. According to the BBB’s 2024 Scam Tracker Risk Report, online purchase scams were the second most reported scam type, with a median loss of around $150. Many victims never recover their money, especially if they paid by debit card or peer-to-peer app.
Beyond the immediate financial loss, handing over your login credentials can lead to identity theft or unauthorized purchases on your account. And because these schemes mimic trusted brands, even careful shoppers can be fooled.
What Readers Can Do
The BBB recommends several straightforward steps to stay safe:
1. Always type the website address yourself. Do not click links in emails or social media posts that claim to be Amazon. Open your browser and go directly to Amazon.com. If an email says you need to “verify your account,” log in to your Amazon account the usual way and check your notifications there—not through the email.
2. Scrutinize the URL before entering any information. Look for misspellings, extra words, or unusual domain extensions (.shop, .xyz, .top). Amazon only uses .com and a few country-specific domains (like .co.uk for the UK).
3. Use a credit card for online purchases. Credit cards offer better fraud protection than debit cards, gift cards, or wire transfers. If something goes wrong, you can dispute the charge. Avoid using peer-to-peer payment methods like Zelle, Cash App, or Venmo with sellers you don’t know.
4. Beware of “too good to be true” deals. If a product is priced far below what you see elsewhere, especially for popular electronics, it’s likely a scam. Compare prices on the official Amazon site and check seller ratings.
5. Check the BBB Scam Tracker. Before buying from an unfamiliar site, search for it on BBB.org/scamtracker to see if others have reported it.
6. Protect your account. Enable two-factor authentication on your Amazon account. Use a strong, unique password. If you get a suspicious email, forward it to Amazon at [email protected].
7. If you think you’ve been scammed: Contact your bank or credit card issuer immediately to dispute the charge. Report the scam to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and to the BBB’s Scam Tracker. Also report the fake website or email to Amazon.
Sources
- Better Business Bureau. “BBB Warns of Online Shopping Scams Ahead of Amazon Prime Day.” WBKO, June 22, 2026. (Referenced via Google News RSS)
- BBB Scam Tracker Risk Report, 2024.
- Federal Trade Commission, consumer advice on online shopping scams.